Sugarcoating is for Donuts: Entrepreneurship Is Not for the Faint of Heart

Entrepreneurship is a roller coaster ride like no other. Hang on for dear life, white knuckle, up, down, topsy turvy RIDE.

Every three months I meet with my Mastermind group. A tight knit group of I.T. business owners. Some have businesses much larger than mine, some smaller; different paths but ideally all headed in the same direction.

Last week, I traveled to meet with my Mastermind group. The timing was perfect. Why? We had been facing some challenges in our organization in recent weeks.

While donuts totally thrive on sugarcoating....BUSINESSES DO NOT.

In business, you need a group of peers that is a BS free zone. Brutal honesty can help to propel your business forward. Challenges in business will test your resolve and setbacks are inevitable.

6 Things I Have Learned From My Mastermind Group

Persistence: Being Stubborn Comes in Handy

Being tenacious is key. Success requires digging in your heels and pushing through setbacks with pure determination. Next time you hit a roadblock, channel your stubborn self to propel yourself forward.

Adaptability: Sometimes You Just Gotta Switch Gears

Flexibility is crucial in business. Markets change, and trends evolve you have to be agile and open to switching directions. Remember the ability to be agile if the small business owners super power.

Always Be Learning: Knowledge is Power

A real joy for learning is imperative in business. Staying updated on industry trends and new technology keeps you competitive. Encourage your team to pursue certifications, courses, and other opportunities for growth.

Relationships: Be a Buddy Not a Bully

One of the most important things you can do is to spend the time to build real genuine relationships in business. I am not talking spray and pray networking at a happy hour event. Take the time to build solid relationships with lasting bonds. Be the person that is known as a resource, a connector, an all around helper in the business community.

Lighten Up: All Work and No Play Make Jack and Jill Boring As...

What does your company culture look like? Are people smiling? Are they having fun? Or....are they afraid to look up from their computer screen? A playful, relaxed, work environment boosts morals and encourages creativity. Happy employees are productive employees...so lighten up already!

Celebrate Small Wins: Everyone Needs a Dance Party

We can have a tendency as entrepreneurs to be overly critical of ourselves and our achievements. Not celebrating the wins enough and hanging out with the losses way too long. We can project this tendency onto our teams. Recognize and celebrate all the wins. Acknowledging progress is going to boost morale for your team and motivate them. Go ahead celebrate those wins and party like it is 1999.

Surround yourself with people that can and will be brutally honest with you. Have the strength in character to be the same. Being straightforward with our employees and our clients builds trust.

Next time you are tempted to sugarcoat, DON'T.

Success will never be sweetened by avoidance; it will be built on a foundation of resilience and hard work. Continue on your journey of grit and determination traveling on your own unique path custom crafted uniquely for you.