In the Footsteps of Giants

While an entrepreneur loves to be independent and show the world how they can do it on their own they will always admit to having a hero or two to model their lives after.  While being a lone wolf is great there are many useful tactics and strategies laid by those who have come before that all upcoming business men/women should take note of.  For this week's post I take an in depth look at a couple leader's in the industry who have laid some serious ground work for upcoming business people to follow.

For some great business insight one only has to look at the top of the world's richest list at Carlos Slim.  Slim, known for his mobile empire in Mexico, has some great business tips and insights for those following after him.  Slim preaches a simple business model that revolves around the simple concept that hard work pays off. The Slim business model consists of a few simple markers but one concept he harps on is keeping clear objectives in what your company is doing. The Slim business model consists of a few simple markers but one concept he harps on is keeping clear objectives in what your company is doing. If you want you want your company to be a multi billion-dollar empire then draw out a long term, multi-year goal that lays out how to accomplish that.  Slim teaches that keeping your eye on the prize pays off in the long term.

While Carlos Slim has made his money in a more “traditional” fashion, serial entrepreneur Chuck Blakeman says not to get to hung up on the “how” in your business plan.  “Life happens.” Blakeman states while explaining that no matter how much a person prepares one can never really be 100% prepared for what life is going to throw at them. Blakeman doesn’t say that one should forget the how, he only states that you must be flexible and adapt at a moment’s notice to your industry’s changing environment.  The recommendation is made by Blakeman then that you keep an open mind and let your business take you where it will.  As long as you’re being successful what does the "how" matter?