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As an entrepreneur at the beginning stages of business development, it is often difficult to get your foot in the door. You may have the intelligence, the resources, and more, but you will be by default lacking the experience that comes with time and immersion in the business world. Here are some tips for young and fresh entrepreneurs:

Carry a notebook. There is no consistent time or place when a good idea may hit, or when you may hear or see something that could be used to further your brand or business. Keeping a small journal and pen or pencil in one of your pockets or your bag at all times will keep you receptive to these ideas, wherever they may hit.

Always do extensive research before you make a decision. Often, it is easy to forget this when caught up in the exhilaration of making a business deal or new decision. Never take time away from this part in the process because whether you do appropriate research or not it will undoubtedly show in the results and future of the endeavor.

Take the time to understand every area of your business. Even if it is not your specialty or an area you are particularly strong in, or if you are outsourcing the work to someone else. You, as the leader of your business, should be familiar to an extent with every aspect of your business. This will garner you respect amongst those you hire or outsource to work with you, as well as provide you with a holistic understanding of the workings of your business and how to improve its function.

Do not take failure too personally. Everyone fails and will continue to fail at some point in their career. Failure is not an end all be all, but instead a way to identify the weaker places in your business model and personal tactics so you can learn how to reinforce and strengthen those areas in the future.

Network. Ask questions. Take risks. These three go hand in hand–if you are at a conference or convention go out of your way to introduce yourself to people. You could very well make a connection that seriously benefits your business or even one with a potential partner. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself or contact people you would like to meet and collaborate with.

Lastly, confidence is critical. This wavers on cliche, but do not take it lightly. Do everything you do with confidence. Act and speak with confidence, network with confidence, research so that you can move forward with the highest confidence interval possible.