Unconventional Business Advice from Successful Entrepreneurs

Do you want to be a successful entrepreneur? Where should you start? What should you focus on? There are so many questions that need to be answered if you're a newbie entrepreneur.

Thankfully, you don't have to go at it alone. There are plenty of experienced go-getters and successful entrepreneurs who have gone before us.

So we asked some of today's top online entrepreneurs, bloggers and authors what unconventional business advice they'd like to share with other aspiring entrepreneurs. Below are their insightful and inspiring answers.

Don’t Stop Hustling

J. Money, Founder of Budgets Are Sexy (@budgetsaresexy)

Hustle, hustle, hustle! And then when you're about to stop and go to bed, hustle some more ;) Everyone mentions it, but it really is true. The ones who become the most successful are the ones working their asses off the most -- whether you see them doing it or not (and believe me, you rarely see them doing it). I recently came across this quote from Will Smith who summed it up perfectly: "The only thing I see that is distinctly different about me is I'm not afraid to die on a treadmill. I will not be outworked, period. You might have more talent than me, you might be smarter than me, you might be sexier than me, you might be all of those things you got it on me in nine categories. But if we get on the treadmill together, there's two things: You're getting off first, or I'm going to die. It's really that simple..."

Start an Email List

Alexis Grant, Entrepreneurial Writer at Alexis Grant (@alexisgrant)

Start an email list! No matter what service you're offering, you can help yourself out by growing a newsletter from the very beginning. It will help you with lead generation, finding new clients, selling any products you develop and bringing opportunities your way. Newsletter platform MailChimp is free for up to 2,000 subscribers, so you need not invest money, just your time.

Prioritize Your Customers

Andrew Schrage, Owner & Editor-in-chief of Money Crashers (@MoneyCrashers)

Freelancers who are launching an online business should always place priority on customer service. You'll be scrounging for customers in the beginning, so it's important to take great care of each one who patronizes your start-up -- especially since they can significantly improve your chances of success by spreading the word. Make sure any dissatisfied customers are overcompensated, and do your best to ensure that they'll still consider doing business with your company in the future. Provide your product or service in a fast, friendly, and professional manner, and be sure that any staff members you bring on understand the importance of providing good customer service. It's one of the best ways to sustain and grow an online business.

Don’t Give Up

Amanda Abella, Career Coach & Writer of Amanda Abella (@amandaabella)

Don't give up on your vision no matter what is happening outside of you. Maybe you'll have to get a day job to make ends meet, maybe things will get tough for a bit, and maybe you'll have to make some sacrifices (I've done all 3). But don't let comfort or fear get in the way of your ultimate vision. The ones who never make it are the ones who don't hold on to their dreams with everything they've got.

Take the First Step

Brandon Turner, Senior Editor of BiggerPockets (@BrandonatBP)

It's important to just start -- even if you don't know which direction to go. When I first started building online businesses, I had no clue where I'd end up. Even though my whole family thought I was crazy as I tried out a dozen different ideas, I learned things at every step which helped build what I have going today -- and the things I have going on today will help me tomorrow. It's a continuous, exciting, scary, amazing journey. Far too many people don't actually start building their businesses because they don't know the exact first step they should take. Newsflash: NO ONE KNOWS what the first step to take is. You just step out there, and correct your course as you go. Don't worry about making the perfect choices, just focus on starting.

Become the Obvious Expert

Todd Tresidder, Financial Coach & Founder of Financial Mentor (@FinancialMentor)

Choose a marketable skill that commands seriously high compensation, and become the obvious expert so employers have no choice but to hire only you. Then beware of low paying skills that you might enjoy -- it’s a dead-end trap. There must be demand for the skill and lucrative compensation to justify the effort. When you identify the right skill and develop the content marketing infrastructure online, you can position yourself as the obvious expert. No longer is infamy determined by traditional media. Become your own media company (YouTube Video, itunes Podcast, Blogging, Self-published books on Amazon, etc.) and self-create your own infamy in your chosen field. It is fully within your control and will position you as the expert -- creating more business than you can handle.

