Entrepreneurship can be fun, exciting, and if done right, extremely liberating.  There are so many representations of entrepreneurship in the world that many aspiring entrepreneurs are not only confused on how to start a business but how to actually succeed after starting their business. Today I’m covering three tips for entrepreneurs to help you get ahead in your business so you can look and feel successful. 

1. Be different + Define your value.

The dreadful question that most of us have had to answer in a job interview is “why should I hire you?” For some reason, when we start a business, we rarely pinpoint answer that question for ourselves — really, why should a customer hire you? This is called your USP (Unique Selling Proposition).

The key to effectively selling yourself is being able to articulate what makes you and/or your business unique in a world of thousands of competitors. Discovering what makes you different may require some hard soul-searching, creativity, and time, but it’s going to be your money maker. You need to know the value you’re bringing to the table. If you’re confused about your USP, ask a current or previous client why they chose to hire you. What made you stand out amongst the others?

Also, study how other businesses use USPs to their advantage.  A great example of a unique selling proposition done well is TOMS Shoes. They are light and comfy shoes, but that alone isn’t enough to make a shoe company stand out. The most unique and compelling part of the TOMS Shoes story is that they give a new pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair purchased.

2. Go above and beyond + be damn near irreplaceable.

How do you make sure that each day you wake up you have a job to go to?  You show up.  The truth is, no one wants to simply pay employees. They want to invest in people who will help make their business more valuable. This means you’re either an asset or you’re a liability. More than money, people do not like their time being wasted. Make sure you are consistently delivering the work you’ve promised as an employee or business owner.

At the end of the day, if you can show that you are working in a company or with a customer to help them with their end goal,  you will be nearly irreplaceable. Go above and beyond by doing what’s asked of you PLUS MORE.

3. Feed your mind.

Who do you spend most of your time with? What do you read, watch and listen to? Most importantly, what do those things cause you to focus on?  Unfortunately, a lot of people forget to continue their education once they begin their career. Stay up to date on the latest trends in your industry by signing up for relevant newsletters or listening to podcasts. Surround yourself with people who have similar goals as you. If you can, start or join a mastermind group that you meet with weekly.

Treat your 9-5 like it’s your own personal business, and the right people will take notice. Having an entrepreneurial mindset even when you’re not an entrepreneur will take you far. As a jobseeker, your employer is your client.  As an entrepreneur, your client is your employer.

What has helped you stay ahead of the curve as an entrepreneur?