The 7 tips below come from entrepreneurs that have achieved success in the hospitality industry. These lessons have been gathered during my over-fifteen-years of experience as a leader of independent contractors and from the 100+ individuals that have joined my teams.

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 Daily

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. Fighting Through Frustration

One of the largest obstacles to achieving your dream is allowing frustration to sway your focus. You must 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’. The key is to understand that, to be successful, you will face rejection. You need to become effective at facing and overcoming rejection and never giving up on your goal.

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 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 will change your life for the better.

The new year may be the perfect time for you to consider being an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry.