Being an entrepreneur isn't a do-it-once kind of thing. There are some things you as an intending Entrepreneur must know and do if you really want to go far and, maybe fast. Consistency is a necessity in the business world. If you are not consistent, you will simply fall out.

Get a skill


People mistake a skill for a thing you learn informally or out of school. A skill, actually, is any thing you learn perfectly. Some thing you can start doing with ease that others can't really do. You can get your skills in school or anywhere. Skills can be a build on your talent because being talented at doing a particular thing does not, in anyway, mean you are skilled at doing it. It just means that you NATURALLY find it easy to do without any prior training. When you learn a skill, you are adding value to yourself. A kind of value people will readily pay for when you offer it to them in the form of service. That's the first step. Value addition.

Build on it


Basic knowledge is good but not the end. As we all know, knowledge is power. But in the real sense, enough (not necessarily full) knowledge is power. After you've gathered the essential things you need to know, you have to start building on it by learning everyday. Research constantly and try to kep yourself abreast of every trends in your particular niche. Network with people because there are a lot of things you won't get to know until you start meeting people in your field. Talk to experts and seek their opinion anytime you seem to be at a cross-road. No one is an island of knowledge, you can't know it all. Learn, Unlearn and, Relearn.

Stay Focused



On this journey, so many distractions will definitely come your way but you have to remain resolute in your decision to stay focused. Always keep the bigger picture in sight. "A wise hunter won't be on the hunt for a Lion and settle for a Cat". Your friends may come to you and try to convince you to do something much easier and that pays high. It is your duty to remain undeterred. Don't drop that dream of yours for a short-cut with no known ending. Keep doing your thing as planned and don't look back.

Be persistently consistent


Be known for something. Make sure people know you with a particular skill. This you can do by being consistent and persistent. Don't change course easily, you shouldn't be known as a Mechanic today and then you become a Musician tomorrow. It is confusing and most especially, it can be energy-draining for you.

Fine, in the entrepreneurial world, there is a term called side-hustle, where you do two or more things together to earn more. But it will be of a greater good and ease if these things are quite related. For instance, a Mechanic can also be a Spare-parts seller and a Car wash man. As you can see, these things are quite related as they have one thing in common, which is Vehicle. When you carve a particular niche for yourself and touch other areas related to it, you will increase your customers base and consequently earn more.

Never give up


Giving up is the easiest thing to do but it's also a foolish thing to do. Keep keeping at it. Let your pending success be your motivation. Let the situations around you be your source of strength. Success is a very interesting height to attain. It brings you to your dream place. I'm sure you don't want to trade that away for something less. No matter the urge you feel to give up or give in or throw in the towel, please don't. You might be on the final lap and the finishing line is just steps away.

Keep aiming


Once you don't give up, and you keep on driving towards your dreams, you will surely get there. Work with your plans. Always fine-tune it when you become stranded. Re-adjust it everytime necessary and keep aiming towards the ultimate goal which is SUCCESS.

Have faith


According to the Holy Bible, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen". As an Entrepreneur, there are times where the future seems bleak and you can't see the steps ahead, but you just have to take the step of Faith and trust your guts. This is what is called RISK-TAKING. When you plan almost blindly without knowing for sure what is ahead. You depend on avalaible statistics, your intuition, your experience, God. It is an unavoidable occurence that serves as a test for all entrepreneurs. Passing it will take you to the next level. Whatever the outcome is, don't stop yet. Mistakes are bound to happen but how you manage them will determine your future in this part of the world.

No one is promised a good life, you just have to find your way there. Nothing great comes easy, becoming a great man won't be an easy task too. Just keep keeping on and don't give up till you create a way. The top is not saturated, get your own space there.

Written by @inkofgold1 on twitter
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuel-alabi-a53544177
inkofgold@gmail.com