DO BETTER PEOPLE INTIMIDATE OR INSPIRE YOU?

An aspiring entrepreneur will, at the outset, be entering new territory as a career path. The decision to take that big step will be, most often, to emulate a businessperson who they revere.


Taking advantage of the opportunity

The opportunity to work with better people can stimulate you and provide the fuel for your aspirations.  You have an intense desire to be on his/her level. The acceptance that you have a lot to learn is the first step to reaching your goal.

We can all be better, but how do we accomplish this? Observing how the people you respect conduct themselves in business, and even personally, is important as well as identifying their best traits. Those attributes are your focal point.


Respect and fear are not always easy to recognize

The difference between respect and fear of someone who is better is a fine line. A bit of the jitters will keep anyone on his toes. Is the mentor better or does he have more business background? With time, experience, and the right attitude, a person can excel and become even better than the role model.

Don’t worry. A little fear is always good. It keeps you aware, so you don’t miss anything important.


Don’t hold back

As noted in my blog post “Runnin’ With The Big Dogs,” there will be a time when you realize that you can compete in the business game. Don’t be intimidated by the people you wish to emulate, but rather yearn to catch up to them as close as you can. You may be a few steps behind at the start of the race, but you need to keep pace as you slowly begin to reach the aspired level of expertise.

Hockey and baseball analogies enhance this concept. When does a manager keep a player in the minor leagues to further develop? Does this stagnate the player? Being called up to the major leagues too soon can erode confidence and stunt development. Is playing with minor league players a holdback or does the player in question need to be challenged? Is the anxiety based in losing or not winning? Some professional athletes state that the possibility of losing motivates them more than winning.


Your confidence comes into play

Confidence in one’s abilities or being self-assured must be a given, but at the same time should not be cocky. Self-doubt must be tempered as it can be debilitating.  The incessant drive to improve is vital as growth occurs through adversity.

However, if intimidation rather than inspiration is perceived, then the entrepreneurial route should be reconsidered.  It just may not be in your character.