The main key component in being an effective entrepreneur is learning to take effective risk. Leaders are required to take effective risk daily. Effective entrepreneurs are excellent leaders and build strong networks. Learning to maneuver in the role of leadership is more that giving commands but also in learning to build people. Building people requires you to learn how to follow first. The greatest leaders have served under those who have come before them. What makes you a great leader? You must learn how to lead before becoming an effective business owner. As business owners we must operate not only to advance our business revenue but for the advancement of those who are around us.

Entrepreneurs can relate to the saying “ work smarter not harder” but, what if working smarter causes a high risk to your company? Companies that have closed their doors, all have one factor in common which is making high-risk decisions that result in protecting the interests of the leadership at the top and sacrificing the livelihood of the employees. Employees must work smarter at protecting their own interest. Working smarter is always the best choice and provides you with a desire to succeed. This isn’t meant to undermine the concept of working hard at your company. Hard work produces results and can only reflect the greatest accomplishments if done with a spirit of excellence. But don’t fool yourself into believing that working for someone is “the easy way out.” In the end, you’ve worked hard to propel someone else’s brand, someone else’s company, someone else’s dreams. Work hard at what you do and work smart at what you desire to have.