The Protean Entrepreneur: 6 Tips on How to Thrive in Today’s Economy

Social-Entrepreneurship-large-300x225

The SHIFT has occurred ! 

The economic earthquake is measuring an 11 on the Richter Scale.  Technology is replacing jobs and industries and outsourcing is on the rise. In fact, given what is happening in the Middle East, we may see many more new inductees into the free market capitalist system; this on top of the 1.8 billion people who were inducted when the Cold War ended.

The shift has occurred and everyone must acknowledge it and adapt to it

The good new for Protean Entrepreneurs is that this shift has created UNLIMITED OPPORTUNITIES to thrive and make a fortune! No time in the history of humankind can you reach out and touch 7 billion people around the globe for free. Today, you can Skype anyone, anywhere to create your own market and entrepreneurial opportunities!

The Protean Entrepreneur Must Be Like Proteus

Business-TechnologyThe word Protean comes from the mythical Greek sea god (son of Poseidon), who was best known for two primary strengths: 1) He was able to foretell / predict the future and 2) He was able to change, adapt, and acclimate himself to successful meet and thrive in the future that he envisioned. Today, ALL entrepreneurs must be like Proteus meaning they must take personal responsibility, anticipate current and future trends, predict how they can leverage future opportunities, and adapt and act accordingly.

The Protean Entrepreneur monitors and assesses the marketplace; develops the skills and resources necessary to identify and capitalize on new and untapped market opportunities, creates strategic alliances and relationships, and is ready to make swift, competent decisions and act on those decisions to achieve an abundance of success.

Six Success Strategies For Protean Entrepreneurs:

1.       Deliver MORE in value than you receive in compensation

  • Give more than what is expected as this is the BEST investment you can make in your future.
  • Never go to bed as stupid as you woke up; learn something new and valuable every day.
  • When you give more than what’s expected, you will get more back in the long run.

2.       Invest 45 minutes a day (minimum) of “thinking time”

  • New ideas require new thoughts; new thoughts require “thinking time.”
  • Invest “thinking time” anticipating the future so you leverage unlimited future opportunities.
  • Don’t neglect the tough stuff; use “thinking time” to identify and neutralize potential obstacles.

3.       Strategic collaboration rather than confrontation

  • “United we stand, divided we fall.” Value differences and use “synergy” to grow and prosper.
  • Leadership is taking a little more of the blame and a little less of the credit; set aside ego.
  • Charles Darwin said, ““In the long history of humankind, those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.”

4.       Identify and flaunt your differential factors

  • Whatever you do, you must “WOW” your customers.
  • Successful Protean Entrepreneurs stand out tall and sail only in the Sea of Excellence.
  • To Protean Entrepreneurs, mediocrity and average are neither rewarded nor acceptable.

5.       Personal responsibility

  • Can you imagine a parking lot with a sign,”We take full responsibility for all your belongings in your car?  Why not?  A Protean parking lot would have the means to ensure this.
  • Protean Entrepreneurs are innovative and resourceful; they don’t find excuses or blame others for their challenges or setbacks. They take personal responsibility to make things work!
  • Protean Entrepreneurs plant seeds of opportunity every day. They do NOT neglect the discipline of planting and caring so they attain a future harvest.

6.       Ask high quality questions

Protean Entrepreneurs always ask high quality of questions:

  • What do I have to study and who do I have to meet to succeed? NOT where am I going for Happy Hour?
  • How do I work a bit harder and smarter to become true master of my craft? NOT how can things get easier for me and how can I cut corners?
  • What changes will take place in the future and what skills and qualifications must I invest in to thrive in the future? NOT how can I do well with making any changes?

* Protean Entrepreneurs will thrive in the future and find self-reward and self-fulfillment in the process.