Ditching the 9-5 is amazing.
But despite dreams of laid back and easy days that involve you doing whatever you want to do, you soon realize that working for yourself is actually still hard work. (Imagine that)
An entrepreneur is born, not created. It takes heart, courage, and work. But those of us who are born for it, can’t help but have the itch to create something beautiful for our lives, and for other’s lives.
Before you take the entrepreneur plunge, there are a few things every entrepreneur should know. Do your research and make sure you know what you are getting in to.
If you have already taken the plunge (congrats), then you know it’s not easy. You also know how fulfilling it can be. One thing you can never forget though, is to not only invest in your company, but to invest in yourself.
3 Things That, As An Entrepreneur, You Should Invest In
1. A blog
Creating a platform for yourself and your business through blogging is priceless. Branding is all about communication and blogging is the best way to communicate your message to your potential customers.
Starting a blog whether it’s personal or for your business is the most valuable thing you can do. You can promote your products and services, build a greater network, get more visibility online, and build a name for yourself.
Blogging is a must. Invest in it, the payoff is worth it.
2. A good online network
Building a network is not something that costs money, but it does take some time and effort. Invest time in fostering relationships online.
Using your social media accounts is the easiest way to grow a network online, particularly Twitter. Networking online is no different than offline. You have to develop relationships with people and that is done through communication, sharing, and genuine interest in others.
I built my entire business on the back of networking. You can’t build an empire alone. Don’t make me have to say “I told you so”. Speaking of, have you connected with me on Twitter? Great place to start. 
4. Yourself
You are the most important piece of your business. (This should be a no-brainer, but I’ll throw it out there for those of you who haven’t “gotten” it yet).
Investing in yourself continually is necessary if you want to stay on top of your game. Being a successful entrepreneur requires you to continually grow and learn. The more you grow and learn, the more you will be able to adapt, create great products and services, and serve the needs of your market.
Take classes, attend webinars, read more books… These are all great way to keep investing into your growth as an individual and as an entrepreneur.
Now it’s your turn. What do you think are some Entrepreneur must-haves? What have you learned from taking the plunge? Sound off in the comments below.
And if you want more (which I know you do) then sign up below to receive updates and exclusive offers from me straight to your inbox! See ya there!
Angie thank you for this!!! I also think if you’re going to do it you have to be tough! I learned quickly that being an entrepreneur is NOT for the faint of heart.
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Great post, Angie! One definitely must invest in one self. AND to have patience…some folks think it’s so easy to start a business. It’s work and well worth it. Thanks so much for sharing.
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Angie this is an awesome list. Building your brand online is very important and critical for your business to survive online.
Christy Garrett @ Uplifting Families recently posted..Black Night by S.J. Strayhorn
Great List! I try and keep all 3 of those things into perspective!
Great list! I’d like to add—invest in a professional headshot.
Yvonne Brown
Agree with your list & I’d add, ask for & be open to coaching, learning, help.
I agree! I would add under No. 4 — make sure you take care of yourself. After working 25 days straight (and wondering why everything irritated me!), I decided to take a mental health day and visited my favorite Florida Keys beach. It was so restorative, I’ve decided to build “me” time into my work week. And oh yeah, not work 25 days straight anymore!
Jackie Harder recently posted..Career coaching for success
Great tips and I certainly have to remind myself about tip #3 as I need to do this more.
Really enjoyed your article today and it gave me food for thought for future articles on my blog. I love your style and the information you present is in a “no nonsense” fashion which people need…that is if they want to be a successful entrepreneur. Thanks Angie…great post.
Carla J Gardiner recently posted..Chat With Women Can Teach Us About Redefining Success
Great tips & food for thought. AND I love the relationship part!
Norma Doiron@Explode Your BIZ Online recently posted..Honor Your Audience Through Email Marketing
Angie, whether someone is a born entrepreneur, or someone paddling like crazy to be one, I’ve found that the one other thing that is critical to success — and all-too-often overlooked — is a simple plan that tells them if they’re on or off schedule. If they’re off, something’s wrong somewhere: go find it and fix it. Without one, how the heck do they know?
Sharon O’Day recently posted..Financial Independence: A Quick and Dirty Path to Freedom
Invest in yourself is a very good reminder! The personal and professional development is a must nowadays to be competitive! Thanks for the post!
Meire Weishaupt recently posted..Let’s Talk About Skills To Master To Be Likeable [Slideshare]
A great list of must do’s. I like the invest in yourself tip because the other 2 tips will fail if you are not happy, healthy, and enthused.
Pat Moon recently posted..Are Bad Intestinal Bugs Causing Your Health To Be Distressed?
You have hit on all three key points. Blog, network, and self development.
For me self development is very important. When you increase your value you have more to give! Love it!
Katrina recently posted..Hello?! Where are you?
These are really 3 important things! thank you for sharing them.
Carele Belanger recently posted..Interview with Yvonne Brown
Al great investments..the one I think most overlooked in the investment in self…we get so busy and so focused on investing in the business and others that we get lost some times…very important reminder!
Carl Mason-Liebenberg recently posted..Your Journey to Weight Loss Begins Today
Great tips as always, Angie.
I’m a designer first but have really gotten into writing the past year or so. I do love my blog!
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