An entrepreneur’s pains: A Not-So-Glamorous path to success

“WOW, did you see how successful this company is, they came from no-where!” Ever heard this, I want to get a cramp in my…..when I hear someone make that statement! The 7-Year overnight success (Chinese Bamboo concept), go read up on it!

Taking the plunge into the wild world of business, easy money, no boss and feels great saying I have my own business, right?

Well, buckle up because it's gonna be a bumpy ride, but fear not! Let's chat about those not-so-glamorous essentials that'll steer your ship through the stormy seas of being a SUCCESSFUL & HAPPY, business owner. Skip one of these, and forget about the last statement!

Health: Because You Can't Hustle if You're a Zombie

Alright, listen up – This is the one element we all let go first, yet THE most crucial part of your success story!

Your mental, physical, and relationship health are like the three musketeers of startup survival. Neglect 'em, and you're asking for trouble. So, take breaks, hit the gym (or just take a walk, we won't judge, no need to compete with The Rock!), and don't forget to call your family members, those still talking to you – good healthy relationships are crucial, once in a while. Maek sure you have regular conversations with a mentor, yip, every successful business person, has 1 or a few people around them, that are more clever than them (Make sure you do too). A healthy founder means a healthy business – Clear mind, clear goals.

Tip: Schedule "mandatory fun" breaks throughout your day. Whether it's a quick call to a friend, loved one or a five-minute meditation session, give yourself permission to step away from the grind.

Sales: It's Not All About the Zeros!

Sales – No sales, No Business!

It's not just about making bank or target; it's about building relationships. Follow-ups, networking, upselling – it's like dating, but with fewer awkward moments (hopefully) and in most cases a lot cheaper, because you get paid for your honest efforts! Treat your customers like the VIPs they are, service – service – service (quality, after-sales), and they'll keep coming back for more.

Sales have two main objectives – How quickly can I take your money BUT most importantly, How Often can I take your money and UPSELL!

Tip: Don't be afraid to get creative with your sales tactics. Send handwritten thank-you notes, host virtual happy hours, or even serenade your clients with a personalized jingle. Get involved in the social activities of your industry – Golf/Sport sponsorships, participate in community activities - The sky's the limit!

Operations: The Magic Happens Behind the Scenes

Uurrrgghhhh, operations – the unsung heroes of the startup world. From crunching numbers to slaying CRM, CSM, MIS, PMS and all the tracking and paperwork elements, it's all about keeping the machine running smoothly, ready available data. Embrace the chaos, automate what you can, and don't forget to high-five your team every now and then.

Tip: Invest in some serious-useable productivity tools to streamline your workflow and routines. Trust me, your future self will thank you. Oh, and don't forget to stock up on coffee – lots and lots of coffee, this is the one element that will take you way past most ordinary humans bed-time!

Delivery: Under-promise, Overdeliver, Rinse, Repeat

Delivery isn't just about getting stuff from point A to point B; it's about wowing your customers every step of the way. Stay in touch, be proactive, and always be ready to swoop in and save the day (cape optional).

Tip: Set realistic expectations with your customers, no you and your team’s strength and weaknesses, then knock their socks off with your stellar service. And remember, a little bit of charm with a personal touch goes a long way, not even talking about being pro-active in your comms – If they ask, it’s too late and you’ve already lost the home advantage, inform before they ask!

Research and Learning: Because Knowledge is Power

Last but not least, never stop learning, reading and researching, don’t be too ‘big-shot’ to ask advice, help or what’s the next best thing.

Stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the competition, and never underestimate the power of a good Google search or industry event. Knowledge is power, so soak up as much of it as you can. Use what your business need now and store the rest for later.

Tip: Surround yourself with smart people who challenge you to think outside the box – MENTORS – MENTORS – MENTORS! And don't be afraid to fail – it's all just part of the learning process.

Besides, who wants to be perfect anyway?

Embracing Failure: Expect it and beat it by learning from it!

And finally, let's talk about failure. Yep, it's gonna happen – probably more often than you'd like. But hey, that's just life, right? So, dust yourself off, learn what you can from your mistakes, and then get back out there and kick some ass.

Tip: When all else fails, laugh it off, TRY again! Trust me, a good sense of humor is the entrepreneur's secret weapon. Oh, and chocolate – chocolate helps too apparently – In Australia and South Africa, Saturday beer and braai replaces chocolate!

Keep hustling, keep smiling, and remember – it's not the destination that matters, it's the journey! Make it happen!

Share your journey so far in the comments, help others and learn from others!

PS: Need help with systems, lead gen and marketing? Give me a shout at dewald@aliteprojects.com