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Fueling the Entrepreneurial Mindset: A Comprehensive Guide 150 150 admin

Fueling the Entrepreneurial Mindset: A Comprehensive Guide

The Difference Between an Entrepreneur and a Perpetual Employee

Entrepreneurs and employees approach financial hardship with completely different mindsets. An entrepreneur sees opportunity even when resources are scarce, while a perpetual employee focuses on security and preserving what little they have. To cultivate the entrepreneurial side, it’s important to understand the mindset and language that drives each approach.


Entrepreneurial Language & Mindset

  • “What’s the next move to generate cash flow?”
  • “How can I leverage my skills and network right now?”
  • “I need to pivot—this isn’t working. Let’s test something new.”
  • “Failure is part of the process. I just need one breakthrough.”
  • “I could partner with someone who has what I need.”
  • “Maybe I can sell a course, launch a service, or pitch an investor.”
  • “How can I monetize this skill I’ve been developing?”
  • “I’ll invest in this small tool—it could 10x my output.”
  • “This setback is just feedback. What’s the lesson here?”
  • “Who in my network can help me scale faster?”
  • “I’ll offer a free service to get testimonials and referrals.”
  • “Is there a niche market I haven’t tapped into yet?”
  • “I need to automate this process so I can focus on growth.”
  • “Can I build a minimum viable product to test this idea?”
  • “Who’s killing it in this space? I need to study their model.”
  • “I’m going to repackage this offer and add more value.”
  • “I need to reach out to that person who’s 10 steps ahead.”
  • “What can I offer that people need right now?”
  • “I’m building a brand, not just a product.”
  • “I’ll take on a short-term gig to fund the next big move.”

These phrases embody the entrepreneurial mindset, which thrives on creativity, problem-solving, and taking action, even in uncertain times.


Perpetual Employee Language & Mindset

  • “I just need to keep my head down and wait for things to improve.”
  • “Maybe I should ask for a personal loan to get by.”
  • “I’m going to apply for a second job to cover the bills.”
  • “I don’t have the resources right now to take risks.”
  • “I should really start budgeting better and cutting down expenses.”
  • “Maybe if I stick it out long enough, a promotion will come.”
  • “I’ll wait until the economy gets better before making any big moves.”
  • “If I lose my job, I’m done. I need to play it safe.”
  • “I just need someone to give me a shot.”
  • “I wish I could, but I don’t have the time or money to try new things.”
  • “I need to find a job with better benefits and pay.”
  • “It’s not the right time to take a risk—too much uncertainty.”
  • “Maybe I can pick up overtime to earn a bit more this month.”
  • “I need to figure out how to stay afloat until things stabilize.”
  • “I just don’t have the energy to pursue a side hustle right now.”
  • “I’m hoping for a tax return to cover some of these expenses.”
  • “I’ll take the safe route until I get back on my feet.”
  • “I’m going to check if my job has any emergency assistance programs.”
  • “I don’t have the money to invest in anything new.”
  • “I should wait and see what my boss says about the raise.”

Employees in this mindset tend to focus on security and external factors, which limits their ability to create opportunities for themselves.


How to Fuel Your Entrepreneurial Side

If you want to move from an employee mindset to an entrepreneurial one, here are actionable steps you can take to fuel that side of you:

1. Surround Yourself with Entrepreneurs

  • Network with successful entrepreneurs.
  • Join mastermind groups or entrepreneurship communities.
  • Seek mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs.

2. Create Value First

  • Offer free value—advice, content, or services.
  • Focus on solving people’s problems and meeting their needs.

3. Develop Your Skills Constantly

  • Combine multiple skills to increase your versatility.
  • Take online courses on entrepreneurship and business growth.
  • Read entrepreneurial books like The Lean Startup and The E-Myth.

4. Actively Take Risks

  • Launch products and services quickly—don’t wait for perfection.
  • View failures as learning opportunities.

