Gosh, what’s with all the pressure these days to make a difference…

We’ve got to make a difference!

You hear it all the time, and probably feel as though you’re meant for something bigger than you can currently imagine. Truth be told, so do I, but we don’t have to be entrepreneurs to heed the call, solve the world’s biggest challenges, and become positive agents of change. Each of us at one point in our lives is called to lead; it’s just that few stand and answer.

Big Question: “How do you know if you have what it takes to rock the boat?

The idea’s there and you’d like to do better than good, but you’re doubting whether you could REALLY pull it off. That’s perfectly normal, first of all.

Secondly, maybe you shared your out-of-the-box idea with a friend and got mocked – laughed out of the building so to speak. Or, perhaps you have so many failures and rejections under your belt, that getting another one concerning something so close to home/heart…ugh! Whatever the reason you’re holding back, here are some telltale signs you should stick to your purpose no matter the odds!

 

1: You’re NEVER Content

The proverbial thin red line differentiating you from less ambitious business owners is that you’re not happy with the way things are. Never satisfied, but not necessarily in a negative way.  Even if you’re turning a decent profit, everything’s hunky-dory, and growing… you’re looking to embed more meaning, to make more impact, to push the envelope, and keep yourself on your toes.

This is what’s known as staying hungry. Some entrepreneurs go to great lengths to keep themselves far from pampered and comfortable. For example, how comfortable is your office? How much more productive would you be if you made your entrepreneurial lifestyle a little less comfortable?

Stay hungry, my friends.

 

2: People BARELY Keep Up

For people just meeting you, sometimes it can feel as though they’ve been swooped into a twister – especially when you’re talking about/engaged in a topic you adore.

For those that know you, yes, sometimes they complain… you’re too quick, intense, and firing on all cylinders (while they struggle to wake up in the morning). Listen, if you want to change the world it’s typically going to take a TON of energy.

It’s also going to take a rounded perspective with focused intention. So, it’s good you like to get involved in a variety of stuff, or even invent things. You’re open, and always on the lookout for the next big thing. Every day, when you move at the speed you do, each day feels like a new discovery bringing you closer and closer to the big goals on your horizon.

 

3: You DRIVE Everyone, and Yourself, Pleasantly Nuts!

Come on, we all know if we’re “that” person or not. The one in the room with so much energy and enthusiasm that we drive people pleasantly nuts. Is that you? If it is, then you could easily have the personality it takes to attract fellow change-makers.

You can step in and commandeer a conversation with ease, meet new people as swiftly as the breeze, and you seem just less fearful of the little nuances in western culture that keep most others quiet, safe, and secure in their comfortable little worlds (no offense).

This is called having an impact. It’s when we harness and apply this approach on a greater scale that things start to snowball. Here’s a fun video that explores the subject:

If you have one or all of these signs, then welcome you to the club! Right now, as you read these words, you’re connected with a vast network of people who also seek to turn a profit while making the world a better place.

You’re going to need every ounce of focus, inspiration, persistence, leadership, creativity, and that stellar enthusiasm for what you’re trying to achieve.


How to Get Started as a Change-preneur

Wait a minute, let’s step back and second and pretend you’re only just getting started on the entrepreneurial road. Maybe you’re just dipping in your toes to see if it’s for you? Looking for some basics to help you sort of wrap your mind around the depth of the decision.

Think ZEN

Half the battle of life is not being distracted by the endless people, places, things, dreams, and abitions that will keep you hoping from one to the other until you’re too old to barely get out of your seat. Think about how much of life most people spend being indecisive or split in ten different directions.

Once you know what you want to do, or accomplish, or impact…hold fast! The clearer your understanding og the situation, the more likely you are to create a well-structured plan to make it happen.

9/10ths of commitment, is focus. Be zin-like about it though, because what you resist (distractions) persists. Through your actions, “life” will get the clue and they will cease to tempt you.

Build Your TRIBE

No one’s an island unto themselves. In my opinion, the concept of the individual is pure illusion. Everything we are, and do, and become, is thanks to the intermingling web of humanity. Did you make the technology you use? The clothes you wear? The language you speak?

And on some level, what’s good for each one of us, is good for the whole – like health, prosperity, education, good food, etc. This being the case, the ONLY way you can affect change is to be good at networking. No one takes this journey by themselves.

You’ll need help. Help spreading the word. Help believing. Help doing the grunt work. Help building the framework, and on and on and on. At this point in the game, none of us can effectively be a “one-man-band” so get start putting serious emphasis on helping others.

Be MEMORABLE

In our blog, “Startup Storytelling: Captivate Your Audience & Keep Them There!” we examined some power-tips on crafting a brand story that catches people’s attention. The most successful campaigns of all time have one thing in common: they cannot be ignored.

They capture hearts, minds and imaginations by connecting in a deeper way that keeps brands relevant for decades.  If you want to be heard, you must step up and create a cause that’s louder than the noise all around – with style (presentation).

And that being said, let’s wrap this up before I really start ranting. But before I leave you to it, I’d like to give a special shout out to thank my fellow Cleveland Entrepreneurs for inspiring me to continue on with my own quest for change.

Hey, if you’ve made a difference lately, please, leave a shameless comment and tell me and the Virtus Ventures audience about it. You never know what happen 😉

Happy trails!

 

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