Can't-do thoughts are an obstacle to success by Bob Bernhard
You probably remember the childhood story about "The Little Engine that Could."
The same power of positive thinking can help you overcome the inevitable obstacles to becoming a successful entrepreneur.
Your attitude toward business directly affects what you achieve.
The moment you become a business owner, you represent yourself, the business and your expectations for success. Your attitude and manner convey your confidence and commitment to small business. Exemplify a can-do outlook.
Many entrepreneurs confess that they get a charge from the combination of a desire to succeed and the requisite hard work.
If you never underestimate the competition, you never underestimate your ability to rise to the occasion.
Small business is dynamic, and your energy level, both real and perceived, influences how successful you will be in the marketplace.
In the small-business world of modest profit margins, fierce competition and time constraints, don't be guilty of the four cardinal "can't do it" ways of thinking.
1. I can't. I have no time; I've already got too much on my plate.
2. I can't. There's just not enough money to do everything.
3. I can't. My competitors are making the market too tough.
4. I can't. Technology will only complicate my business.
Of course, although funds may be lacking, competitors seldom are.
You constantly will need to learn new things to stay at least even with your competition. Yet, those people you most admire in business look not at setbacks but at opportunities.
That spirit of can-do -- what can we do today, what will we do tomorrow and how we will succeed -- is the essence of success.
Successful businesspeople know where their businesses are going.
They have a plan that they follow based on their clearly articulated goals.
Customers, colleagues, employees and lenders all look at you to gauge the value and strength of your business.
Your positive attitude and energy signal its vitality -- and its viability.
Therefore, mentally prepare for success. Develop a can-do outlook.
Be the motivator, the dreamer and the real-world implementer.
Commit yourself to balancing the world of possibilities with the business realities.
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The Oregon Small Business Development Center Network’s funding partners
include sixteen community colleges, three regional universities,
the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Oregon Economic & Community Development Department.
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