5. Set Daily or Weekly Goals

  • Use SMART goals to break down large projects into manageable actions.
  • Track your progress and celebrate small wins.

6. Focus on Sales and Marketing

  • Learn the art of selling and building relationships.
  • Master digital marketing and reach your target audience.

7. Create Systems, Not Just Products

  • Automate processes to free up time for strategic growth.
  • Build repeatable systems to ensure long-term scalability.

8. Develop Financial Literacy

  • Learn how to budget for business growth and manage cash flow.
  • Understand how to reinvest profits to fuel expansion.

9. Cultivate the Right Mindset

  • Practice daily affirmations, visualization, and meditation.
  • Develop grit and the ability to push through adversity.
  • Focus on the long-term vision, not just short-term gains.

10. Diversify Income Streams

  • Create different income streams (one at a time).
  • Explore passive income through digital products or affiliate marketing.

11. Build a Personal Brand

  • Share your journey and expertise on social media platforms.
  • Build a loyal audience through authentic engagement.

12. Challenge Your Comfort Zones Regularly

  • Say yes to opportunities that challenge you.
  • Experiment with new business ideas and embrace trial and error.

Conclusion

Becoming an entrepreneur isn’t just about starting a business; it’s about adopting a mindset that focuses on opportunity, value creation, and growth. By surrounding yourself with the right people, building valuable skills, and taking calculated risks, you’ll be able to fuel your entrepreneurial side and turn challenges into opportunities. Whether you’re transitioning from a perpetual employee mindset or refining your entrepreneurial approach, these strategies will help you grow, thrive, and build a future on your terms.

Job Applications vs Business Grant Applications: Why Applying for a Grant is a Bigger Ask 150 150 admin

Job Applications vs Business Grant Applications: Why Applying for a Grant is a Bigger Ask

Introduction

At some point in life, most of us find ourselves applying for jobs, selling our skills and experience in the hopes of landing a new position. But for entrepreneurs, there’s an entirely different challenge: applying for grants to fund a business venture. While both processes involve submitting applications, gathering information, and convincing decision-makers, there’s a distinct difference between the two.

Applying for a business grant is more than just seeking a job or a paycheck – it’s a much bigger ask. You’re asking for trust, resources, and belief in your vision. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between job applications and business grant applications, focusing on why applying for grants is often a more challenging and involved process.

1. The Purpose Behind the Application

The core difference between applying for a job and applying for a grant lies in the purpose behind the application. When you apply for a job, you’re essentially selling your ability to fulfill a specific role within an existing framework. The company or organization has already established its mission, goals, and structure. Your task is to convince them that you have the skills and experience necessary to contribute effectively to their mission.

In contrast, applying for a business grant requires you to sell a vision – your vision. There’s no pre-existing framework or mission that you’re joining; instead, you are asking for financial support to bring your own idea to life. You’re not simply demonstrating that you’re capable of performing a job; you’re proving that your business idea has merit, that it fills a need, and that you’re the right person to execute that idea. This often requires a much deeper understanding of your business, the market, and how you’ll use the funds to create tangible results.

It’s not just about what you can do, but why your business matters. Grant organizations want to know why your project deserves their investment and how it will create positive impact. The stakes are higher because you’re not just asking for a salary; you’re asking someone to believe in your ability to create something new.

2. The Level of Accountability

When you’re hired for a job, the accountability structure is clear. You have a manager or supervisor overseeing your work, giving you tasks, and ensuring you meet expectations. If things go wrong, there are usually processes in place to offer guidance or correct mistakes.

With a business grant, the accountability shifts entirely onto you. Once the grant is awarded, it’s up to you to follow through on your business plan. You must not only manage the funds wisely, but also deliver on the promises you made in your application. If your business doesn’t succeed, the failure impacts more than just your reputation – it could also affect your ability to secure future funding. Grantors want to see that you have the leadership skills and self-discipline to make your business a success, without direct oversight.