Do Something You Love

Jim Wang, Founder of Bargaineering (@bargainr)

Do something you absolutely love, because there will be times when business will be tough, or slow, or just wear you down, and as long as you love what you do you'll persevere. Success in anything is as much perseverance as it is ability or luck.

Connect With Online Communities

Sandy Sidhu, Founder of SidekickPM (@sandysidhu)

Starting an online business can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming. It really helps to join online communities where other like-minded entrepreneurs are hanging out to network, learn and get feedback on your ideas. Not only will you be surrounded by other go-getters but you will quickly build up a network of global entrepreneurs with varied perspectives and valuable experience. You can find these communities on Twitter chats, in Facebook groups or in Google+ communities.

Build Your Portfolio

Berrak Sarikaya, Amplifier at Berrak Sarikaya (@BerrakDC)

When you're first starting out, the most important goal is to build a portfolio and credibility. Before you break out into freelancing, set clear expectations for your long-term goals, but be flexible in the projects that you take on in the beginning. No project is too small when you're building your portfolio. You never know where a small administrative project could lead if you do a rockstar job on it. This is when you begin to build the relationships that will grow into a professional freelance network.

Start Yesterday

Lance, Owner of Money Life and More (@MoneyLifeMore)

Start your project yesterday and find a network of people who were recently in a similar position you're in now. The internet is full of all sorts of forums, and most people are more than willing to help out. The worst that can come from an email is no response, so what do you have to lose? I waited a year to get started and now wonder where I'd be if I started a year earlier. Don't wonder! Start yesterday and grow your support network! You'll be glad you did.

Focus on Big Projects Daily

Shawndra Russell, Digital Strategist & Writer at Shawndra Russell (@ShawndraRussell)

Work on something BIG that is just for you, every day. Even if you have a day job or are swamped with client work and deadlines, working on your "next big thing" on a daily basis -- even for only 20 minutes -- will yield awesome results. Plus, I find that I'm more productive and focused on other projects if I've worked on one of my "big things" to start the day (in my case, eguides and novels). Chip away at that pie in the sky, my friends, chip away.

Break Away From the Pack

Carissa Pelletier, Founder of Kiddya (@kiddyadotcom)

If you hear the inner voice of entrepreneurship calling, make a plan to break away from the pack and answer it. Don't worry if your first (or second, or third!) venture fails, keep trying until you succeed. It won't be easy, but it's yours! No job is more time-consuming, bank account-draining, or exhausting, than being your own boss -- but it’s both pride-inducing and fulfilling. Well, maybe being a parent and I've had the pleasure of doing both!

Always Ask Questions

Tahnya Kristina, Founder of My Diary Entry (@TahnyaKristina)

Get everything in writing and don't be afraid to ask questions. You want to show clients that you are a professional. Sometimes people think that means that we have to know everything, but the truth is that in order to get all the details and fully understand the client's expectations you have to ask questions. This is one big mistake that I made when I was starting out -- not asking enough questions. Now I know that asking questions doesn't make you look inexperienced, it makes you look like a professional!

Make Connections

Karen DeFelice, Owner & Creator of Verve Organics (@verveorganics)

You can't start a new business alone: Tell everyone. Make connections. Ask for help. Do new things that scare the hell out of you. Find an online community with colleagues in your field that will help guide you, give you advice and feedback, and mentor you.

Listen to Yourself

Emily Levenson, Coach & Inspirational Writer at Emily Levenson (@emilylevenson)

Be true to yourself. You are going to get a lot of advice from everyone and their grandmother. Some of it will be great, and some of it won't. By staying true to yourself, you will create a business (and life) you love.

Make Mistakes Early and Often

Joel Wenger, Owner of Invest Safely (@investsafely)

Get started TODAY! Not tomorrow, not next week. Right now. It takes a lot of time and effort to build an online business, and not including any content you need to create. And you're going to make mistakes, so make them early and often. They'll cost a lot less now than they will in the future. P.S. My other tip is to read Pat Flynn's blog at www.smartpassiveincome.com. It's the best resource out there for newbie entrepreneurs!

