Entrepreneur Essentials #1 - Hustle and Grind

I know what your thinking, Hustle and Grind sounds like a play a con artist might run to scam someone out of their money. That isn't the type of hustle we are talking about today. We're talking hustle and grind in the sense of the work required for you to succeed as an Entrepreneur. This work ethic separates you as an Entrepreneur, from all of the Wantrepreneurs.

The fundamental truth of succeeding in business is this. Success requires work. Sustained, focused effort will get you to your goals.

In my mind I can still hear my coach shouting, "Hard work will win, where wishy washy wishing won't." It's a tongue-twister, but one that's always stuck with me.

While you have to want to win, (that desire is where things start), you have to be willing to get out there and make it happen!

Sacrifice is the key to success

What is sacrifice? The best definition I have ever heard is giving up something now, for something better later.

You have to be willing to give up your time and energy to make your business grow. Sometimes that may mean skipping an hour of TV to finish a job, or run your numbers or one of any number of jobs an entrepreneur needs to get done in order to succeed. Entrepreneurs sacrifice a lot to make their businesses succeed.

In the early days of your business it will feel like you are doing far more than your being paid for. This extra work is the price you will pay for the success you want to come your way.

If you want an easy 9 to 5 job where you can switch off as soon as you leave then you should pursue employment rather than entrepreneurship.

The benefit that comes along with this sacrifice is that you receive all the fruits of your labour. The profit that you generate through your industry and effort is yours to keep. Over time this will far outstrip any salary or wage you might have earned previously. It is that goal that you are sacrificing in order to achieve.

Hard work covers a multitude of shortcomings

You may not have gone to the best schools or have been born into a rich family but guess what...none of that matters when you are an entrepreneur. Sure it might help open a few doors but I can tell you it doesn't matter where you start, hard work will get you where you are going.

I have clients, a husband and wife team who first came to see me when they started a new business. They had previously been in business for themselves but without proper guidance they had struggled and eventually ended up in bankruptcy. Not to be kept down or make excuses for themselves these two hard working entrepreneurs got back up, started a new business and were referred to us by a friend for business and tax advice.

These two entrepreneurs worked night and day to launch their second business and at the end of their first full year with us, they had generated a profit of just over $300,000. In the years since they have continued to grow their turnover by almost 30% a year, year after year. This tremendous reversal of circumstances from bankruptcy to wealth was not dumb luck. It was their hard work that made all the difference.

Don't stress about where you are coming from, focus on where you are going and work hard everyday to get there.

What price are you willing to pay for success?

Many years ago I heard success defined. On that occasion success was defined as "being willing to do what the unsuccessful person is not willing to do."

It's so simple it is almost offensive. A successful salesman is willing to make more calls, and knock on more doors than the salesman who is barely making ends meet. He is willing to increase his skills, test his pitches and perfect his close. A successful sportsperson is willing to put in those extra hours on the court or field. The successful father is willing to spend the time with his kids rather than pursuing other objectives.

When I speak about being "willing to do" I am of course referring to actions that are ethical and legal. I would never advocate for any other course of action. We've built our success on years of hard work and positive contributions in the communities of which we are a small part.

The Takeaway!

I'm here to tell you that if you are willing to do the work, you can have the success you are looking for.

Commit today to stop making excuses and start making progress. Your steady, sustained effort will take you to heights you never dreamed of.

Written by:

Samuel Stokes

Samuel Stokes is an Accountant and Business Adviser who has been helping businesses succeed since 2005. He holds a Bachelor's degree in business, is a current Tax Agent and a member of the Certified Public Accountants. He is also a USA Today Bestselling Author.

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