This added layer of responsibility makes applying for a grant a bigger ask. You’re expected to be a visionary, strategist, and executor, and you must demonstrate a clear plan for how you will turn their investment into something valuable. Unlike a job, where performance metrics are often defined for you, applying for a grant means you set your own goals and are fully accountable for meeting them.

3. The Scope of the Ask

Job applications are typically narrow in scope. You submit your resume, a cover letter, and maybe sit through a couple of interviews. The goal is clear: “Hire me to do this job for a specified salary and benefits.” The employer knows exactly what they are getting, and you know what’s expected of you.

Business grant applications, on the other hand, require a much broader scope of preparation. You’re not just applying for a job; you’re applying for resources that will allow you to execute a large-scale plan. You need to provide detailed financial projections, strategic plans, and often a breakdown of exactly how the grant money will be used. Many grants also require you to show proof of your business’s potential success, which could mean customer testimonials, market research, or a track record of previous projects. The grantor wants to see that their investment will yield measurable outcomes.

This added complexity requires much more preparation and strategic thinking. You need to understand your market, your competition, and your potential for growth, and be able to present that information clearly and confidently. The scope of the ask is far greater than simply “hire me”; it’s “invest in my business idea and trust that I can execute it effectively.”

4. Vision and Storytelling

In job applications, the focus is on your qualifications and results. Employers want to know if you can do the job, so you present your experience, skills, and accomplishments. While there may be some room for personality and storytelling, the main goal is to match your qualifications with the employer’s needs.

In contrast, business grant applications are heavily focused on vision and storytelling. You’re not just selling yourself; you’re selling the future of your business. Grantors want to know the “why” behind your business – why it matters, why it’s unique, and why it will succeed. You need to craft a compelling narrative that not only explains what your business does but also inspires the grantor to believe in its potential. This requires a combination of logic, data, and emotional appeal.

The ability to tell a powerful story is often the key to a successful grant application. It’s not just about presenting cold hard facts; it’s about painting a picture of what the future could look like with their support. This storytelling aspect makes the grant application process more complex and nuanced than simply applying for a job.

5. Conclusion

In summary, while both job applications and grant applications require preparation and effort, applying for a business grant is undoubtedly a bigger ask. It requires you to go beyond proving your skills and experience; you must also prove that your vision for the future is worth investing in. You need to show that you’re not just capable of doing the work, but that you’re capable of leading, strategizing, and executing on a large scale.

If you’re preparing to apply for a grant, take the time to refine your vision and clearly define how your business will create value. Remember that you’re not just asking for money – you’re asking for belief in your ability to bring your vision to life. With careful planning, a compelling story, and a solid strategy, you can position yourself for success and secure the funding you need to take your business to the next level.

How to Get Attention Without Toxic Attention Seeking 150 150 admin

How to Get Attention Without Toxic Attention Seeking

In the past, social media and business were dominated by attention-seeking behaviors. Behaviors like shock value, trolling, click baiting, drama seeking, and virtue signaling, etc.

I am starting to see a shift in this trend. Now, social media channels are gaining popularity by sharing things that are true. Truth, authenticity, genuineness, honesty, trust, educational value, and substance are all becoming more important.

This shift is likely due to a number of factors. First, people are becoming more desensitized to shock value. They are no longer as easily entertained by outrageous or offensive content. Second, people are becoming more discerning about the information they consume. They are looking for content that is authentic and trustworthy. Third, people are becoming more aware of the negative consequences of attention-seeking behaviors. They are realizing that these behaviors can damage reputations, lose customers, and attract negative publicity.

As a result of this shift, social media channels that want to be more successful, especially in the long term, need to focus on creating content that is true, authentic, educational, and respectful of their audience’s time. They need to build trust with their audience and provide them with value. If they can do this, they will be well-positioned to succeed in the years to come.

It’s important that creators respect the time of their consumers and customers. In today’s world, people are bombarded with information from all sides. They have limited time and attention, so they are more likely to engage with content that is concise, informative, and relevant to their interests.

