I’ve been an entrepreneur ever since I can remember. Being your own boss has many perks however it can also be extremely challenging. I’ve always believed that either you have what it takes or you don’t. It’s really that simple. It’s not a skill that’s taught in a classroom or you can learn by studying, it’s something internal within your core.
Self-Driven
Being self-driven is one of the most important factors to being a successful entrepreneur. There has to be a driving force inside of you that makes you want to get up every single day and charge full steam ahead no matter what else is happening in your life. Everyone has the next million dollar idea but who has the drive and commitment needed to execute and turn those ideas into actual income producing endeavors? The constant desire to keep pushing forward is what separates entrepreneurs from the rest.
Intuition
As a boss lady of a very successful real estate career, I’ve interviewed just about every personality type you can possibly imagine. I could always tell even before I shook their hand whether or not they were going to be my next hire. I have to admit, I’m a very tough sell. We were extremely selective about who joined our company because our employees were an extension of us. They were representing our brand, our business, and our core values. I was looking for individuals who were mentally strong and those who were hungry and willing to do what was necessary to succeed. Having a good intuition is KEY to being successful. I’ve always listened to my gut and it’s NEVER (knock on wood) failed me in business or personal situations. In the cut throat business world, you have to make quick decisions, sometimes without having or knowing all the facts. Intuition is needed at those critical time and my intuition has played a major role in my success.
Mentally Tough
Becoming truly successful in business is not for the faint of heart or the weak minded. You have to have thick skin to play the game. When I say thick, I mean THICK skin. You have to stay focused no matter what gets thrown your way. When it’s your own business, you are basically starting from scratch every day to forge new deals and not too many people can handle this. You’d think being mentally tough would be super easy right? WRONG. Keeping a strong mindset is not easy and this will determine if you have it what it takes to make it. Keep reading below where I’ll discuss this even further.
Taking risks
The bigger the risk the greater the reward right? If you’re not a risk taker or the concept of taking risks scares you, entrepreneurship isn’t for you. You have to be comfortable with trading the security and stability of a paycheck every couple of weeks to starting everyday from scratch. Successful entrepreneurs are relentless honey badgers. They will claw and fight to see their dreams come true and know that without a safety net, they have no other option than to succeed.
Positive Thinking
I’m a huge believer in the power of positive thinking. This goes hand in hand with being mentally tough but I think it deserves it’s own category because it is SO IMPORTANT. Have you ever been around a super negative person and nothing seems to go their way? Yeah I try to stay away from any negativity because it’s poisonous and toxic to be around. The power of the mind is a CRAZY and AMAZING thing. I attribute a lot of my success to positive thinking. Sounds easy but again, it’s not.
Helpful Tip for a Healthier Mind
Take one day and listen to all of the self-talk that takes place within you. See how many times you doubt yourself,how many times you question your choices, how much you worry and how many times a negative thought enters your mind. The key to mental toughness is to then be aware of all of the doubt, hesitation, worry and negativity and replace them all with positive affirmations. What you put into (or feed) your brain is what will come back out. What makes this so challenging is all of the negative media that surrounds us each day. Bad news sells better so it’s rare to see media outlets reporting anything positive or uplifting.
This is why Joshua and I made a conscious decision many years ago to disconnect from the media channels and try to start and end each day media free. No newspapers and definitely no television, radio or internet news. Try it and see how quickly the quality of your thoughts and the level of positivity and optimism changes within you.
Passion
Being passionate about what you do is another KEY to being successful. I firmly believe that this trumps everything else. Without passion, you have nothing. When I say passion, I’m talking about that deep, burning desire to succeed. That indescribable feeling that gets you excited to wake up early every single morning and stay up late to achieve your goals. Not everyone has that within them and that’s okay. For those who do have it, you already know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s that bonfire in your belly.
Dress for the career you want and not the job you have
People always tell me I’m over-dressed. Seriously, I am. Better to be over-dressed than under-dressed. ALWAYS. Why? Because you NEVER know who you will meet the one day you decide to look like a slob. Have you ever noticed how much differently people treat you when you are dressed up? I’ve experienced it myself and it’s a fact. People respect you more when you look polished.
My husband Joshua had a reputation for dressing super sharp in the business world. You couldn’t ever catch him wearing anything but a tailored suit, perfectly knotted silk tie, pocket square, French cuffs with cuff links, and nice dress shoes. His hair was slicked back and he was always clean shaven. It was always fascinating to see how nicely he was treated with people calling him Sir and going the extra effort.
