Entrepreneurial Eight

1. Be weird.
Before you start a project, pass your idea through the Ben & Jerry’s test. Ask yourself, is it weird enough? Don’t waste your valuable time on something someone else can do easily.

2. Take yourself seriously.
It’s the difference between “maybe someday” and “yesterday I did.” People who believe in themselves get things done. And not taking yourself seriously gives others license to do the same. Never say, “But, I’m a girl,” or “But, I’m too young.” Just do it.

3. Learn the language.
If you’re going to start a business you need to talk the talk. Read the business pages. Subscribe to Inc. and GOOD magazines. Take a business course. Intern for savvy businesswomen. In no time you’ll be fluent in profit, net income, assets, debt and a hundred other business words.

4. Master something.
Become an expert on something: raising chickens, mastering social media or running a seed bank. Tinker in robotics or become a design guru. Who are they going to call? Make it you. Become an authority on something you love.

5. Give it away.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chris Anderson and Jesus have all weighed in on this. You gain - spiritually, mentally and monetarily - from sharing your time, your wealth and your expertise freely. If no one is willing to pay you now, do it for free just to get yourself out there.

6. Go Global.
Going global is about more than world music. The 21st century is all about the global citizen. Learn Spanish or Mandarin. Learn or vol- unteer abroad. Study maps. Did you know where Haiti was before this January?

7. Mind your manners.
You know the quote, “Well-behaved women seldom make history?” It’s nonsense. Politeness counts. Send thank-you notes, remember birthdays and be kind to everyone.

8. Make time for friends.
Did Gordon Gekko ever go bowling with his buds? Can you imagine Omarosa getting drinks with her friends after work? Every great entrepreneur has a good support network. Build yours.    

Joline Godfrey is author of 20 $ecrets to Money and Independence as well as other books on money and independence. She’s the founder/ CEO of Independent Means, a financial education company. More at independentmeans.com.

~ Next month's guest writer is Amy Richards, author of Manifesta.