In a recent article in the Financial Post, Canadian entrepreneur Peter Thomas advised on the world of entrepreneurs and how to be a good one.
Peter Thomas is a Canadian entrepreneur, investor, author, public speaker, and philanthropist. He was the founding partner and chairman of Century 21 Real Estate Canada and Samoth Capital Corporation. He is currently the founder and chairman of Thomas Pride International and its affiliates, including Thomas Franchise Solutions and LifePilot. He is now involved in Dogtopia, dog daycare, boarding, spa and retail business.
“I’ll be 80 in September. You’re likely thinking, “Wow, that’s old,” but I’m happy to report that life as an entrepreneur has kept me young. Thanks to a portfolio of investments and ventures such as Dogtopia, I’m just as busy today as when I started down the entrepreneurial path in my early 20s,” He said.
“If you’re reading this and thinking, I’d like to be an entrepreneur one day. The question is: Why aren’t you one already?” He wrote.
He added that Young entrepreneurs were easy to recognize, and they were usually the kids with lemonade stands and lawnmowers and had a passion and vision. They are also likely to start their first venture while still in school.
“I believe today’s turbulent world needs these people more than ever. We need their energy, and we need their new ideas. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur looking to change the world, I’m writing this to help and encourage you because this life isn’t always easy. It’s difficult and often exasperating, with no guarantee of fame or fortune, but the rewards outweigh the risk if you position yourself for success,” he said.
Thomas offered three important pieces of advice to all budding entrepreneurs. Coming from a serial entrepreneur who has tasted a lot of success in his life, this is the type of advice that everyone interested in the business world should imbibe and make an essential part of their professional life.
His top three tips are to Figure out who you are, Start the learning process and get yourself a mentor.
It can be very important for an entrepreneur to know themselves well before getting to know their business or customers. “A lot of growing up is figuring out who you are, and I find the same true as an entrepreneur. Before you can build a business, you need a foundation of values to build on. Values are your principles — they represent what matters most to you. When you know your values, you can use them to navigate life. Your decisions become clearer, and you spend far less time wondering what you should do, how you should act, what’s right and what’s wrong.” He said.
According to him, Starting the learning process can mean starting each day, task or project with a clear vision of your desired direction and destination.
[pullquote align=”normal” cite=”- Peter Thomas”]“…I believe it’s important for young people to start their careers with the end in mind…The closer you can get to experiencing what your future will look like, the better.”[/pullquote]
“Students, extending that piece of wisdom to how it might help you, I believe it’s important for young people to start their careers with the end in mind. Although your current financial situation might make that difficult or even impossible, having a summer job or internship will help you learn more about the specific business or industry you’re interested in. The closer you can get to experiencing what your future will look like, the better.” he said.
His last piece of advice is to find a mentor. Someone who can be a guide and who can help you see the big picture and visualize what success looks like in five, 10, even 20 years into the future.
He ends the article by saying “Get out there and start making money.” Life is short (even when you have lived to 80), and the world needs fresh new ideas.
His words are definitely an inspiration and somethior ng that new entrepreneurs should follow.
photo: canentrepreneur
