How to Think Like an Entrepreneur
This part of the book will focus on how to think like an entrepreneur. But, before you learn how to think like an entrepreneur, you need to learn and understand: What is an entrepreneur? What do entrepreneurs think about? What is the entrepreneurial mindset? These are the questions that I will answer in the first part of this book. To understand what an entrepreneur is, first, you need to identify and study their common key qualities. Once you become aware of the key qualities of an entrepreneur, and you learn how they think and what they think about, and understand their specific way of looking at the world, then you will have a good map and blueprint for your future and for success. Success and opportunities are out there for everyone, if they have a good map and blueprint to follow, as well as the desire and determination to chase their dreams until they succeed.
In Chapter 1, I will discuss why I believe that the most common definition of what an entrepreneur is, is wrong. I will explain why and offer up my own definition of what an entrepreneur is. I will make the distinction between being an entrepreneur versus being just a business owner. You can own a business and not be an entrepreneur, and you can be an entrepreneur without owning a business.
In Chapter 2, I will teach you how to think, and I will explain how entrepreneurs think differently than most people. I will explain how they come up with their ideas, as well as where those ideas come from. There are many theories on where ideas come from. Some people believe that ideas come from an accumulation of life experiences, stored memories, a collective subconscious, through dreams, via meditation, or even prayers. I will provide my own thoughts on the subject. After I explain how to think, I will teach you how to think like an entrepreneur and what entrepreneurs think about. Thinking, and grasping ideas, is the key to a successful future in entrepreneurship. Thinking is more of an art form than a process. A misunderstood art form, in my opinion. It is a simple concept that most people have forgotten. Learning how to think and how to tap into ideas is easier than you might believe, if you have a map, but it requires strong resolve and discipline to learn how to think. Done properly, it can lead to a wealth of riches at the end. Consider it like following a map and finding a hidden treasure of which only you know the location and tapping into it whenever the need arises. But, instead of material wealth, you would be tapping into a hidden source of knowledge that only you can reach if you just open your mind. Ideas are born of thinking, and without good ideas, there is no path to success.
In Chapter 3, I will explain how being an entrepreneur is a way of life and requires a specific mindset. I will explain what that mindset is and introduce the six main concepts of the entrepreneurial mindset. Concepts that I believe are so important that I have dedicated a large portion of the book to explaining why I believe they are so critical to entrepreneurship and how it distinguishes an individual from just being a business owner versus being an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship is a way of life. My first, and most influential exposure, aside from the lessons I learned from my father, and the experiences gained as a young engineer, to this way of life, came when I read the book Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. For me, it was a career and mind-altering revelation. It literally changed my way of thinking and looking at my future with respect to my professional career. I went on to apply many of the concepts I learned in that book to my professional career. I also read how Robert Kiyosaki was himself inspired by reading Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. I found that book enlightening as well. I recommend you read both. I hope that by reading this book, I can affect the reader, you, in a similar way.