Episode 13: A Beginner's Mindset

Welp... We did it... We graduated our first born and now's she in the wild word of new chapters... But, this morning I got in a short workout and the thought of "a beginner's mindset" came to mind.

I thought it was applicable to those launching, building, and growing businesses.

So, today's about last week, but also about A BEGINNER'S MINDSET.

In Today's Newsletter:

• Wins/Lessons from the week
• A Beginner's Mindset
• Weekly Take-Away: ?? New Chapters ??

Weekly Wins:

• All the senior kid stuff is behind us and now we all start new chapters. This is an emotional time, wowzer. You can't really prepare for it...
• We continue to build inside BlackSmith Ventures and our Education Platform along with all our platform companies. We're also cooking some new opportunities which are really exciting. More on that soon.
• Last week, I learned that if you're having a colonoscopy, "don't trust a fart". This week, I learned it's ok to cry... Two major life lessons.

Weekly Lessons:

• Iron Sharpens Iron
• Be present in the moments... Don't look too far back or forward. There is a time to plan and a time to execute.
• Stay focused on your purpose. Mine is around helping others be the best version of themselves while maintaining my core pillars of Faith, Family, Fitness, and Fun

A Beginner's Mindset

As a founder and entrepreneur for over 17 years, I've learned a ton of lessons through many phases of the business life cycle. But, I'm finding that whether its my first time or tenth time, if I maintain a "beginner's mindset" then I am open minded, curious, and excited about the future possibilities.

So, let's look at HOW a beginner's mindset can help you in terms of launching, building, growing, and exiting your business:

Launching Your Business:

• Speed matters most here as you test ideas, people, products, etc.
• Being open to feedback, mentorship, and groups can help you avoid early pitfalls
• My favorite is being open to learning from failures b/c it accelerates speed

Building Your Business:

• Staying ahead of industry trends and innovation really helps in this phase
• This is where collaboration can super accelerate your access to customers, ideas, and new products.
• Maintaining flexibility in your strategy still matters in the build phase... stay flexible and don't lose the startup mentality.

Growing / Scaling Your Business:

• Did you know there is a difference in growing and scaling your business? If not, ping me and I'll explain.
• But, take this step very carefully and proceed with extreme caution. Use all the same tactics here as you would as a beginner because we can't always see our blind spots.

Exiting Your Business:

• I heard it put this week by Heath Henderson who said that he tells his clients that if you're not exit planning, then you're not business planning. I love his take on this. Learning to exit, before you're ready, is a tool for all - not just experts.

These are just some hot takes, but the major point is to stay open minded, curious, and most importantly --> CONNECTED.

People & Relationships are what makes this journey so fun...

And REWARDING....

Weekly Take-Away: ?? New Chapters ??

I enjoy sharing the journey on social media because I meet so many wonderful people.

We are built to be in relationship... I'm 100% certain about that.

But, just like Venture Building, we all have new chapters with people, businesses, life, family, etc.

I heard the concept of "new chapters" put really well this week ??

When we are reading a good book and near the end of the chapter, we may be sad this part is ending...

But...

Aren't we also very excited for the next chapter?

May your week be filled with joy, peace, fulfillment, and excitement no matter where you are on this journey.

See you next week tribe.

If you're looking for more stuff like this, follow me on all social media at AndySmithLife.

If you're looking to join an entrepreneurial community BUILDING WITH PURPOSE, reach out.

If you're an entrepreneur looking for a partner, check out our Venture Building Firm, BlackSmith Ventures.