The following are 7 tips to help entrepreneurs be successful in the hospitality industry. These points come from my years of experience as an independent contractor and from the 100+ individuals that have joined me.

1. Have a clearly defined game plan
Without directions or a map, you will never find your desired destination. The same is true with your career. Without a plan for success…you plan to fail.

2. Take Action
Do one thing every day that will get you closer to your goal.

3. Be Prepared Financially
Start investing in yourself today! Set aside funds for when you decide to go on your own. This money will help you through the ‘start-up’ phase. In addition, money management is often an obstacle to our success. Now is the time to prepare and learn the skills needed to be fiscally responsible.

4. Overcome Frustration
One of the largest obstacles to achieving your dream is allowing frustration to sway your focus. You have to be able to fight through the challenges that you will face along the way and maintain a positive attitude.

5. Overcome Rejection
We all dislike being told ‘no’. I have written several posts on this subject. The key is to understand that, to be successful, you will face lots of rejection. You need to become effective at facing and overcoming rejection.

6. Don’t Become Complacent
When you reach a goal…set new ones. Do not become comfortable at any single point along your journey. You need to push your boundaries to reach your dream.

7. Have a Goal to Give Back
Focus on giving first and not worrying about whether or not you will receive in return. Being successful and building a great living enables you to live a happier life and give back.

“When you’re in business for yourself, you write your own history, you write your own success story, you write your own legacy and most important, you write your own paycheck,” Jeffrey Gitomer, best-selling author. The journey to success as an entrepreneur is not an easy or short trip, but it will be worth it and it will change your life for the better.

Is it time for you to consider being an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry?