10 THINGS THAT HELPS YOU AS AN ENTREPRENEUR

What’s your thing?
You know—that thing that helps you be at your best.
It helps you be more productive. It makes completing your workload feel easier. It’s that little trick up your sleeve for managing tasks and getting things done.
Mine is making lists. I can’t start a task without a good, solid, pen-and-paper to-do list (no apps for me, thanks—this is one thing I go old-school for).
Most entrepreneurs have one—or several.
It’s that little trick or tip that helps them manage their business better, makes things run more smoothly and efficiently, and just generally makes them an exceptional entrepreneur.

1. Taking input from your employees

Your employees are your greatest resource.
They see a side of the business that you might miss. They are around your product day in and day out, and might have a great idea for its improvement.
So, are you taking advantage of this resource—or taking it for granted?
“They see the business from a completely different perspective.

2. Scheduling time for your personal life

When you’re starting out, it makes sense that your personal life takes a back seat.
In that mad rush to get your business up and running, you might have slacked when it came to time with friends, date night with your partner, or just time for yourself.
However, once you’ve achieved a little more routine, it’s important to schedule in time for your life outside of work.
While it might be hard to follow at first, it’s great advice.
Not only will it make your life feel more balanced, but you’ll look forward to tackling work projects, instead of seeing them as a chore.

3. Having a watch

If I asked you what time it was, would you check your watch? 
Not your smartphone—an actual watch.
It sounds basic, but owning a watch and referencing it is key. “The life of an entrepreneur is busy and being able to adhere to a strict schedule is important.”
Not only does a watch help you stick to your schedule, being timely may help your business relationships. “I have seen more business meetings go sour before they even start because someone was 20 minutes late or ‘forgot’ a conference call”. “Respecting others’ time and managing yours is essential in running a successful business.”

4. Meditating

Are you giving your happiness the attention it deserves?

“Maintaining your composure when you’re uncomfortable—with a genuine smile on your face—is the sign of a great leader.” You have to find time to be with yourself, reflect on the things that are working are not working, and meditate on your life in general to remain happy.

5. Maintaining a stable culture

Running your business is infinitely easier when everyone gets along.
Fostering and maintaining a positive company culture is important—not only will your employees enjoy coming to work, but they’re likely to stay longer, and be more invested in the company as a whole.
Before hiring anyone, ensure that the individual will be a great addition to the already existing employees. These are the people that you spend most of your time with, so it is important to want to be around them.
Working with a group of people who enjoy each others company helps your business run more smoothly.
Let your employees  see their coworkers as friends.

6. Reading up-to-date industry news

Level with me—are you guilty of a little too much navel-gazing?
While it’s tempting to think of your business as a microcosm, broaden your horizons.
At the very least, keeping an eye on your local community can be helpful.
Not only will you be staying informed and aware of how your business can best serve your community, but you might even be able to use your community as a source of further inspiration.
By knowing what the community needs, you can generate ideas about how to start new projects or initiatives that address the issues and provide company awareness.

7. Being active

Don’t fall into the trap of feeling too busy to exercise.
Not only is it good for you, but doing physical activity that you enjoy can actually help you be more productive.
Leading an active and healthy lifestyle takes discipline and commitment, and it creates a synergy between living life and running a business.
You can’t run a business without discipline, and you’ll never be successful without 100 percent commitment.

8. Having a good leadership team

Choose your leaders well—they will set the tone for your company culture as well as the structural integrity of your business.
The right team makes all the difference, when it comes to running your business successfully, the people around you are one of the most essential elements. 

9. Tracking metrics 

These metrics include labor cost, material cost, lead time, sales. Everything is measured and shown in real time throughout the company.

10. Spending time outside of the office

When all else fails? Go outside.
Conventional wisdom applauds insane work ethics. “There are fabled stories of all-nighters, sleeping under desks, and 100-hour work weeks.”
But, does this really lead to great ideas?
I doesn’t think so.
It’s often the time spent outside the office that provides the biggest breakthroughs. Whether that’s triggered by reading, meeting with another entrepreneur, or going for a walk. “Being able to zoom out and think deeply is essential for running a business.