Playing "Follow The Leader" - The Downfall Of Many Entrepreneurs
A good education is always a good start in life, but think about
this for a moment:
Most formal schooling prepares us to work for others. If we are
good at following school rules and what the teacher says, then
we will probably do okay in the job world too.
Success in the job world, just like at school, depends on how
good you are at playing the game of "follow the leader." When
your boss says jump - you say how high? Just like at school, the
boss tells you when to show up, imposes acceptable standards of
dress and performance, sets assignments and deadlines etc.
If you behave yourself at school, try hard and do your homework
on time, then you are rewarded with good marks, good report
cards, good friends, certificates, camps, vacations, trophies
and special recognition for outstanding achievement.
The job world is no different. You are rewarded with a wage or
salary, commissions, promotions, fringe benefits, bonuses,
satisfying work, friendships, training programs, vacations and
special recognition for jobs well done.
In short, if you were good at playing "follow the leader" at
school, you'll probably be good at playing follow the leader in
the job world too.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not knocking "working for someone else."
I'm just making a point - to be successful in the job world, you
need to be a good follower and a good team player. This sense of
belonging and security suits most people just fine.
However, working for someone else is nothing like being an
entrepreneur and the boss of your own business. This is where
many "new-comers" in business become horribly unstuck.
Why? To become an entrepreneur requires a different plan or map,
because you are taking a different road, to a different
destination.
You will have to be a self-starter and not rely on others. For
example, when you work a 'regular job' your boss feeds you work
and you have to do whatever job you are given even if you hate
doing it. Your reward... a salary or wage.
Being an entrepreneur means finding WHAT to do, HOW to do it and
WHERE to market your ideas. It requires a different mindset of
focusing on opportunity rather than security.
To survive as an entrepreneur you soon learn: