1.     Act Big But Embrace your size

The first rule of business is that if you want to sit down with the players you have got to act like a player. Do your research. You need to be as fluent in your industry as you possibly can be.

While admitting that you run your company out of your dorm room may not be the best play, don’t be afraid to show the more humble side of your company. Being a small fish has its advantages too. Figure out what they are and present them proudly.

2.     Never Eat Alone

Networking, Networking, Networking. Business is just the culmination of a series of conversations between human beings and the financial transactions that proceed. Master the art of conversation and you’re a step closer to mastering the art of business.

Include others in your business operations as much as possible. You may be more valuable than you think, when you meet people you need to constantly be thinking  “who can this person benefit from knowing in my network, or who can benefit from knowing this person” not “how can I benefit from this person”.

3.     Embrace your elders

They’ve already done it. They’ve been there, and no matter how smart you are or how solid your plans are you can’t predict the future but you can always learn from the past.

The older you get the more you loving reminiscing, and the older you get the more time you have to do it. Pay your dues and give an ear to an elder whenever you can, I guarantee you’ll learn something. At the very least, if you’re kind and respectful with an open ear they won’t forget you.

4.     Make Mistakes!

Entrepreneur by its French definition means “risk taker”.  Your not here to play it safe, or you’d be working for someone else. Don’t be afraid to follow your gut and take the chance you want to take. It’s the people who take the chances other people won’t who reap the rewards other people can’t.

If you make a mistake and you screw up big time, oh well, keep moving, learn from your mistake and find a way to fix it. Own up for your mistake and deal with the consequences, that’s how you learn.

5.     The Secret

The secret ingredients are perseverance and faith in your self. The combination of those two qualities is the most potent cocktail for success. If you want to run your own company and you want to do your own thing than you have to be able to continue on no matter the obstacle or the mistakes you’ve made.

Along your path to success you are going to find that the more successful you get, the more haters you have. Mo Money Mo Problems. Use them as your fuel. If you truly believe you can and will accomplish your goals and meet your dreams, then you CANNOT be stopped.