Attention-Seeking Behaviors: What Are They?

Let’s get into the attention seeking behaviors we’re talking about.

Click baiting: This is the use of eye-catching headlines or titles that are designed to get people to click on a link. Clickbait headlines are often misleading or sensationalized, and they may not accurately reflect the content of the article.
Shock value: This is the use of shocking or controversial content to get attention. Shock value can be used in a variety of ways, such as by making offensive or provocative statements, or by sharing graphic or disturbing images.
Clout chasing: This is the act of seeking attention or popularity by associating with famous or influential people. Clout chasers may try to get attention by tagging celebrities in their social media posts, or by trying to get invited to events that are attended by celebrities.
Fishing for compliments: This is the act of seeking compliments or validation from others. People who fish for compliments may constantly talk about their accomplishments, or they may ask for feedback on their appearance or their work.
Exaggerating or embellishing stories: This is the act of exaggerating or embellishing stories in order to make them more interesting or attention-grabbing. People who exaggerate or embellish stories may do so in order to make themselves look good, or to make their lives seem more exciting than they actually are.
Starting drama or conflict: This is the act of starting drama or conflict in order to get attention. People who start drama or conflict may do so because they enjoy the attention, or because they want to feel powerful or in control.
Self-promotion: This is the act of promoting oneself or one’s work in a way that is seen as excessive or boastful. Self-promoters often talk about their accomplishments, their talents, or their possessions in order to draw attention to themselves.
Self-harm or suicidal threats: This is the act of threatening self-harm or suicide in order to get attention. People who make self-harm or suicidal threats may do so because they are feeling desperate for attention, or because they are trying to manipulate others.
Outrage porn: Deliberately trying to evoke anger or shock for attention. Using inflammatory headlines or images to amplify people’s anger, fear, or outrage, to drive engagement and viewership.
Drama baiting: Purposefully stirring up arguments, feuds or controversy online to get more attention and engagement.
Reaction baiting: Posting things meant to provoke strong reactions from people in order to drive more comments, shares, etc.
Performative wokeness: Pretending to care deeply about social issues for appearances and to gain praise, without taking meaningful action.
Virtue signaling: Conspicuously expressing views intended to demonstrate good character or moral correctness, but sometimes comes off as insincere.
Hot takes: Having extreme, exaggerated opinions just to stand out and get noticed. Not sincerely held views.
Trolling: Intentionally annoying people online by posting inflammatory, offensive or provocative content to get attention and reactions.
Cyberbullying: Harassing or attacking others online for amusement, controversy or social status.
Bandwagoning: Jumping on viral trends, memes or hashtag campaigns cynically just to increase one’s visibility.
Follower farming: Using bots or shady services to artificially inflate one’s follower count to appear more influential.

What are the Opposites?

Click baiting

  • Accurate headlines – Using headlines that truthfully convey the content of the article.
  • Informative headlines – Headlines that are clear, concise, and highlight the value of the content.
  • Transparent content

Shock value

  • Thoughtful commentary – Offering measured, nuanced perspectives on issues.
  • Uplifting content – Sharing positive, inspiring messages and images.

Clout chasing

  • Genuine connections – Developing relationships without ulterior motives for fame or attention.
  • Humble collaborations – Working with others in a respectful, egalitarian way.

Fishing for compliments

  • Giving praise – Offering genuine compliments and praise to others.
  • Self-confidence – Having inner security not dependent on external validation.

Exaggerating/embellishing

  • Honesty – Being truthful and straightforward in sharing stories and experiences.
  • Accuracy – Providing information and accounts factually without embellishment.

Outrage porn

  • Thoughtful and balanced perspectives
  • nuanced discourse aimed at building bridges and understanding.

Drama baiting

  • Conflict resolution – Resolving conflicts through open communication and compromise.
  • Issue focused – Avoiding controversy by focusing on substantive issues.

