The Founders' 5 Timeless Lessons for Entrepreneurs
By Jim Joseph, Marketing Master - Author - Blogger - Dad
I know I’m not the first to label our forefathers as among our first entrepreneurs. I may even go so far to say that Benjamin Franklin and gang were the first to truly foster an entrepreneurial spirit in this country. Of course, the pilgrims certainly started the movement here in the U.S., but it was the Declaration of Independence that
cemented it in place, at least in my view of history.
As we celebrate another of our country’s birthdays, it strikes me that there’s a lot we can still learn from the great men and women of that day, and how they created, embedded and popularized an entrepreneurial environment that ultimately gave birth to one of the greatest nations in the world. They formed a nation that now celebrates small business and encourages people to create an idea and make it their own.
Here are a few lessons learned from John Adams and all that signed us into history.
So as we look to celebrate our great nation, with all the things we love about it and all the things we’d love to change about it, let’s also celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that lives in us all and celebrate the work that you all do to keep this country alive and thriving.
Happy Fourth of July!
I know I’m not the first to label our forefathers as among our first entrepreneurs. I may even go so far to say that Benjamin Franklin and gang were the first to truly foster an entrepreneurial spirit in this country. Of course, the pilgrims certainly started the movement here in the U.S., but it was the Declaration of Independence that
cemented it in place, at least in my view of history.
As we celebrate another of our country’s birthdays, it strikes me that there’s a lot we can still learn from the great men and women of that day, and how they created, embedded and popularized an entrepreneurial environment that ultimately gave birth to one of the greatest nations in the world. They formed a nation that now celebrates small business and encourages people to create an idea and make it their own.
Here are a few lessons learned from John Adams and all that signed us into history.
1. Stick your neck out.
When
you’re an entrepreneur, you can’t be afraid to dive in, and you
certainly can’t be tentative. If you’re going to go for it, then you
have to stick your neck out there with all the energy you have and make
your idea come to life. Then you have to stick with it through thick and
thin. You may feel like you are putting your life on the line, and in
many cases you are, but that shouldn’t stop you from going for what’s
right.
2. Have a compelling argument.
Running
a new business is no easy feat, nor was starting a country, so you have
to start with a good proposition about why you have a better option.
Sure, salesmanship helps, but without a compelling argument about why
people should switch to you, you won’t be taken seriously.
3. Be a good writer (or hire one).
Of
course, no matter how compelling the argument, it’s meaningless if it’s
not well articulated. Is there anything more eloquently written than
the Declaration of Independence? Your own brand story also
needs to be told with clarity, persuasion, and with your audience in
mind -- just like Thomas Jefferson did!
4. Embrace your independence.
Wear
your entrepreneurial spirit with pride and confidence. It’s not an easy
road and the grass is always greener when you look at what the bigger
companies have, but remember that your independence is what makes you
special and compelling to your customers, so embrace it at every turn.
5. Act like a brand.
On
July 4, 1776, the United States of America not only became a country,
it became a brand with both functional and emotional benefits for its
citizens. The spirit of what John Hancock signed was in essence a brand
positioning for the kind of country they were trying to create. You too
should have that same spirit in mind as you create your business and
turn it into a brand.So as we look to celebrate our great nation, with all the things we love about it and all the things we’d love to change about it, let’s also celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that lives in us all and celebrate the work that you all do to keep this country alive and thriving.
Happy Fourth of July!
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