Paul Wheeler of Manchester, Vt., who with a partner made Life Is Crap a successful business that markets millions of dollars worth of merchandise, shares some pointers on how to negotiate the rapids of getting started until you come to more peaceful waters.

Tip #1 – Ask Experts For Assistance

Before you launch your small business, be absolutely certain you have your idea firmly in your grasp. False starts make expensive lessons. Focus on what it is you want to do. Research to learn what is available that will move you toward your goals. Find out what the competition is likely to be. Be certain before you begin that you and those you may be working with have the skills necessary to achieve your goals. If there seem to be gaps, look for advice. Communicate with others who have experience in the area you are looking at. There is much available just through a search of websites that represent people who have ideas similar to yours. Borrow from them, but be wary of such things as copyright, intellectual ownership and other legal realities that could land you in hot water. Many businessmen who are dealing with the same kinds of things you want to do are often willing to give you a little of their time. Ask. Wheeler advises that “The ability to recognize what you don’t know is first and foremost.”

“You don’t personally have to have expertise in everything,” he adds. “Look for the best help you can get.” In his case, that involved gathering a small group that represented artists (they sell clothing and other items printed with “Life is Crap” messages) and others with business and marketing experience, Their business is based on humor, so it was essential that the creative element share that sense of humor. If you find yourself mismatched with any of those you will be working with, remedy it sooner than later. Too many points of disagreement can be fatal to even the best ideas. When you are sure you have found the right combination, let others do their jobs. “Let them flourish,” Wheeler says.

Tip #2 – Be Consistent

Stay consistent. If you are discouraged too soon, your business will be affected. Look ahead to plot where you are going. Set achievable short-term goals and stay committed to them. Make adjustments when you need to, but don’t jump from one thing to another. “Do it without losing sight of the underpinnings of your business,” the Vermont small business owner advises.

Tip #3 – Have Faith That Things Will Work Out

Wheeler acknowledges that a bit of luck now and then helps. One of the new twists for “Life is Crap” involves putting designs on Life Is Crap checks. And that little venture was pure serendipity, he says. He was attending a trade show and chanced to meet someone in the check printing business. A little casual conversation and voila! But the key element here is that Wheeler was in a place and at a time when other creative people were gathered. Even serendipity needs a hand sometimes.

Tip #4 – Have Empathy For Your Customers and Employees

He lists a number of qualities that he believes will help people starting a business: Have empathy for employees and customers. Identify with people. Hone your analytical skills and if you feel you are lacking, find someone who can do the job for you. Be able to laugh at yourself. Learn to really listen to others. Recognize that they may have something important to offer. Cultivate humility and patience. Try to stay fresh and open to innovation because things change. .

Tip #5 – Love What You Do

Most of all, you “need to really love what you’re doing and come to understand it thoroughly. If you are ready to “work morning to night,” he says, “You’ll probably make it. But people who have great ideas go bankrupt every day.”

There are several qualities present in a great leader and businessman. An individual running a business must have both in order to become successful. Here are a few tips:

Think and Act Like a Businessman/Businesswoman

In order to be a great businessman or businesswoman for that matter, you must think and act like one. Connect yourself to other individuals that share the same passion as you and those who can motivate you further.

Finances Inside and Out

Understanding how the finances work in the business and how to make the business grow differentiates the entrepreneur from the common employee. If you do not know what profit you made this month, you are in very big trouble.

Ads, Ads, Ads

A great business does not solely rely on the performance of its product alone, but relies heavily in its marketing. Research who the target market for the business is and how to effectively present your product or service to them.

Know Your Enemies

Like in the Art of War, it is also important to know and understand about the existing competition in order to build a successful business.

A Leader with a Mission

Have a clear mission and vision for the business. Motivate your employees to join you in attaining this mission and vision.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

To be able to lead you would need to respect your employees and your clients. Respecting the people around you will be reciprocated with respect as well.

Passion

An exceptional leader is passionate in what he or she does. The best leaders are dedicated to their work and motivate other people to follow them.

Lead by Example

A great leader leads by example and is confident in what he or she does. By knowing every single detail about your business and doing what your employees do will encourage others to put their best efforts as well.

Confidence

The confidence a leader displays during times of uncertainty and doubt affects that of his peers and followers. Great leaders are calm even in disastrous situations and have the ability to direct or redirect attention to follow the key vision for the business.

Team Worker

Exemplary leaders also have the ability to work well with a group. In order to achieve a common goal, a great leader has the capacity and willingness to work with a team. A great leader sets the goal and makes appropriate steps in going towards that goal.

Excellence

Lastly, an excellent leader is dedicated to giving excellence in all aspects of the business. Great leaders do not waiver in terms of values and is passionate in setting the standards in the business higher.

These are some of the most important characteristics demonstrated by outstanding leaders and entrepreneurs. As previously mentioned, these are not often present in every individual and must be constantly learned, improved on and reinforced. Outstanding leaders and entrepreneurs have the capacity and willingness to adapt and learn to be better in their respective roles.