How To Be A Successful Bootstrapper

Seth Godin, marketing guru, popular blogger and I share a common goal.  As he puts it, “At last count, there were several million bootstrappers in this country, with another few million wannabes, just waiting for the opportunity. My goal is to give you enough insight and confidence that youʼll get off the bench and make it happen.”

Entrepreneuring can be a pretty challenging business so it’s good to have some support, particularly from someone who’s done it many times.

This is how Godin starts off his manifesto ( which he is giving away free for only a few weeks. It’s well worth the read, plus it’s pretty inspirational if you’re testing the waters to start a business.)  The rest of Godin’s manifesto goes on to explain these and some other points he makes in the beginning.

TAPE THIS TO YOUR BATHROOM MIRROR AND
READ IT OUT LOUD EVERY NIGHT BEFORE YOU GO TO BED:

  • I am a bootstrapper. I have initiative and insight and guts, but not much money. I will succeed because my efforts and my focus will defeat bigger and better-funded competitors.
  • I am fearless. I keep my focus on growing the business—not on politics, career advancement, or other wasteful distractions.
  • I will leverage my skills to become the key to every department of my company, yet realizethat hiring experts can be the secret to my success. I will be a fervent and intelligent userof technology, to conserve my two most precious assets: time and money.
  • My secret weapon is knowing how to cut through bureaucracy. My size makes me faster and more nimble than any company could ever be.
  • I am a laser beam. Opportunities will try to cloud my focus, but I will not waver from my stated goal and plan—until I change it. And I know that plans were made to be changed.
  • I’m in it for the long haul. Building a business that will last separates me from the opportunist, and is an investment in my brand and my future. Surviving is succeeding, and each day that goes by makes it easier still for me to reach my goals.

    • Most of all, I’ll remember that the journey is the reward. I will learn and grow and enjoy every single day.

    To download the entire pdf document, go to Seth Godin’s “Bootstrapper’s Bible” .

Download the PDF manifesto to your hard drive.
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