It is the ability to persevere despite the hardship that separates a great man from an average man. Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with uncertain beginnings and challenging futures. Entrepreneurship takes a lot of work, time, and risk. However, entrepreneurs can learn a lot from the most unlikely sources — even a child who delivers the morning newspaper.
Here are nine lessons entrepreneurs can learn about newspaper-delivery boys.
1. Don’t be afraid of obstacles
A newspaper boy faces many challenges, such as inclement weather or fatigue. But, that doesn’t stop a newspaper boy from rising to the occasion and meeting these challenges. Entrepreneurs must be able to take the first steps. You won’t reach the other side of the coin if you don’t have the courage or effort to do so.
Stop complaining about the obstacles in front of entrepreneurs. As the newspaper boy said, “Wake up!” and “Get out there!”
2. Always arrive on time
Delivering the newspaper on time is the primary responsibility of a newspaper boy. The newspaper must be delivered on time and in good order. Failure to provide the newspaper on time can lead to a loss of customer trust and possibly income. Every entrepreneur should recognize that time is money.
Entrepreneurs must always be on time for meetings. This could cause problems in the business. The goal should always be growth and success. Entrepreneurs need to be punctual and disciplined to succeed. Entrepreneur success is dependent on time management. This will show your clients and co-entrepreneurs that you are responsible and reliable.
3. You must be willing to give up small pleasures
Sometimes, a newspaper boy may be deprived of the pleasure of hanging with friends or missing a morning gathering because of delivery. So it is important to realize that you might not always be able to accomplish everything you would like.
Entrepreneurs should learn to sacrifice short-term pleasures for the greater good. It is a process of giving and taking, which entrepreneurs need to recognize. Higher rewards will be earned if an entrepreneur is willing to make sacrifices for short-term pleasures and invests more in a business. Success requires sacrifices and the willingness to give up small joys for the greater good.
4.Always be truthful
Honesty can be the best policy. It reflects your integrity and values. Entrepreneurs need to remember that there’s a high chance of failure and disappointment when starting a business. And sometimes things don’t go according to plan. Since everything is beyond their control, entrepreneurs need to be open with their clients. A genuine relationship can help them grow.
Entrepreneurs should be open about all that is happening in their business. The importance of being able to assess every aspect of the company, from finances to product design to customer relationships, is crucial. Sometimes things can spiral out of control. But an honest examination of the situation can help you get back on course.
5. Know your priorities
A newspaper boy’s responsibility is to deliver daily newspapers to customers. Newspaper boys’ top priorities can include providing positive customer experiences and providing products that customers desire.
Finding potential customers for your products should be one of your top priorities as an entrepreneur. It would help if you got to know the ecosystem that you’re selling. Entrepreneurs need to be highly focused and stay true to their top priorities. That will set them up for success.
6. Maintain a strong relationship with other entrepreneurs by networking
Friends are better than enemies. Sometimes it can even double as a backup. Sometimes a newspaper boy may not be able to make it in time. Good relationships with other delivery men can help in such cases. To avoid disappointing customers, a newspaper delivery man might take on too many delivery orders.
Because it opens doors to opportunity, networking is essential for your survival as an entrepreneur.
7. Customers are the essential aspect of a business relationship.
To keep clients happy and to refer others, a newspaper boy must maintain good relationships with them. Customers pay to have their newspaper delivered wherever and whenever they wish. You cannot underestimate the power and reach of a loyal, returning customer. Keep your customers coming back for more. Happy customers can bring you many new clients.
Entrepreneurs should prioritize customer-relationship management, as this is key to staying afloat in a competitive market. Customer feedback is essential. Do not dismiss customer feedback as a negative thing.
For a long-lasting relationship to be built, it is vital to keep your customers satisfied as an entrepreneur. According to the old saying, a happy customer makes a loyal friend.
8. Be open to new customers.
Newspaper boy is very vigilant and keeps a close eye on the streets for any potential newspaper readers.
Entrepreneurs always be open to new ideas and customers. They must constantly be innovative, find better ways to run their business, and improve their methods to attract more customers.
9.Explore new opportunities.
You may have seen a newspaper boy become a newspaperman. It’s not a bad thing. But, you don’t have to do it all the time if you love what you do. Just like a newspaper-delivery man can become a newspaper agent, adding more delivery boys, it is possible always to learn and improve. Always be open to new ideas.
Oh, by the way, that newspaper boy is me. I was even a correspondent for one of the newspapers I had delivered. There are always unexpected turns and surprising endings in life. Never be afraid to begin. From humble beginnings, you can rise above all odds and achieve your goals.
