Avoiding The Top 5 Entrepreneurial Mistakes Of 2012

2011 came and went, and now we have a chance to do it all over again. I was taught to learn from others’ mistakes so you don’t have to repeat them. Whether you’re pursing entrepreneurship for the first time or are a seasoned veteran, I’m sure you can identify with these misjudgments that none of us wants to make:

1. Overcommitting: Yes, the new year is a perfect time to plan to do all the things you didn’t accomplish in 2011. Saying no can often be a very difficult thing. It can cause an extensive amount of anger, damage to relationships and an overwhelming feeling of guilt. But overcommitting can overwhelm you and, in return, slow the progress of growing your business. Take time out to make an action plan for the year and take strategic steps to make them happen while celebrating each achievement. For more great tips on how to stop overcommitting, click here, here and here.

2. Avoiding Technology: We are in the technology age, when everything happens via the Internet. Not being up to date on the latest technological information and software can ruin your business. Take advantage of social media — outlets like Facebook and Twitter, which can expand your brand to a larger audience while building relationships with new potential customers. Internet marketing for your business is no longer an option — so visit sites like Mashable to get started with your social-media tutorials. Read technology magazines and get industry information from sources such as InfoWorld, Information Week, CRN.com, DarwinMag.com and BlackEngineer.com.

3. Miseducation: It’s your absolute duty to educate yourself in the area of business you choose, so you know about all the pitfalls, resources, research and benefits your industry has to offer. There’s no reason to re-create the wheel for tools that can propel your business when you have access to information from the Web. We have all we need at our fingertips; we just have to be open to seeing it or reading it. In business, it’s very important to read magazines that will provide educational information about business. Every week, visit sites or subscribe to newsletters from great business companies such as Entrepreneur.com, Inc.com, Black Enterprise, BusinessWeek, Fortune, Forbes and TheCASHFLOW.

4. No Team: “Together Everyone Achieves More”: T-E-A-M. No one can do it alone, whether you find the right people to work on your team who believe in you and your vision, or whether you’re getting the right mentoring to learn how to develop your organizational chart. Make sure you have a solid team that will support your efforts and can help take your brand to the next level. Teamwork makes the dream work! For great tips on maximizing your team, click here, here and here.

5. Lack of Confidence: This is your dream, and if you don’t believe in it, who will? It’s important to have a sense of self when growing your business, because people will surely tell you that it can’t and won’t work. Confidence is key! For tips on building confidence, click here, here and here.

Now that you know these mistakes, don’t make them.

Happy New Year!

Cameka Smith, Founder
The BOSS Network
“Bringing Out Sucessful Sisters” in 2012

Visit www.thebossnetwork.org today!