5 Things Seasoned Small Business Owners Can Learn From Rookie Entrepreneurs
With age and years of experience, you, the seasoned small business owner, have developed a firm frame of reference and achieved a lot of wisdom. You’ve walked the walk and have built your company by applying what you’ve learned and staying the course. You have a lot to be proud of!
But as time has gone by, you might also have found it’s easy to become complacent and resist change. After all, you’ve been on the job for a while. You might not find running your business as new and exciting as you did once upon a time. Or you might see no point in making alterations to how you run your business; your modus operandi has brought you this far, right?
As someone who has started and run my own businesses since I graduated from law school, I know well how the passion for entrepreneurship can wax and wane. When the fascination and fulfillment take nosedives, it’s time to find a way to rekindle your interest. You’ve invested your time, your energy, and your heart and soul into your company. It’s worth looking for ways to reshape your attitude and refresh aspects of your business that may have gone stale.
So, where might you find the inspiration you need to do those things? Why not look to new entrepreneurs who have a fresh take on what operating a small business is all about?
While it may be tempting to dismiss young rookie entrepreneurs as novices who are still learning the ropes, in truth they have qualities accomplished business owners can benefit from emulating.
What rookie small business owners can teach seasoned pros
1. Unwavering passion
When the going gets tough, rookie entrepreneurs push even harder toward their goals. Obstacles schmobstacles. They’re hungry to accomplish what they’ve set out to do and to prove to themselves they CAN do it.
2. Commitment to doing greater good
The new generation of business owners wants to be a part of something that extends beyond their work. By getting behind causes they believe in, these entrepreneurs find motivation and greater fulfillment. They seek to improve the lives of those in the communities in which they live and work, and in the process they find a higher purpose.
3. Online networking prowess
Most young professionals are adept at using social media to meaningfully connect with peers, customers, project partners, friends, family, and the online community at large. They embrace the ever-advancing technology and aren’t afraid of testing new platforms to explore their potential.
4. A knack for making lemonade out of lemons
Rather than lower their heads in shame at making mistakes as they launch and ramp up their businesses, rookie entrepreneurs use their slipups as stepping stones. They don’t let setbacks discourage their drive to get it right the next time.
5. Prepared to pivot
When an opportunity doesn’t pan out, this new generation of business owners isn’t afraid to knock on other doors. These entrepreneurs make agility a priority, so they can readily pivot when they need to change direction and try something new.
A fresh view will do you—and your business—good
If running your business has lost some of its appeal and excitement or you’re fearful of change, how will you reclaim your entrepreneurial mojo? Consider talking with some inspired and energetic rookie business owners in your community to find out what charges (and recharges) their batteries. Although they might be young and less experienced than you, I’ll bet you can learn a great deal from them.
