The Questions Every Entrepreneur Must Answer

Here’s the breakdown so you can steal it

Wayne Mullins
Agency Accelerator
3 min readJul 31, 2023

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Wayne Mullins. Fireyourself. Entrepreneurship. The Questions Every Entrepreneur Must Answer
Photo by Özkan Keklik via Pexels

Have you ever stopped and considered what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur?

Is it the undying spirit of innovation, a relentless work ethic, or simply the knack for identifying gaps in the market?

While these attributes contribute significantly, there are a set of questions, the answers to which, could make or break your entrepreneurial journey.

Let’s dive into these questions.

We are here for one purpose — to challenge your thinking, shatter your illusions, and steer you toward success.

Ready?

What are my goals?

Unarguably, goal setting forms the cornerstone of every entrepreneurial venture.

  • What’s your vision?
  • What drives you?
  • What do you want to achieve in 3, 5, or 10 years?
  • Are you in this for quick gains or to create something long-lasting?

Imagine yourself embarking on a voyage, with no specific destination in mind. Sounds ludicrous, right?

That’s exactly what an entrepreneurial journey without clearly defined goals is — a ship lost at sea.

Therefore, to start your journey right, map your ambitions.

Consider Elon Musk, who aimed to change the world and humanity with his ventures. From PayPal to SpaceX and Tesla, each venture is a testament to his goals — innovation and disruption for a better future.

Your goals may not be as grand, but they must be clear, specific, and inspiring.

Do I have the right strategy?

So, you’ve identified your goals, great.

But how will you achieve them? This is where strategy comes into play.

  • Can your business model generate the profit margins you need?
  • Can your product or service withstand market competition?
  • Is there a contingency plan if things don’t go as expected?

Think of strategy as your roadmap to success. It’s the master plan that outlines how to turn your vision into reality.

It encompasses your products, your market, your business model, and more. Without the right strategy, even the most ambitious goals can turn into mere dreams.

Take the case of Netflix, for instance. Their strategy was more than just online movie rentals.

It was about transitioning to streaming and creating original content — a move that completely disrupted the media and entertainment industry.

They had a clear strategy, and they executed it brilliantly.

Can I execute the strategy?

Have you ever wondered why some seemingly brilliant business strategies fail to take off, while others flourish?

It often boils down to execution.

  • Do you have the right team?
  • Can you handle the financial strain?
  • Can you adapt in the face of adversity?

Entrepreneurship is not a solitary endeavor. You’ll need a team that shares your vision and is willing to commit to your strategy.

Furthermore, a great strategy is nothing without financial viability.

Finally, the market is an ever-evolving entity — can your business adapt quickly enough to these changes?

Reflect on the story of Kodak. Despite inventing the digital camera, Kodak stuck to its film-based business model, unable to execute a shift towards the digital.

The result? They filed for bankruptcy in 2012.

Remember, your strategy is only as good as your ability to execute it.

Taking the Plunge

As an entrepreneur, you’re about to embark on a thrilling yet challenging journey.

The road to success is paved with questions that demand honest answers. Are you ready to confront these questions?

  • Do you have clear, inspiring goals?
  • Have you crafted a robust, adaptable strategy?
  • And most importantly, can you execute this strategy effectively?

By answering these questions, you’re not just preparing for a business venture. You’re laying the groundwork for a journey that could alter the course of your life and, who knows, possibly the world.

So, ask these questions, and answer them with conviction. The future of your entrepreneurial journey depends on it.

After all, as the old saying goes, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

Are you ready to take yours?

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Peace & love,

Wayne Mullins

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Wayne Mullins
Agency Accelerator

I help freelancers and agency owners build the business they deserve. Here's how 👉 linktr.ee/fireyourself