The Human Side of a Successful Entrepreneur – Why’s It’s Important

Mark LewisYou have read all the articles on steps you need to take to have a chance at being a successful entrepreneur.  Paramount is writing a well thought out and sound business plan that includes your product/service description, market analysis, your competition, a marketing/sales strategy, financial analysis, sound management and a long term strategy.  You have the technical and hired management skills needed to be successful; and you are passionate about your product or service.  However, success doesn’t always come to those who are tenacious or opportunistic, but it sure helps.  Personally, I believe there is another important side of a successful entrepreneur that is often ignored:  the human element.  Let me you offer my thoughts on the human element side that can help an entrepreneur become successful:

  1. The ability to get along with people – With so many different personalities in this world, a successful entrepreneur needs to be able to adapt his or her own personality to the personalities of a wide range of people.  A measure of success is your ability to get along with people no matter who they are, both externally and internally; and to be able to work with a team. One should be able to connect well with people, develop consideration towards them in order to gain their cooperation and respect. Don’t most people do business with people they like?
  2. The ability to network with people – As a follow on to the above, if you don’t like interacting with people or would rather sit behind a desk and do innovative work, you are going to have a hard time being successful.  Networking and mingling with people to tell your story is a great form of marketing for your firm, and shows people you have passion in what you do.
  3. Your approach is always positive – There is always the likelihood of setbacks when you start something new and there will be naysayers who say you just can’t do it.  Believing you can do it is half the battle, and keeping your spirits high can be difficult.  If you know your strengths, believe in them and embark on a positive approach, and your journey towards success will be enhanced.  This is your human element and what you project onto others.
  4. Service is the driver not money – “Really Mark?  How can you think that way?”  I get this comment all the time.  My philosophy is pretty simple. You should be more concerned about what you can put into a situation (or your company), not what you get out of it.  Most people get it backwards. Sure the bottom line (revenue and profits) is always important but when you provide a product or service that solves a need AND you provide something over and above that, it sets you apart (like superior customer service), and you will win.

Successful entrepreneurs know that even the best products or services cannot sell themselves. Personally, I think that entrepreneurs who create solid relationships and networks can sell anything. Relationships, both personal and professional, are critical to success. This is especially true even if you don’t have a physical presence and operate an Internet-based business. By building relationships through social media, industry-related events, affiliations, partnerships, and associations, you bring a greater human element to your business (although you have to be careful about the use of technology because it actually creates less interaction between people (face to face). Every successful entrepreneur knows that these relationships and connections are the key to building exposure, trust, and referrals. It’s not about sales, but rather about providing something of value and building credibility by sharing thoughts, providing advice, and adding value and solutions to the lives of others. By doing this, the revenue will come.  People will want to do business with you if they believe you care about them and are sincere in your communications and interactions.  For more thoughts and ideas on this topic, email me at mlewis@simmonswhite.com.  Here is to your success……and the solving of your extraordinary business challenges.