THE HEART: Passion and Motivation
- Behind any successful venture is a connection to what is being offered for profit. Great entrepreneurs often tout a “calling” or pursue businesses that capitalize on things they are passionate about, whether it’s fashion, technology, news, politics, music, or making things better in the world. They often take what they’re good at and capitalize on it, whether it’s connecting people with things or sealing a deal via a knack for persuasion and networking. For example, 26-year- old Kimberly Wiley took her passion for eco-friendly products and cosmetics to start FSL Cosmetics and has taken her line straight to New York Fashion Week.
- To nurture this: Know distinctly what your strengths and weaknesses are and build on the strengths. Anything that does not support your passion, get rid of it. If you’re not 100% into the concept, deal, idea or next step, reevaluate why you’re doing it and whether it’s good for your brand. Find other ways to expand what you offer to the world in a way that upholds the mission of your company or your vision of why you do what you do. Surround yourself with or build a team that is just as passionate about the mission as you are and can play a role in making it happen in the most effective–and profitable–way possible.