Any change in behavior starts with a change in thinking. The African Entrepreneurs’ Guide highlights some of these mindsets that have driven African Entrepreneurs to success. Many seem to be standard for most entrepreneurs but there are some twists that have been unique to Africans. After years of studying successful entrepreneurs and business leaders, the following are some mindsets and skills that have spurred organizations and entrepreneurs in Africa to success;
Passion
It is almost impossible to be successful in anything if you are not passionate about it. However, a good number of successful entrepreneurs in the continent had no passion for the business they were in but a passion for what it was doing for themselves and the people around them. There is a mixture of passion for the business as well as a passionate desire to get out of poverty, improve one’s living standards. Very different from the fear of being poor as they most likely grew up poor or were surrounded by poverty. The level of mental tenacity this requires can be mind-boggling in some cases.
Through the continent, there are more people being successful as entrepreneurs doing what they have to do to put food on the table and then pursuing their passion after. Both types of passion are strong enough to propel one through the hard, long, and difficult times when they come in the process of establishing your business. Sometimes it is not loving what you do but hating your situation enough so you can do whatever it takes to get out.
Other mindsets highlighted in the book are:
- Discipline
- Optimism
- Preparedness
- Risk-Taking
- Always Seeking Opportunity
- Being a Strategic Planner
- Patience
- Humility
- Prioritizing
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