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The Entrepreneurial Myth and Six Ways to Make People Like You

The American Dream has been built around the idea of the self-made entrepreneur, but the reality is that most small businesses are not started by true entrepreneurs. Instead, they are started by technicians who have fallen victim to what Michael Gerber calls the Entrepreneurial Seizure.

Good Morning! Sippers,

Here are this week’s notes!

The Entrepreneurial Myth

They intoxicate themselves with work so they won’t see how they really are. — Aldous Huxley

The American Dream has been built around the idea of the self-made entrepreneur, but the reality is that most small businesses are not started by true entrepreneurs. Instead, they are started by technicians who have fallen victim to what Michael Gerber calls the Entrepreneurial Seizure.

This myth of the entrepreneur is a dangerous misunderstanding that has cost us dearly in lost resources, lost opportunities, and wasted lives.

🧐Few Real Entrepreneurs🧐

According to Gerber’s experience, a few of the thousands of businesspeople he has worked with over the past two decades were true entrepreneurs when he met them.

Most had lost their original vision and the zest for climbing the sheer faces of treacherous rock to realize the dream of creating a business of their own.

They were exhausted, clinging to the face of the rock, rather than scaling it. Exhaustion was common, exhilaration rare.

👀The Entrepreneurial Seizure👀

The Entrepreneurial Seizure is a moment when a technician working for someone else is suddenly stricken with the idea of starting their own business. They believe they know as much about the business as their boss and that any dummy can run a business.

The thought of independence becomes obsessively irresistible, and they are excited to cut the cord. From that day on, their life is never the same. There is no relief; they have to start their own business.

💣The Fatal Assumption💣

Technicians who fall victim to the Entrepreneurial Seizure make the most disastrous assumption anyone can make about going into business.

If you understand the technical work of a business, you understand a business that does that technical work.

This assumption is fatal because it just isn’t true. The technical work of a business and a business that does that technical work are two different things. The technician who starts a business fails to see this, and it’s the root cause of most small business failures.

Six Ways to Make People Like You

By using these techniques, you can win over others, build stronger relationships, and increase your overall likability.

  1. 😄 Show Genuine Interest People love talking about themselves and their interests. Show genuine interest in what they have to say, ask thoughtful questions, and actively listen to their responses.

💡Insight: Listening is one of the most powerful skills you can develop in building relationships. By showing a genuine interest in others, you not only make them feel valued and heard, but you also gain valuable insights into their needs, desires, and perspectives.

  1. 😊 Smile Smiling is contagious and sends positive signals to those around you. It creates a welcoming and approachable atmosphere that makes people feel comfortable and at ease.

💡Insight: A smile is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to make a positive impression on others. By smiling, you not only boost your own mood but also create a positive feedback loop that can improve your interactions with others.

  1. 👥 Remember People’s Names There is no sweeter sound to a person’s ears than the sound of their own name. Make an effort to remember people’s names, and use them when addressing them.

💡Insight: Remembering names is a powerful way to demonstrate your interest in and respect for others. It shows that you value their presence and acknowledge their individuality. Moreover, using someone’s name in conversation can help you establish a deeper connection and build trust.

  1. 🤝 Find Common Ground Look for shared interests, experiences, or values that you have in common with others. These similarities can form the basis of a strong bond and create a sense of familiarity and trust.

💡Insight: Finding common ground is an essential aspect of building relationships. It allows you to connect with others on a deeper level and establish a foundation of mutual respect and understanding. Moreover, by focusing on similarities rather than differences, you can create a more positive and inclusive environment.

  1. 🙌 Give Sincere Compliments Offer genuine praise and compliments to others. Focus on their strengths, accomplishments, or positive qualities.

💡Insight: A sincere compliment can go a long way in building rapport and boosting someone’s self-esteem. By acknowledging and highlighting the positive qualities of others, you create a positive and uplifting atmosphere that fosters growth and development.

  1. 🎁 Show Kindness Acts of kindness, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on others. Show empathy, compassion, and generosity towards those around you.

💡Insight: Kindness is a powerful tool for building relationships and creating a positive environment. By showing kindness, you not only improve the well-being of others but also increase your own sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

By using these six techniques, you can make people like you, build stronger relationships, and increase your overall likability. Remember to show genuine interest, smile, remember people’s names, find common ground, give sincere compliments, and show kindness. With these tools, you can win over others and make a positive impact on the world around you.