7 Habits of Successful Millennial Entrepreneurs

By Claire Hastings | December 26, 2018

We live in an entrepreneurial day and age; an age of endless possibilities for anyone and everyone with an idea and the passion to transform it into a profitable company. No matter the industry you’re in, or the economic state of the market(s) you are planning to conquer, there is nothing that can stop a determined entrepreneur with a plan from building a successful business from scratch.

Not only is the entrepreneurial culture on the rise across the globe, but it’s important to note that some of the greatest business leaders that are running amazing companies are women. This healthy business environment is finally allowing the entrepreneurial realm to flourish as a whole, support equality, and stay on an upward trajectory. With that in mind, here are the seven things successful millennial entrepreneurs do that you should implement yourself.

1.      They recognize the power of the brand

Global markets are overflowing with options and opportunities for consumers and clients. Nowadays, a typical customer can choose between numerous businesses for every service and product they’re looking for, which creates a highly competitive environment few companies manage to survive in the long run.

A good leader, however, understands all too well that branding is the one thing that can help their company stand out from the rest, and attract loyal customers. The process of building a brand is an exhaustive and creative one, and in the end it should produce a beautiful visual identity, a unique tone of voice, and a compelling set of values that will put your brand on the proverbial map.

2.      They put their employees first

The millennial entrepreneur is one of the people. An individual who has worked for others, who knows what a modern work environment should and shouldn’t not feel like, and therefore focuses on building a trustworthy relationship with their employees and coworkers. This relationship helps them motivate their employees through the most difficult of times.

Following the same mindset, understand that just because you’re the boss, it doesn’t mean that you’re privileged, or that you should treat your employees with anything less than sheer respect and appreciation. If you don’t, you can rest assured that the top talent you worked so hard to acquire will leave you at a moment’s notice.

3.      They know it’s all about smart marketing

In a world of unimpeded global connectivity, there is a need to emphasize the importance of marketing, and the power it has to take a business to new heights of success. The millennial business leader understands this all too well, and focuses on growing a comprehensive marketing plan that will cover every point of communication with the outside world.

This focus is primarily on the online realm, as the millennial entrepreneurs knows that recognition and success is built in the digital world. When starting your own business, focus on growing your online marketing strategy and tend to meticulous SEO, content marketing, and social media management that will produce the awareness your brand deserves.

4.      They’re smart with their long-term finances

Money makes the business world go ‘round. There is no way around it, no matter what your key motivators might be, and no matter if money is not your main concern – the fate of your business will rest upon it. Millennial entrepreneurs are very smart with how they spend, save, and invest their money, and so should you.

You need to have three main areas of investment covered: personal, business cash flow, and business growth. Firstly, an entrepreneur understands the importance of personal insurance for their future, and the future of their business. Obtaining adequate insurance will help you create a strong financial foundation, which becomes increasingly important in uncertain economic times. After that, you can focus on investing into your operating capital.

Ensuring constant cash flow entails cutting your overhead and payroll expenses and managing client expectations in order to create trustworthy foundation that will incentivize them to pay their invoices on time, if not early. Lastly, understand the importance of investing in the growth of your company. In order to stay one step ahead of the competition, you will need to innovate and improve – a costly process that will yield extraordinary results in the long run.

5.      They fix problems quickly and move on

The ability to manage and resolve problems with efficiency and effectiveness is highly valued in the fast-paced business world, and there is no denying that the most successful young business leaders are real problem-solvers. Whether they achieve this through their own actions, or if they have a team of problem-solvers at their side, the end goal is the same: eliminate the issue, and move on to the next task.

Keep in mind that problem-solvers are rarely born; this is a skill that takes time to learn and master. With that in mind, spend your time tackling numerous issues during the day, from PR and employee management, to finances and marketing in order to acquire a wealth of knowledge about every sector. This will give you the experience and decisiveness you need to act quickly, and with success.

6.      They focus on constant personal growth

The business world is constantly evolving and changing, for better or worse. Regardless, it is your duty as an entrepreneur to prepare for every challenge and obstacle ahead, and deliver results under pressure. This means that you need to evolve as a person and a leader, a leader with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and personal growth. Always continue learning through theoretical and practical means, and you will lead your company to new heights of success.

7.      They have clear goals for the company

Speaking of new heights of success, it only comes to those who plan for it. In other words, the millennial entrepreneur not only has a vision, but also a goal that’s backed by a strong strategy to achieve it. You need to future-proof your company on all fronts, and the way to do that is to set SMART long-term, mid-term, and short-term goals that will allow all departments to work together to build the success your company deserves.

Being an entrepreneur is an infinitely rewarding and empowering experience, but that doesn’t mean that the road ahead won’t be long, or winding. By using these insights to your advantage, though, you can pave the road to a prosperous future for your brand, your employees, and yourself in the competitive business world.