<p>The best things come in life when you become aware of yourself, your situation, and embrace change.&nbsp; Whether it's with business, a sport, a relationship, or any other skill you are trying to perfect, it's important to sharpen your tools along the way so that that you get to the next level.&nbsp;</p> <p>As an entrepreneur coach and a dating coach, I am lucky enough to spend my days with very talented business owners and singles who need support getting to the next level.&nbsp; Through my experiences, I've learned that the skills that entrepreneurs need to build and market your business are very similar to the skills that singles need to find the love of their life.</p> <ul> <li><span style="color: #db0f0f;">Commit to it.</span> If you're starting a new business, you have to make a conscious decision to commit to your business and do whatever it takes to make your dream come true.&nbsp; When you're single and tired of bad dates and being alone, you have to commit to your cause of finding a partner and do what it takes to make it happen.&nbsp; <br /><br /></li> <li><span style="color: #db0f0f;">Package and price.</span>&nbsp; You have to have something to market and sell to be in business.&nbsp; It has to be priced according to market demand, and it has to meet the needs of your customer.&nbsp; When you're dating, you have to have self value in order to be ready for a relationship.&nbsp; You also need to feel satisfied in the areas of image, health, home, interests, and career in order to be attractive to the opposite sex.<br /><br /></li> <li><span style="color: #db0f0f;">Find your target.</span> In order for your business to be successful, it has to serve as a solution to someone's problem.&nbsp; Once you figure out who needs your service or product, you find out where they live, what they read, what they do, and then you make sure they find you.&nbsp; If you're single, you have to consider what has worked in the past and what hasn't.&nbsp; Then, you think of your preferences in regards to goals, interests, lifestyle, and personality and you find someone who fits your needs.<br /><br /></li> <li><span style="color: #db0f0f;">Network like crazy.</span>&nbsp; There's no better way to sell your product and grow your business then to get out there and meet people.&nbsp; Talk to your target market and get feedback; meet with industry leaders; find support groups and advisors; and, network with other business owners.&nbsp; When you start dating, tell all of your friends that you're ready to date; go to events and meet ups with like-minded people; put up an online profile; and, find other single people.<br /><br /></li> <li><span style="color: #db0f0f;">Get Help if you need it.</span> As an entrepreneur, you must wear many hats. There's no way that one person can be good at marketing, bookkeeping, sales, legal paperwork, biz dev, social media, writing, and fundraising.&nbsp; Your best bet is finding help with the things that don't come naturally or that can't be learned quickly.&nbsp; Dating is like anything else- a skill.&nbsp; If you don't know how to do it or what a successful relationship looks like, ask someone of the opposite sex or your local dating coach (wink.)<br /><br /></li> <li><span style="color: #db0f0f;">Listen to red flags.</span> I've learned in business that if I get a negative response to an idea from three advisors, that I need to reconsider my options.&nbsp; The same thing applies to reaching an agreement with a potential partner.&nbsp; If you're not on the same page in any area, move on quickly.&nbsp; When you're looking for a relationship, don't ask for a another date if you're not looking for the same things.&nbsp; The faster you find the red flags, the better.<br /><br /></li> <li><span style="color: #db0f0f;">Get used to rejection.</span> Making sales and finding investors is a numbers game to some extent.&nbsp; You're going to run into people who aren't interested in your business and what you have to say.&nbsp; You can't take it personally because confidence is everything in sales, and there are plenty of people to talk to.&nbsp; I see this issue with men and dating all the time.&nbsp; Once they learn to take rejection with grace, they meet lots of great women and have a lot more success.&nbsp; <br /><br /></li> <li><span style="color: #db0f0f;">Don't take yourself too seriously.</span> It's easy to let your business take over your life, but the truth is that startups fail often. Ultimately there's a factor of luck and timing that no one can predict.&nbsp; It's best to enjoy every minute as you go, and do the best you can.&nbsp; The same rule applies with dating.&nbsp; Be confident in yourself and make your life full and rich in all areas.&nbsp; Finding a partner can't be the answer to happiness.</li> <br /> <li><span style="color: #db0f0f;">Communicate.</span> This is the key to any relationship in life.&nbsp; If you are able to communicate your expectations, needs, and desires, then the other party is able to let you know if they can give you what you need.&nbsp; This saves time and money in business.&nbsp; When you're dating, it reduces the drama, saves you time, and makes things more balanced.</li> </ul> <p>Although it's often a challenge to take areas of your life to the next level and to reach out for help, it's a very rewarding process.&nbsp;</p> 2009-10-29T18:32:02Z 2009-11-04T17:16:07Z -0.359928 627 7183 true 1 27905 the-similarities-between-dating-entrepreneurship-0 8 2009-11-04T10:15:44Z 2009-11-04T17:16:07Z

Whether you're looking for success through entrepreneurship or looking for love, the skills involved are very similar.

1 2009-11-04T17:16:07Z