If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own business or becoming a successful entrepreneur, it’s a long road to success. However, today’s aspiring business owners have the advantage of being able to use the advice of those who have done it before them. 

We’re rounded up some of the best advice from business owners around the world so that you can use it to help you on your journey. 

Surround yourself with a good network of support

Building a business can feel like a lonely time. Long hours and having to learn a lot of things from scratch. But most successful entrepreneurs will tell you that having a great support network around you, both in your personal and professional life. 

Professional advisers -  can support you and take care of the specialized areas such as law, security, IT. If you’re starting an import-export trade, then you need to work with the best customs brokers to get the best outcomes and avoid breaking any trade regulations. 

Other business owners can be a great source of support and encouragement. Find a networking group in your area or online where you discuss issues with people who truly understand what you’re going through. 

Family and friends. It can seem like your business can take over your life at times. Having people outside of it that you can talk to and spend time with is invaluable. 

Always be open to learning new things

You may already know a lot, but you don’t know everything. Be confident in your own abilities, but admit when you don’t know something and need to either educate yourself, or find someone that does. You should never believe that there’s nothing left to learn. 

Walk before you can run

There’s a delicate balance between planning for your future successes and the day-to-day tasks you have to accomplish right now to get to that point. Plan well and work everyday to achieve your goals. 

Learn to manage your time

Some people are naturally great at managing their time. For the rest of us, it takes a little work. It’s easy to let days, weeks or even months go by without really achieving what you need to. It’s easy to get side tracked or feel like you’re constantly busy without being productive. Be protective of your time. Plan it carefully and commit only to those activities that will bring about results or help you to achieve your goals. 

Feeling productive can give you a huge motivation and energy boost as well as giving you time for your family and social life too. 

Find a mentor

A great mentor can have a transformational effect on your life and business. They can help you set goals, give advice and hold you accountable for your own progress. Many successful entrepreneurs are happy to enter into mentorship arrangements either informally or through a scheme. 

Use feedback effectively

It can be difficult to hear feedback, especially when it isn’t all positive. But it can be the key to developing your business and moving it forward. Seek out people who will be able to give you constructive feedback and use it. 

Learn to build a network

Strengthening your network is great business advice for anyone. Networks can provide business opportunities, provide you with inspiration, access to professionals who can give you advice and even make new friends. 

Start off by having a great LinkedIn profile and participating in relevant groups. From there you can look to going networking groups or attend events in your local area. As you get more confident, you start joining different group and even start speaking at them should the opportunity arise. 

Don’t let it consume you

The internet is full of stories of successful people who started out working 20 hour days, neglecting their family, friends and even their own health. But people are tired of the glorification or burnout or self neglect. Yes, starting a business takes time and effort, but not at the expense of your health or you family life. 

Build time into your life for the things that are important to you. Spend regular time with your family, taking vacations and looking after your health. Don’t sideline your hobbies either, they’re a part of who you are. 

Final thoughts 

When embarking on your business journey, it’s best to do as much research as possible in order to avoid some of the common pitfalls. Getting into good habits early can really make a difference to your success as well as your life.

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