The Enterprising Mindset

More times than necessary, we find ourselves being held back by the false impression that entrepreneurs have mysterious attributes gifted from birth that sets them apart from the common folk. Having attended UCD’s "Top Business Tips in Ten Minutes" which was delivered by various CEO’s and Founders, I noticed that the attributes were actually of lesser importance. Rather, developing the right mindset takes precedence.

The Mindset

1: Hard Work

"Hard work never goes unrewarded". We all knew it was coming, hard work is the be-all and end-all of any successful enterprise. Keira Kennedy, founder and director of the KDK fashion brand started with no capital but yet endeavoured to bring her vision to reality. The trick? Find your motivation and follow it. You really shouldn't consider it work if it's something that you enjoy to do. Amongst the various tips that Keira recommended, there was one that left the most impact

• Done is better than perfect: To reach perfection is to reach the unobtainable. A simple but effective contradiction.

2: Risk-Taking

"Taking a risk is effectively exposing yourself to failure". When heard in those terms, I'd be afraid of taking risks too. The danger is - that many of us do indeed see risk-taking as that one extra step, that uncertainty that could sunder all that we've wrought. Over here, we believe there is no such thing as failure. However, that isn't to say to jump in head first. Our compromise lies in taking educated risks. Rather than thinking of having not succeeded as a failure, you should view it in terms of having not succeeded...YET, a phrase conned from Carol Dweck's speech on the growth mindset which you can find here.

Grainne Barron, CEO and founder of Viddyad provided a general but often forgotten tip in light of risk-taking:

• Research your industry: You've got to, quite literally, do your homework on your target enterprise and the risks associated with it.

3: Always Deliver

"Don't over-promise and under-deliver - you'll always be known as a fraud"- Aengus Kelly, CEO of AerCap. Taking a no-shortcuts approach, most of Aengus Kelly's demonstration focused on the importance of putting your money where your mouth is. Are you the type of person who undertakes to do something, but yet always comes up empty-handed? If you answer in the affirmative, then it's time for a change of attitude. Remember, done is better than perfect.

4: Know Your Personal Brand

"What people say about you when you leave the room". What image are you setting out for yourself? All too often, we are encouraged not to pay attention to what people think of us, but in reality, what people think sets the tone for all enterprises and initiatives that we may embark on. Now more so than ever, this is where your digital footprint kicks in. Respect yourself on the internet just as you would anywhere else.

5: Believe in Yourself

"If you don't believe in yourself, then who will?" Denis Hickie, now general manager of ATA group, had to make a sharp pivot in choosing a new career once he retired from rugby. A prior unsuccessful enterprise in the renewable energy business wasn't enough to dissuade him, and it never should be enough. Stay steadfast and you'll soon see the cards turning in your favour. A key tip left was to:

• Challenge yourself: Even if not in your immediate interest, you shouldn't be afraid to make big changes

What to Take

This post encourages you to reshape your mindset, so I simply ask that you take the above and start to apply it to yourself or encourage a friend to do so. Entrepreneurship is contagious after all.

As always, we encourage discussion, feedback and arguments on each and every article. Have your voice heard!

Original content at: Break Beyond