#1 Ingredient for a Successful Entrepeneur

The great thing about going into business for yourself is that you are going in to business with yourself. In other words, you are your own best partner, best confidant, best mentor and, when you really need it the most, best friend. Just like that nasty substitute teacher told me I’d never get anywhere because of my family history, my self told me he was wrong – and worked hard to prove him wrong.
But being yourself is about more than just feeling good. In business, being yourself is actually your best attitude. Those businesses that have personality, that standout, that make you remember them, that pay attention to the details, that help you identify them are basically those that have a unique identity. Oftentimes, that identity is as unique as its founder and CEO.
If you don’t believe me, try thinking about Microsoft without picturing Bill Gates. Can you hear the words “Virgin Records” and not think of its owner, Richard Branson? Remember how warm and fuzzy Dave Thomas always made you feel in his ads for Wendy’s?
Now imagine seeing the Apple logo and not thinking of Steve Jobs. And in my own neck of the woods, at least when it comes to barbecue, try thinking about Bush’s Baked Beans without picturing its owner and CEO, Jay Bush – and his dog Duke!
My point here is that you don’t have to worry if you don’t have an MBA, if your biggest investor is your great-grandfather’s coin collection or if your warehouse looks more like a one-room schoolhouse. You have you – your unique personality, views on life and vision for your company – and that’s the first step to success in any endeavor.