Flexibility is one of the key character traits entrepreneurs need to have if they want to be successful. As Corey Shader says, though, remaining flexible is easier for some than it is for others.
Luckily, flexibility is a skill that you can build over time with focused and dedicated effort. If you find it difficult to adjust and accept change, follow these four tips so you can accomplish your goal of being more flexible.
1. Set a Schedule
Setting a schedule may seem counterintuitive to being flexible, but in reality, having a set schedule enables the flexibility you need as an entrepreneur. When you create a daily To Do list and keep a detailed calendar, you’ll always be able to see what’s in front of you.
When things arise that need your immediate attention, you’ll instantly be able to see what you can re-arrange to make everything work. If you aren’t keeping a detailed schedule, it can be easy to become confused, frazzled and overwhelmed, causing you to be more rigid than flexible.
2. Constantly Learn
Learning should be a never-ending process for entrepreneurs. Just because you launched your startup doesn’t mean you should stop seeking out new knowledge. Even if you would consider yourself an expert in a particular field, challenge yourself to see things from a different angle and approach things in a different way.
You should seek out mentors who can advise you and who you can bounce ideas off. You shouldn’t be afraid to try new things and fail, as that is how a lot of valuable learning is accomplished.
Stay up to date on trends not just in your industry but also in the world around you. This will help you see trends coming before it’s too late for you to react to them.
3. Hire Good People
Every entrepreneur needs a solid team of people around them. These employees are the ones who will handle many of the day-to-day tasks that will keep the business chugging along.
Solid employees who you can trust can also shoulder the burden when challenges arise. If a crisis is emerging, the only way that you as an entrepreneur will be able to set aside the time to handle it is if you can trust the day-to-day operations of your startup to other people.
When you hire a solid team and build trust with them and in them, you’ll also be creating flexibility within your startup. It’ll be much easier for you to stay agile if multiple people can handle essential tasks.
4. Don’t Stop Recruiting
Even if you don’t have a defined job opening, you should always be on the lookout for talented people to add to your team. As Corey Shader explains, you can never have enough talent, especially in your first year in business.
Just because you don’t have a specific job title available doesn’t mean you should close the door to the possibility of adding to your team. So, always network, meet new people and recruit, recruit, recruit.
About Corey Shader
Corey Shader is a self-made entrepreneur, consultant, investor, real estate developer, and founder of several companies, notably Insurance Pipeline. Operating primarily out of Ft. Lauderdale, Corey’s endeavors span across the nation, consulting for start-ups, and sitting on the board of digital media and senior healthcare agencies. As a consultant, Corey helps young businesses develop sales funnels and maximize profitability. Shader takes pride in challenging others to push themselves to be their very best — he believes in constant self-improvement, inspiring others through sharing his own life experiences.