It’s truly amazing to see how much differently he gets treated when he lets his beard grow out all scruffy and dresses down in shorts and a t-shirt. From an appearance standpoint, it’s like two completely different men and now he’s turned it into almost a social experiment and loves to report back to me with the lessons he’s learned about not ever judging people by their appearance. The bad part is, now I can’t get him to shave and dress up again – lol! Never EVER judge! Such an important lesson I’ve learned.
Which brings me to this outfit. There’s nothing better than looking your best. When you look good, you feel good. I love this boucle jacket and matching boucle skirt SO MUCH. This jacket has elements of a trench coat and crafted in a beautiful boucle material. You can pair it with the matching skirt to make a powerhouse suit for work or you can wear it casually with jeans. This is going to be a key piece for Fall and I know this will be on heavy rotation. The best part? It fits like a glove. I’m wearing size 00 and even the sleeves are perfect.
The bow tie blouse is exactly what I’ve been needing in my closet. The bow is removable which makes this blouse even more versatile. I added a pop of color with these bow heels…do I even need to say anything about the beauties? They speak for themselves. If you’re looking for something a bit more professional, I’d recommend these baneera heels. I’m swooning over kate spade’s Fall collection. So much eye candy. Below are some of my favorites!
kate spade’s Fall Favorites
Click any item you like!
I’ve been obsessed with this cameron street byrdie bag lately. It’s just the right size and I can wear it as a crossbody and be hands free! I adore the crisp linen color – it matches with everything. If neutral isn’t your thing, it also comes in black, lilac petal and mahogany.
c/o ksny boucle jacket (size 00) // c/o ksny boucle skirt (size 0) // ksny bow tie blouse (size 00) // c/o ksny Izzie heels // c/o Cameron street byrdie // c/o Sunset blossoms bangle // Faux pearl earrings // Pink nail polish // YSL lipstick
If you’re reading this and have always wanted to start your own business and become your own boss, ask yourself these 3 questions: 1.) Am I willing to do whatever it takes to succeed? 2.) Am I truly passionate about my idea? 3.) Am I willing to fail repeatedly? If the answers are all yes, then you may have it in you.
Thank you kate spade new york for sponsoring this post.
Hi Annie,
I e-mailed you regarding advice for someone staring in the real estate field but never heard back from you. I’d be interested in hearing any advice you have since you were so successful in the field.
Hi Ronda! I’m so sorry! I must have missed your email! Can you resend? 🙂
Gorgeous look Annie!! and great post!
Thank you so much! XO
Great post, Annie! I totally agree with all of the items in this post. My son has been an entrepreneur since age 13 and has all of these qualities. I must say, I probably would not be a good entrepreneur 😉
Lol you are too funny Debbie! You just be such a proud mama 🙂
You have so many great points! Being your own boss takes a lot of hard work and dedication. I agree with you about how you should always look your best. Some people may say that looks doesn’t matter, but it really does! I’ve noticed this in the corporate world as well as the entrepreneur world. People will respect you more when you look more put together. I must admit that when I had a corporate job, I couldn’t understand how some people would show up to work everyday looking like they just rolled out of bed. Anyway, thanks for all these great pointers!
Polly
http://gemsandjoy.com
Right?! I used to wonder how so many business people wore shorts and flip flops – especially realtors! I never understood how they could dress like that and help someone sell their biggest asset! Crazy!
Love this post and its message! I wholeheartedly agree with “Dress for the career you want” AND “when you look good, you feel good” – number one reason I started my blog! Love the power outfit!
Lisa
http://www.theeverydayelevated.com
Thank you! When I look like a slob, I feel like a slob. lol Just putting on a cute outfit does wonders doesn’t it?
It really does!!!!!!! It gives me the confidence to try a new idea, approach a cutie, apply for a job, the list goes on and on!
lol right?!
YES! When I’m wearing something snazzy, I take so many risks! 😉
Woo hoo! 🙂
YES! Simple but so “life-changing” 🙂
Hi Annie! I just earned my real estate license in CA. Any recommendations on my next step? I’m interested in doing real estate on the side of my day job.
Hi there! Congrats on getting your license! Real Estate is not a side job if you truly want to be successful. It takes a lot of dedication and sacrifice. Your next steps would to hang your license with a Broker and possibly start out as a Buyer’s Agent to learn the ropes and then branch out on your own. 🙂
Hi Annie,
Wow I had no idea that you did real estate! Do you do that full time time and the blog part time?
Hi Brandi! Yes I only blogged when j had time and to de-stress from real estate 🙂
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