Learn From a Well-Connected Client

Philip Taylor, Founder & Editor-in-chief of PT Money (@ptmoney)

It's good to work with several clients (to reduce your risk), but don't be afraid of spending a big chunk of your time with a successful, well-connected client that you want to learn from. As a freelancer you'll get the inside scoop on how the business runs. If you do good work and become a trusted source, a client is likely to invest in you and be your biggest advocate when you're ready to go to the next level.

Invest in a Better You

Kay Bell, Owner of SKB Editorial Services (@taxtweet)

Become a better you, professionally. Regardless of what your business is, there likely are professional organizations and continuing education programs for it. Take the classes, webinars and seminars. Go to conferences. Select the top one or two professional groups in your field and join. Read the newsletters. Attend the annual conferences (even out of town events; the travel is tax deductible!). You'll learn things about your field from folks who have been in it for a while and you can put their experience to work for your company. And if the groups have chapters in your area, go to those meetings. Not only will you learn more about your field, you'll make professional connections, and possibly new friends, who can help as your grow your business. The more you know, the more valuable your services will be.

Put Systems in Place

Colleen Wietmarschen, Owner of Clerical Plus Support (@ClericalPlusVA)

Put systems into place right away so you aren't always reinventing the wheel. You can always make changes to a procedure, but you won't have to start at the beginning every time. Systems save you time and money!

Find Support Today

Stacy Spensley, Healthy Life Coach & Head Bossypants at Center Stage Wellness (@stacyspensley)

You don't get bonus points for being a martyr. My biggest regret was not getting support sooner. I thought I should be able to do it all myself (and I probably could), but it's isolating and, frankly, boring. This could mean working in a co-working space, forming a mastermind group, or hiring a business coach. Asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, it's smart. You need a network; start early to build a solid foundation.

Always Be Networking

John Schmoll, President of Ink Harmony & Founder of Frugal Rules (@FrugalRules)

Never be too busy to network. Even if you run an online business, as I do with Frugal Rules, you can't stop networking. When my wife and I started our professional copywriting business, we really didn't network. After a year of lackluster results, we looked for local and virtual networking opportunities that would put us in touch with peers we could learn from and ideal clients we could inform about our services. The second and now third years of our business have been much more profitable and much of that is owed to our redoubled networking efforts. Our other piece of advice: find what you love and surround yourself with people who share your passion. You'll feed off their energy and be motivated to constantly improve your trade.

Don’t Be Afraid to Be Picky

Ryan Chatterton, Content Strategist & Project Manager at Ryan Chatterton (@rchatterton)

Be picky as hell. Picky with the quality of your work, with your website, and especially picky with the clients/projects you take on. Here's why: Yes, clients are paying you for your time and skill, but what most of them really want is for you to care about their project as much as they do. Care, and they'll love you.

Learn to Say No

Melinda Schnyder, Freelance Journalist & Content Creator at Melinda Schnyder (@melindaschnyder)

New freelancers must learn to say no, and then actually SAY no when necessary. It's wonderful to feel wanted, but don't let your ego get in the way of making good business decisions. Sure, it can feel scary to say no, especially if your schedule is open and your bank account could use a deposit. Sometimes, though, it's smart and brave to say no -- for example, if the client's budget doesn't support the level of expertise you offer, or you and the client aren't a good fit for one another, or the project doesn't match up with the goals or values you have for yourself and your freelance business.

Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

Lis Dingjan, Business Brander & Designer at The Identity (@LisDingjan)

There's no such thing as failure if you try and experiment. If you never try, you'll never know. Just start right now with the smallest of steps and keep on going. Take the paths that branch off, revel in the new opportunities and launch those brilliant ideas. Don't compare yourself to all those around you. They started from the beginning too. Remember there's 7 billion people in this world. You just need a few in your corner. So breathe, create, start and have fun!

