6 Lessons Every 20's Female Entrepreneur Needs To Hear From A Tricenarian

And excel before getting there

So the post about what advice would you give to your younger self has been making rounds over the Internet and there has been a shower of gold.

From being less aggressive to micromanaging tasks to adopting a consistent routine, an outpour of valuable counsels from varied cultures and creeds has added insight in one or more ways in our lives.

And this is what made me jump into the bandwagon (impulsive that I am) and give my naive, younger self two cents worth when I have officially entered the threshold of a tricenarian. Not that I can turn the wheel of time but young women who are in their 20's with entrepreneurial skills can surely reap evergreen fruit by strolling in this unexplored Garden of Eden.

1 — Of Course Age Is Just A Number But Boy It Does Add On

There are loads of sermons on the stigma of ageism. In today’s time, it is a cardinal sin to evaluate someone’s skills from the lens of age and believing that a worker’s age can be used to determine his or her talents is a blasphemy in business. Yet, this doesn’t mean that age is a constant. For all entrepreneurs in their 20's, soon you’ll be moving to a different lane.

And by this I don’t mean that your skills or aptitude would tarnish in your 30's or 40's. In fact, the opposite holds true. But, as you grow older, it is more likely that you would have increased responsibilities and hence lesser time for the pursuits that you are passionate about. Since maturity and age are directly correlated, chances are that you would not take any decision without evaluating every aspect of it. This may be ideal for some cases, but certainly not all. Also, too much of introspection kills the spirit of entrepreneurship. After all, higher the risk, higher the return.

So, for all those business-minded lasses in their 20's, now is the time to run or fumble or walk or fall to resume the pace without compromising a bit of courage. And today’s fall would account for tomorrow’s gain.

2 — You‘re An Individual But Not Every Individual

Empowerment means allowing yourself to create and decide what you are capable of doing as a woman. What it doesn’t mean is to create and decide everything — things that you are not good at and least passionate about.

Successful entrepreneurship relies largely on sound decisions. However, it is alright to have second thoughts and to consult with your counterparts before inking any deal.

We all are inherently blessed with certain skills. And then there are some that we learn overtime with our experiences and interactions. Entrepreneurs are usually good leaders, efficient decision makers and multi-skilled. Still that doesn’t mean that they are designed to possess traits of every successful human being.

Ladies, you are great at what you are blessed with. Embrace and nurture it, and leave the rest to the rest.

3 — Set Your Own Pace

Your business is like your life’s story — it’s different from everybody else’s. Just like the unique circumstances in your life, as an entrepreneur you will encounter situations that are peculiar to you only. You can become an Internet sensation overnight or can hopelessly propel the paddle of your sinking business boat for decades.

The secret that most of the top tycoons won’t tell is that the chance for your success and failure are equal.

But your ability to set your own pace and stick to it will outweigh your chance of success over failure. It isn’t that pretty mind that would set you apart; however, a beautiful mindset can make you last long.

4 — Consider Opening An Account In The Favor Bank

I first read about “the favor bank” in Paulo Coelho’s book “The Zahir” and instantly it clicked to me what business was all about. The concept is to invest with someone in the form of favor and you can get that favor back — the same proportion or multiplied overtime. Off course the deal has to be legitimate. It is the modern barter for businesses. Introduce contacts and do favors and in return cash on new prospects.

The earlier you open this account, the more profit you will gain overtime.

But be mindful, this type of investment comes with its own risks. The person you invest in with may not be willing to return the favor. So before you open the account, make sure your investments are deposited in safe hands.

5 — Invest Your Time In Building Healthy Bonds

20's is the age that you are blessed with all the time in the world, even with a burgeoning business. You have time to go to the gym, take music lessons, watch all seasons of Game of Thrones, get your French manicure done and hang out with your friends frequently. You have 15000 friends added on Facebook, 8000 followers on Instagram with countless chat groups on your WhatsApp. You are making it a point to stay up-to-dated on the hip happenings and are keen on socializing with the people who surround you.

But what you are missing out on is building proactive, purposeful friendships that can stand the test of time and weather any storm.

Figuring out which relationships are worth investing on may not be crystal clear in topsy-turvy 20's.

For you to understand that most of your friends would no longer be around in 5–10 years requires a closer look at your long-term goals and the interests of people that surround you.

This doesn’t mean that you need to selfishly cut majority of your peers from your social life. Rather, choose acquaintances who are likely to stay longer through your ups and downs, are honest and trustworthy and try building meaningful, long-lasting bonds with them.

6 — It’s Never Too Young To Be Empathic

You have a pretty face, a mind-blowing body and a kick-ass attitude. You have the balls to run a profitable company and own a hefty bank account. People vie you. And you don’t give a damn. At least for now.

Your I-don’t-give-a-f* attitude may leave some mouths opened for now but it won’t let you stay afloat in the vastness of business which functions primarily on the exchange of needs and wants. While it’s extremely important to say your thank you, please and sorry, it also is crucial to be empathic towards your coworkers, employees and customers. Gratitude and humility are leadership qualities that will stay with you even when your looks and figure bid farewell.