Reaction baiting

  • Thoughtful content – Creating thoughtful content focused on quality over reactions.
  • Good faith – Engaging in discussions in good faith.

Performative wokeness

  • Authentic advocacy – Advocating causes out of authentic motivation rather than appearances.
  • Consistency – Maintaining consistency between public stances and private actions.

Virtue signaling

  • Humble actions – Demonstrating values through humble actions rather than empty words.
  • Lead by example – Leading by example rather than overt displays.

Hot takes

  • Nuanced – Considering issues with nuance rather than reactionary stances.
  • Open-minded – Maintaining open-mindedness and ideological flexibility.

Trolling

  • Ignore provocation – Ignoring provocative bait rather than taking it.
  • Constructive dialogue – Favoring constructive dialogue over petty arguments.

Cyberbullying

  • Be kind – Treating others with kindness and empathy.
  • Stand up – Standing up for those targeted by harassment.

Bandwagoning

  • Critical thinking – Evaluating trends critically rather than blindly following.
  • Avoid hype – Avoiding hype and making independent judgments.

Follower farming

  • Organic growth – Focusing on organic growth and quality engagement.
  • Trust audiences – Trusting audiences to value authenticity over inflated numbers.

The opposites generally involve avoiding sensationalism, engaging sincerely with issues, adding value through commentary, and building platforms organically through strong relationships.

Quit Chasing Clout:  a Guide to Gaining Influence Through Purpose

Here are some practical tips for getting attention in a genuine, positive way:

  • Create truly helpful, educational content that solves people’s problems or satisfies their curiosity. Provide value that improves lives.
  • Tell compelling stories that connect emotionally with audiences. Share your authentic experiences and perspectives.
  • Build thought leadership and expertise around topics you’re passionate about. Offer unique insights through commentary.
  • Foster engaged communities and discussions around shared interests. Facilitate meaningful conversations.
  • Collaborate with influential people and organizations in mutually beneficial ways, not just for clout.
  • Mentor and lift up others. Help amplify voices that need to be heard.
  • Stand for issues and values you sincerely care about. Advocate and contribute beyond social media.
  • Be creative and innovative. Offer new perspectives, formats or mediums that captivate audiences.
  • Leverage moments of cultural relevance, but do so in a substantive way that adds value. Don’t just bandwagon.
  • Use humor skillfully and tastefully. Make people laugh and reflect simultaneously.
  • Adopt early and thoughtfully on new platforms and technologies with genuine potential.
  • Be unexpectedly generous. Surprise and delight audiences in positive ways.
  • Respond to all feedback and interactions, not just the loud voices. Build community inclusively.

Forget Going Viral – How Substance and Authenticity Builds Lasting Influence in 2023

The key is ultimately providing value, building trust, and connecting with audiences in an authentic way. That will get attention organically and lead to purpose-driven growth over time.  Creating this substantive, value-driven content requires more effort than attention-grabbing gimmicks, but here are the benefits of doing so:

  • Long-term loyalty and trust. An audience earned through authenticity and value is much more loyal than one earned through tricks and shock value. They become true fans.
  • Thought leadership. Genuine expertise and authority can be built over time by consistently providing unique insights. This leads to influential voice.
  • Positive associations. A brand known for substance develops strong positive associations versus fleeting hype.
  • Quality opportunities. Value-driven content and engaged communities open more doors to collaborations, partnerships, and growth opportunities with aligned brands/organizations.
  • Lasting impact. Providing value can create a meaningful, lasting positive impact on people’s lives on an individual level. This gives a profound sense of purpose.
  • Rising above the noise. As more creators chase clout through increasingly absurd tactics, those focused on nuance and meaning stand out.
  • Future-proofing. Attention-seeking behaviors become stale over time as people become desensitized. But valuable insights remain relevant.

The path of creating substantive content that connects with people’s needs may be more challenging, but doing so builds real credibility and influence that pays dividends long-term. It’s a powerful strategy for those focused on purpose over passing hype.