David Kiger, founder and executive chairman of Worldwide Express
Success takes hard work, dedication and the drive to keep going when it feels like everything is against you.
Dallas, TX (PRWEB) January 29, 2015
With a new year in full swing, many aspiring entrepreneurs are taking the first steps of launching their new business. But putting those plans into motion can be overwhelming, with many unexpected twists and turns along the way. David Kiger, founder and executive chairman of the Dallas-based global logistics firm Worldwide Express, has extensive experience launching and growing businesses. To help burgeoning entrepreneurs build the behaviors necessary for success, Kiger outlined 10 habits that can make or break an entrepreneur.
“Success takes hard work, dedication and the drive to keep going when it feels like everything is against you,” said Kiger. “Following these principles will keep you in the right mindset to thrive in the midst of challenges and establish a strong foundation for your small business.”
1. Do the work. Leader creates true success by digging deep and putting in the time to perfect an idea or product. “Great entrepreneurs aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty,” said Kiger. “They put in the hours to learn how the industry operates and where their product fits.”
2. Don’t give up easily. It can be intimidating to put not only yourself but also your idea out there for the world to see. Criticism and rejection come with the territory. “Entrepreneurship means hitting a lot of dead ends,” said Kiger. “Achieving something meaningful is hard work, and a successful entrepreneur will learn from negative feedback while maintaining the determination necessary to succeed.”
3. Be wary of success. It’s a marathon, not a sprint; if you think of business like a race, entrepreneurs don’t have the same finish line as other runners. “Entrepreneurs set their sights high, and they continue running after hitting key milestones. You have to consider long-term success and not get distracted by short-term victories,” said Kiger.
4. Start with a market need. Find a way to improve an already-existing issue, rather than creating an issue to solve. “Entrepreneurs identify a need, and then find a solution for it,” said Kiger. “This way, they already have a market – the people who need what they create.”
5. Don’t set out to be rich. Many have the false belief that entrepreneurs invent something and the wealth pours in immediately. “If your objective is to get rich fast, you’re likely to cut corners,” Kiger said. “Entrepreneurs aren’t just aiming to become rich; they are working to build something that lasts.”
6. Be brand savvy. Building a business means considering it from every angle, including the marketing side. “Your brand is what distinguishes you from your competition,” said Kiger. “An entrepreneur should be able to explain what’s different about them from competitors with ease.”
7. Understand the trap of financing. The belief that entrepreneurs start their companies with millions of dollars in financing is just not true. Successful entrepreneurs take a strategic approach to financing the first steps, setting the foundation for each consecutive move.
8. Build a team of experts. Business owners can’t survive alone. Successful entrepreneurs learn to delegate early, and don’t have a problem letting go of the tasks they pass to others.
9. Play to your strengths. Entrepreneurs know they aren’t good at everything. “Take the time to learn your own strengths and weaknesses. Focus on what you do best, and use that to turn your ideas into reality.”
10. Read to be inspired. Entrepreneurs learn from other entrepreneurs, and look for inspiration in all places. “Pick a few blogs to follow regularly, or browse your local bookstore. This opens up a world of ideas, and can provide a refreshing dose of inspiration to take your business to the next level.”
About David Kiger
David Kiger, founder and executive chairman of the global logistics company Worldwide Express, offers advice to entrepreneurs through his blogs, Business Chat and Cultivating Knowledge, Driving Action, and his popular Twitter account (@DavidKiger).