Entrepreneurship Insights: Lessons from My Dog's Walks
Written on
Chapter 1: The Importance of Observation
Every morning, without exception, I take my dog for a stroll. Like many pet owners, I enjoy this routine. However, my dog has a unique approach—she takes her time to explore every scent and sound around her.
As we pass a particular intersection daily, she often pauses, soaking in her surroundings. This simple act of observation made me realize something profound about entrepreneurship.
My dog inadvertently taught me an important business lesson: the value of being an observer.
"Sometimes, it pays to be a fly on the wall." — Joseph Seifert
I frequently share this wisdom, as it resonates deeply with me. Observing my dog’s stillness made me ponder the significance of taking a moment to absorb our environment—a crucial skill in the entrepreneurial world.
Upon returning home, I felt compelled to jot down my thoughts.
You might think I'm a bit eccentric, but hear me out: Many of us not only consume content but also create it. We may even monetize our creative efforts. The landscape of the creator economy offers numerous opportunities for profit.
However, as we hone our craft, we often encounter obstacles—setbacks that can hinder our progress. So, how can we avoid these pitfalls?
Section 1.1: Open Your Eyes
The answer is surprisingly straightforward: be observant. Just like my dog taught me, observation is key!
It might seem easy to mimic someone else's success by copying their strategies, but if it were that simple, everyone would excel. The reality is that successful individuals often have intricate systems and processes that aren't immediately visible.
Here's some invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Look: Identify individuals in your niche whom you admire. The data is abundant—many are thriving while pursuing their passions. That's what we all aspire to achieve, isn't it?
To do this effectively, observe top performers in your field and analyze their methods. For instance, I noticed that many creators succeed by offering digital products. After some research, I created one for fellow writers, taking a significant step toward becoming an internet entrepreneur.
You can view it here.
By simply observing, I could draw comparisons and identify what set me apart from others.
- Learn: Understand what successful individuals do best and incorporate their successful practices into your own efforts.
This is the most exciting part—enhancing your productivity through observation and learning. Gather a collection of profiles that inspire you and adopt one of their techniques, be it a unique bio, headline, or marketing strategy.
It's essential to evaluate these practices over time. What works for one person may not work for another. For example, if I had simply copied my colleague Burk’s digital product idea, I wouldn’t have achieved the same results since it was already done.
Instead, I took Burk's advice about digital products and crafted something tailored to my audience. Thank you, Burk!
- Earn: Share your creations and watch the rewards come in.
While learning is fantastic, the ultimate goal is to earn. Once you apply your observations, your income will start to grow. When I began writing online, I established a formula that has consistently generated income from my articles.
The essence of entrepreneurship lies in creating what you love and profiting from it. Don’t hesitate to share your work—it deserves recognition and compensation!
Chapter 2: Final Reflections
In this video, "The Intersection of Hardware and Software with Tractive," explore how technology and innovation intersect to create new opportunities in entrepreneurship. Discover insights that could inspire your own journey.
Brené Brown discusses boundaries, feelings, and core emotions in her podcast with Dan Harris. This engaging conversation will provide valuable perspectives on personal growth and emotional intelligence, essential for any entrepreneur.
As I walk my dog each day, I reflect on many ideas—planning, brainstorming, and dreaming all at once. It's a soothing ritual. Had it not been for today's walk, I might not have had this article to share with you.
The moral of the story is clear: as you navigate through life, take a moment to observe. You never know what insights may arise or when they will become relevant.
Takeaway:
If there’s one lesson to carry forward from this post, let it be this: Look, Learn, Earn. If you commit to these three principles, you will thrive on your entrepreneurial journey—more than just survive.
Best of luck, and go make some money!
— Joseph Seifert
P.S.: Consider subscribing to my posts for more insights. Medium offers an excellent opportunity to monetize your knowledge. If you sign up through this link, you’ll be supporting my work at no extra cost while potentially earning yourself a profit!