3 Tips for Enduring the Trials of Entrepreneurship

Surviving the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship can be tough, but persistence is an essential skill for an entrepreneur. Here are three tips for seeing your endeavor through:
Don't predict your own failure. It's easy to see everything that could go wrong. Instead of looking at all your possible future failures, focus on the task in front of you and make it a success.
Don't let your feelings get in the way. You may not feel like doing another draft of your business plan or making another pitch after you've heard "no" too many times. But do what you must despite how you may feel.
Lean on your partners. When you're having a bad day or feel like it's not worth all the effort, talk to your partners and share what you're feeling.

Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Lessons in Entrepreneurship from a Gay Father of Triplets" by Dan Pallotta.
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Don't Get Defensive, Ask Questions

When you are criticized or told "no," your instinct may be to immediately fight back and defend your position or project. Next time you face resistance, instead of articulating all the reasons why you are right or why your project should be funded, ask a few simple questions. Questions like, "Why did you say that?" or "What led you to that conclusion?" can help the other person rethink his assumptions and help you understand more about where he is coming from. Asking questions allows you to get beyond the immediate disagreement and deeper into what is driving each side.

Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Overcome Resistance With the Right Questions" by Kevin Daley.

Managers vs Leaders

It is very easy to be a manager; but it is very hard to be a leader who leads and develops people.
· Managers only look at what is happening today. They want the day to pass by.
· Leaders manage and look at the whole picture. They think about today because it will affect their tomorrow.
· Managers are selfish. They want to control everything so they can get credit for everything.
· leaders are unselfish. If they see a team member successes, it makes them feel proud.
· Leaders blame no one, but managers blame everyone.
· Managers think about their growth and career advancement.
· leaders work very hard to help their team members grow and advance.
· Managers give orders to the team.
· Leaders communicate and share information with the team.
So, are you a manager or a leader?