I’ve been doing this entrepreneurial thing for more than 20 years now. I’ve had a bunch of wins, and a WHOLE LOT of losses. I say “losses” but I’m one of those people who doesn’t really like that word. I’m with the people that say “lessons” instead.
As cliche as that might be, it’s true. Every loss has been a lesson.
Some of those losses have taken a long time to become a lesson, but they always do. They has always been an opportunity to pull some kind of learning from whatever mistake (or mistakes) I made or setback I had.
So, here are a few things I’ve learned along the way.
1. Things usually don’t go as planned.
I’m not sure how to say that any more clearly, but the fact is, things just don’t go as planned. Your business, and life, will look differently than you think it will.
Here’s the important part of this one, though – It’s okay. Different does not mean worse. It’s just different. It’s one of the things that makes this so much fun.
2. As soon as you stop learning, you’re dead in the water.
You need to be learning every day. Learn from the people you know, get involved in communities, attend trainings, read books/blogs/articles/etc, listen to podcasts, watch videos, join webinars, take courses, and reflect on things.
Learn. Every. Single. Day.
3. Most things aren’t urgent or important.
This one is huge for me. 90% of the things that cause us stress are self-created. Most things that feel urgent are only urgent because we’re tricking ourselves into believing they are.
Most things can wait. Remove that stress as much as possible.
4. Relationships matter more than almost everything else.
That whole “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” thing? It’s true. I’m not talking about the version where you can just jump from 0 to 100 because you know someone (although that does happen for some people), I’m talking about the partnerships, the mentors, the learnings, and the opportunities that will come from making connections.
When I say “who you know” what I really mean is “who you connect with and build relationships with.”
Connect with people. Build real relationships. The dividends will be incredible.
5. People want things simple.
Most people don’t want to think much. Even those of us who claim to love critical thinking and figuring things out, etc….we still prefer simple.
Don’t overcomplicate your products, your sales cycle, your funnels, your processes, your onboarding, etc.
Keep it simple.
6. You can build things that are simple, but still valuable.
Just because it’s simple, does not mean it’s not valuable. Per #5 above, I’ll argue that a lot of times (the majority of the time) keeping it simple will actually make it more valuable.
7. Simple + Valuable = Powerful
If you can keep things simple for those you serve, while providing actual value, you will see success, you will make an impact, and you will build something special.
8. You can do a lot even with a small social media following.
Followers DO NOT equal sales.
Let me say that again…followers DO NOT equal sales.
Don’t get me wrong, building your followers can absolutely lead to more sales, and it should.
BUT simply having a lot of followers does not mean you will generate or grow revenue.
Having the RIGHT followers will.
Make sure you’re creating social media content for the right people, so the right people find you, follow you, connect with you, and become loyal customers.
9. The quality of your list > the quantity of your list.
Just like with social media followers, a big email list does not equal big sales. A list with the RIGHT subscribers will. Create valuable content for the right subscribers. Focus your email funnels and newsletter on providing the right value to the right people.
10. Patience is key.
This is going to take longer than you think it will, and longer than you want it to. Those who stick with it and push through, win.
And #11 just for good measure…you’ve got this. Most people who fail, simply quit too soon.
About Jeff Gargas
Jeff is the COO/Co-founder of the Teach Better Team and co-author of “Teach Better.” He works with educators to increase student engagement and improve student success. He also leads the EDUpreneur Mastermind and MBA Programs as part of the EDUpreneur Community, and offers 1-on-1 coaching for teachers who have a product or idea they want to share with others to better education.
Prior to co-founding Teach Better, Jeff was the owner of ENI Multimedia, an online marketing firm, where he worked with entrepreneurs and small businesses, assisting them with web design, social media, content marketing, and brand awareness. Prior to all of this, Jeff was an adjunctive professor at Kent State University and spent 10+ years in the music industry. He has spoken at conferences around the country, and has successfully promoted more than 500 events and launched 7 businesses in a variety of industries.
Jeff is passionate about music, and enjoys spending time with his family as often as possible.