Create a Client Intake System

Natasha Vorompiova, Founder of SystemsRock (@SystemsThatRock)

You've got to create a solid client intake system, so you don't reinvent the wheel every time you get a new client. Think through and note what's going to happen at each of the phases -- having an info session, getting a written commitment, receiving a payment, arranging for things internally, providing the clients with the details they might need, like the timeline of the project, ways to schedule appointments, the client's responsibilities, your policies, etc.. Having great clients requires laying down the rules and clarifying the process in order to get them the best results.

Understand Your WHY

Lisa Stein, Owner and Editor of Freelance Mom (@freelancemomcom)

The key is to quickly decide WHY you want to freelance. This will drive every decision you will make and will help motivate you to make the transition. I wish I did this earlier, so I didn’t have to pivot my business so many times. Maybe you want to use a particular expertise you have, or work with certain people or a certain cause. Maybe you want to stay at home with your kids, but not let your brain turn to mush. Whatever your WHY is, try and figure it out early on, so you know exactly what direction to go in.

Find Your Obsession

Catherine Alford, Founder of Budget Blonde (@BudgetBlonde)

When you want to start a freelance career, it can be difficult to know exactly what type of service to offer. My advice is to choose the one thing that you love so much, it literally keeps you up at night. Essentially, you are so passionate and so obsessed with it that you're staying up past midnight working on it after you've already worked 8 hours of your day job. This intensity, drive, sparkle -- whatever you want to call it -- is how you know you're ready to break out on your own.

Get Paid to Learn

Teresa Mears, Editor-in-chief of Living on the Cheap (@cheaplives)

If you're serious about making a living, you'll have to find out what the market will pay for and then figure out where your skills fit. "Do what you love and the money will follow" is not good advice for starting an online business, though you may get to move closer to that once you’re established. My second piece of advice is to see if you can get a job in your field, either fulltime or parttime, to learn the business on someone else's dime (unless you've already done that).

Be Persistent (But Not Pushy)

Karen Cordaway, Freelance Writer & Owner of Money Saving Enthusiast (@msenthusiast)

Be persistent and follow-up. People in general are very busy. If you contact them, they may not get to your email right away so you think you've lost an opportunity. If you haven't heard back from someone, send a follow up email a week later. Don't be pushy. Most times you will get a response if you follow up. Also, find out the best way to reach them. Some people are easier to find via social media. Observe where they are and be there. I was able to record an interview with a financial expert because I tried to get the interview 5 different ways.

Consciously Create Your Business

Christine Morris, Online Business Manager at Strategic Growth & Development (@YourSGD)

Be selective in creating the business and life you want. Don’t be so eager to start that you accept clients or work that drains you. Know what you want and go for it!

Don’t Let Fear Stop You

Jackie Beck, Entrepreneur at The Debt Myth (@thedebtmyth)

Believe in yourself, and then act fast and often. Don't waste your time letting fear paralyze you or getting every last detail perfect before you launch. Get your idea or product tested with real customers quickly and see how it goes. It's true: things may not work out the way you'd imagined, but sometimes they end up even better. And if they don't, try again. You may feel like you're crazy at times, but that's okay. You have to be a little crazy to turn dreams into reality. How else would we have gotten to the moon?

Don’t Get Caught Barefoot

Christine Pantazis, Digital Strategist at Christine Pantazis (@wedding_crasher)

Creating a successful profitable business is not easy. It takes time and effort. This is the advice I have to give to someone just starting out. Plan your attack and stick to it. It’s important to have a plan. Plans keep us honest, motivated and able to track progress. There will be days that you’re tired, it’s hard to keep it up, and you just want to give up. DON’T. Stick to it. Keep pushing, networking, talking volunteering. Keep doing whatever it takes to succeed. The important thing here is to remember to set some boundaries. Remember to take some time off and have fun. In this day and age, the freelancer needs to have an online presence / website / blog. One central location where potential clients can locate you, your work, portfolio and testimonials. It speaks to your expertise and authority in your industry. Don’t get caught barefoot.

What's your favorite quote from these successful entrepreneurs?