Being a true entrepreneur is not for everyone, as it is not a simple lifestyle mode. It is a  very challenging task and requires a certain set of experience, knowledge, skills and traits.

The journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur entails a lot of sacrifices, and needs great ambitions. With the boom of new businesses and ventures popping up on a daily basis, here are some tips on starting a business and succeed within these challenging market dynamics.

1. Have a purpose

The first question an entrepreneur should ask him or herself is “why would I start a business?” Being tired of a 9 to 5 job would not be an appropriate motive, neither is being annoyed by the manager. Being an entrepreneur is actually a 24/7 job, which requires self-discipline, and involves various other roles and tasks. Being rich and earning great cash shouldn’t be the reason either. Instead, your purpose has to offer a value that people will benefit from. When money is your primary motivation, you will run your business in terms of how much you make not how much you offer. The first years of a startup are a hassle as they require patience and determination. Having a venerable purpose will motivate you to not give up when doubts, criticisms, and obstacles get tougher.

2. Love it and be passionate about it

Do you love it and believe in it? Are you passionate about it? Is it a dream you want to achieve? It’s something you are going to spend the rest of your life doing. If you don’t love it and believe in it, you won’t enjoy doing it. It will negatively affect your performance and creativity. Additionally, you will be giving up easily on it when you face any obstacles, issues, and doubts.

3. Do not fear to fail

Some people wait for the ‘perfect moment’, when they believe they are ready to start a business. It could be when they have enough money, when they get that job, when, when…etcetera. You are never going to get ready or have the perfect moment. If you are not failing, you are not trying very hard. Therefore, pursue your dream and just do it.

4. Know your market

You don’t want to start a business that you think people need, you must conduct your research to find out the audience’s size, in addition to the current and the future consumer insights. You don’t want to waste your time, money, and effort on something that no one will benefit from in the meantime, or in the future. Study your product’s fit and life cycle, know your competitors and alternatives, and review your business category and the positive scenarios you will be adopting in the future to anticipate any occurring burden.

5. Learning is your ally

An entrepreneur needs to be on an ongoing learning progress. Improve your skills and knowledge in your field and in other fields related to your business. Attend events and workshops, take classes, read, have advisors and mentors, hangout with entrepreneurs, like-minded people and experts!

6. Choose the right pool

Surround yourself with great people. Having a skillful team will help you succeed and achieve your dream. You need to have around people who believe in what you are building. A ship won’t reach its destination if its captain is the only sailor. Therefore, select your cofounders, team, advisors, and investors carefully!

Starting a new business is very hard and requires a leader, a dreamer, a hard worker, a risk taker, an adventurer, and a fearless person.