Many people will give you advice when you are beginning a new venture. Some of it will be solicited and some, well, you may not want to hear. Some advice is real talk and needs to go in one ear and stick. I have received some good information from my fellow entrepreneurs. Not everyone will believe in your dreams, so it’s important to surround yourself with people who will encourage and support you.

It seems I always get tips at the gym. I ran into a friend the other day who has been in business for more than 16 years. He gave me an earful, but it was stuff that will stick and that I want to pass along.

These tips, I believe, will help small business owners. In fact, they will help you in life. Here we go: a) You have to be one hundred percent dedicated to your dream. It’s all or nothing. You can’t put in half of the effort, some of the time. (As a good friend always says, “You’ll get that when you get to the parking lot.” {LOL} b) You have to have self-control. For example, it’s crucial to have that self-control with things like spending or your emotions. c) Don’t be afraid to take some risks. Small risks may not put you out of business. The big risks could cost you. You have to weigh the options that are best for you.