Roadblocks: Over, Under or Through.

As an entrepreneur, it is a well-known fact that achieving success is not an easy task. The road to success is often filled with unexpected roadblocks that can cause even the best of plans to fail. However, the difference between successful and unsuccessful entrepreneurs is how they handle these obstacles.

One of my first roadblocks was raising the capital to start my first business. I had just quit my job because I was underpaid and under appreciated. I knew I wanted to do something on my own. While prospecting door to door for my previous employer I sold a client that gave me a chance.

He is the first person I went to for the investment for two reasons. First, I didn’t have many options, actually I had zero options. Second, I had a gut feeling about him. I presented a simple spreadsheet with a plan and within a short period of time we were partners. It lasted 20 years.

You may say this wasn’t much of a roadblock because I found a partner fairly quickly. Without an investor I was just an unemployed sales professional living in a shitty apartment. Yeah, it was a huge obstacle. Somehow I had the intuition to find the right person. It’s a skill you can get better at.

If you have not gotten through your roadblock, all is not lost, you just have not found it yet. Look harder.

Here are three simple strategies that can help you get through roadblocks as an entrepreneur:

1. Take a step back and reassess your plan: When faced with a roadblock, it is essential to take a temporary pause and evaluate your progress so far. Look at your plan and try to identify potential flaws that caused the roadblock. You may need to tweak your strategy, approach or timeline to get back on track.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help: As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to want to take on everything on your own. However, asking for help can provide a fresh perspective and help you overcome challenges quicker. Reach out to mentors, business partners, or other entrepreneurs for advice on how to handle your roadblock.

3. Keep a positive mindset: Roadblocks may seem daunting, but it’s all about your mindset. Instead of getting discouraged, see roadblocks as opportunities for growth and learning. A positive attitude can help you stay motivated and push forward, even when things get tough.

Running into roadblocks is inevitable when it comes to entrepreneurship. However, with the right mindset and strategies, you can overcome them and get back on track to achieving your goals. Remember to reassess your plan, ask for help, and keep a positive attitude. With these strategies, you can tackle any obstacle that comes your way.