GETTING started in business isn’t easy, and maintaining a profitable enterprise after the initial start-up can be difficult, especially if you don’t have good business sense.

To make it in business requires more than just a good head for numbers. Businessman and road manager of Yardie Beast Records, Everald Wright, says there are other qualities needed to be a good entrepreneur.

1. Know who you are

According to Wright, if you don’t know this, then no one else will. “Know yourself, what you like, what you enjoy and work for it,” he said.

2. Expand your boundaries

“You want to reach for the stars and fall on the clouds. Stretch your limits and power away,” Wright said.

3. Market yourself

According to Wright, it is important to do this even if it means walking somewhere to spread awareness about your product. “Do it. It will benefit you in the end,” he said.

4. Be creative

Wright said an important part of business is knowing what people need and finding creative ways of presenting it to them. “Plain doesn’t do it anymore. Think of it this way, would you go to Devon House and order vanilla ice cream or Tutti Frutti and order plain yogurt?”

5. Have confidence

Wright said the popular Marcus Garvey quote, “If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life”, is absolutely true.

6. Focus

“Set narrow and direct goals and work towards achieving them one hurdle at a time,” Wright said.

7. Trust

Wright said a little faith goes a long way, and will move mountains. “Believe in your business, believe in your team,” he said.

8. Have patience

“Yes, it is a virtue! Have some!” Wright said.

9. Good work ethic

Wright said though it’s your business, it’s your job. “If you want success you can’t have a lazy approach because you own the place. If the foundation is weak, the building will crumble,” he said.

10. Charisma and ability to create own reality

According to Wright, as an entrepreneur you have to be convincing and have a little spunk.

“Don’t just dream big; act it out. Create your own reality, don’t wait for someone to do it. If you want something, get it and by all means, go after it and just be you.”

— Kimberley Hibbert