There are now more entrepreneurs in the world than ever before. Not only is this an undeniable result of the power and breadth of the Internet, but it also involves a changing mentality. Small business ventures were thought of as dangerous risks in the past; the majority believing that failure was the most likely outcome. However, the younger generation (specifically the millennial age group) has embraced the notion that freelance success is well within their grasp. It is just as interesting to note that this very same attitude can now be seen in those approaching the age when they would normally be considering retirement. While dreams and vision can go a long way, one of the most pivotal factors that will often determine success involves the psychological approach that is taken. Let’s therefore examine both sides of the spectrum so that you will be able to develop a more well-rounded game plan from the beginning.
Common Mental Hangups to Avoid
Whether referring to an online enterprise or a venture within the real world, it can be argued that the most dangerous mindset is believing that success is only moments away. This can often lead to unrealistic expectations and disappointments. Although many “how-to” guides promise nearly instantaneous gratification, this is hardly the case. Take a quick moment to examine the profound movers and shakers within today’s business environment. The vast percentage of these individuals did not encounter wealth overnight. This brings us to our next main point.
Never confuse wealth and income generation with success. These terms exist on vastly different emotional planes. This is why you should always ask yourself why you have chosen to become involved in an entrepreneurial venture. Is it simply a means to make financial ends meet or are you instead hoping to derive a real form of satisfaction from your personal efforts? You might otherwise begin to experience burnout just when things begin picking up.
The final obstacle to recognise is ego. There is no doubt that some of the most successful business professionals are known for possessing strong and even stubborn egos. However, this very same character trait can cause you to remain overly fixated on the horizon as opposed to being able to appreciate the advice of those around you. Humility goes a long way within the contemporary business world and possessing this attribute will enable you to absorb timely and potentially life-changing advice on occasion.
Brainstorming: From the Ether of Imagination
Many professionals tend to argue that the most difficult part of starting an enterprise from scratch is brainstorming a novel idea. Inspiration is a rare thing and it will often present itself at the most unexpected times. Still, the developmental process itself warrants a certain amount of attention. The good news is that brainstorming has not changed much in the past fifty years. There are a handful of tactics which should be used if you hope to come across interesting concepts and worthwhile avenues to pursue:
- Make certain that you will not be interrupted during a session.
- Place no time limits on how long you will brainstorm.
- In the same respect, take a break if you become tired or discouraged.
- Record every idea, as even those which appear to be nonsensical could be employed at a later date.
In the majority of cases, brainstorming does not represent an all-or-nothing process. You might very well be able to take away a modicum of inspiration during each session. This is why patience is such a virtue when envisioning some of the best small business ideas.
However, always remember that a novel idea in and of itself might not necessarily produce viable results. Take a moment to think about the notion of social media. This concept was present in the early stages of the Internet. So, why did portals such as Facebook and Twitter take so long to be realised? This arises from the fact that the audience was lacking at the time. A product is only successful if it is able to resonate with your customer base. This is why you need to take on the role of a marketer as well as a small business owner from the start.
Personal psychology plays a crucial role within the small business model. Unfortunately, the majority of online articles tend to devote their focus to more technical aspects such as e-commerce and website design. While these are all indeed critical, they need to be erected from a solid foundation. This is why embracing the correct outlook and mentality can never be overlooked. There are no shortcuts to success and to be certain, online freelance ventures are not for everyone. If you have the desire and the will to succeed, the ultimate possibilities are virtually limitless.
