Being an entrepreneurs is very freeing and exciting, but there’s a lot of hard work and sacrifice behind it. Simply wanting to be an entrepreneur doesn’t always translate to success. For those of you who are entrepreneurs, or are ready to take the plunge, here are some factors you must learn, improve on and master to become successful.

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1. Do what you are passionate about.
2. Get organized and disciplined – time management, organization, and management skills.
3. Create a business plan and follow through.
4. Manage cash flow carefully.
5. Develop salesmanship skills.
6. Promote and enhance your brand at every opportunity.
7. Be professional, personable, and inviting.
8. Listen to your customers and improve.
9. Use and build on your strengths and surround yourself with people to help with your weaknesses.
10. Find a niche and become the expert.
11. Use technology wisely to improve your business and processes.
12. Focus on standing out from your competition.
13. Make sure people can easily find you, promote all your contact information and make sure people can reach you any time.
14. Seek and develop partnerships to help your business grow, add brand value and increase brand awareness.
15. Establish continual professional development for yourself and team, and stay current on the latest information in your business.
16. Your business focus should be about solving problems and helping your customer’s needs.
17. Your business should be very actively involved in the community to increase exposure.
18. Excel in customer service and satisfaction.
19. It’s always about the customers. Follow up on every sale, listen and improve, befriend them and provide personalized excellence consistently.
20. Establish a relationship and/or friendship with your customers. Stay in contact with them online and face to face.

Also read: 10 Ways to Improve Your Small Business Operations
There will be a process of trial and error as you learn, improve and master these factors. Start locally and build on a base of loyal customers. Become the master of your brand, establish a network of supporters and customers, and excel in helping your customers solve problems with your business. Here’s to your success!