The 10 Commandments of Being a Boss (Even without a Corner Office)

Let’s face it, we all dream of quitting our day jobs and becoming our own boss. The sentiment is especially rife in the 24six9 community, where we all aspire to build a business empire to rival the likes of Amazon. But being your boss is about more than fancy titles and corner offices, as most of the 24six9 community will tell you. Hold on to your side-hustle dreams and let us take you through the 10 commandments of what it means to become a leader, and an entrepreneur.

1. Passion as fuel

Being an entrepreneur means leaving behind uninspiring business plans. When it comes to being an entrepreneur, your vision and your conviction in said vision is what’ll take you forward. You must believe in your product with the intensity of a thousand suns, and that that belief light your path. Challenges are inevitable, some may be small and some very significant, but your passion for your idea should be unwavering in the face of obstacles. That will what’ll propel you forward with unstoppable momentum.

2. Ideas as unique as you

In a world where imitation is common, it is your job as an entrepreneur to stand out and be exceptional. The landscape is more competitive than ever, which means that when your idea is unique, it’ll shine even brighter. Let innovation be your compass and go against the mentality of expanding upon someone else’s idea. Channel your passion toward the goal of disruption, innovation and creativity. The secret sauce here is authenticity and conviction, once again.

3. No copycats allowed

It’s common knowledge that success attracts imitators. And while imitation may be a form of flattery, it’s also not the best practice when you have so much to bring to the table. Develop the mantra of “continuous innovation” to stay ahead of the curve and bring your A-game.

4. Scrappy warriors will go far

When you’re on your way to become your own boss, it’s easy to get excited and sidetracked with wasteful spending. Remember, cash and energy is now your best currency, so avoid spending on that fancy office table and always be prepared for business expenses. They won’t always announce themselves, but they WILL come.

5. Collaborate with the best

Entrepreneurship is a game of collaboration, but only with those that you know are aligned with your vision and values. Don’t give up control of your passion project in the name of collaborating, instead, only choose to share your values with collaborators who empower you to lead. Think advisors, not puppet masters.

6. Iron-fist on your non-negotiables

When you’re starting out, make a list of your non-negotiables that will pull through to the end. These are usually your long-term vision, purpose, and core values. You’re always in charge of adapting your approach but never compromise on the fundamentals of your plan. In the long run, they’re the compass that will guide you through the wilderness in business.

7. Boot-strap creatively

Ask any successful entrepreneur and they’ll tell you that the early years are a challenge in perseverance. This is the time-period where survival is the focus, and you’re likely to spend many-a-night with management and organizational challenges. Until you crack the code and are free to cruise, let creativity and resourcefulness guide your path in getting shit done.

8. Pacing is everything

Like mentioned before, building a business is a game of perseverance. It takes time and dedication and is often rife with unprecedented obstacles. The best way out is through, so embrace the long haul, celebrate small victories and avoid burnout by pacing yourself.

9. Self-care is success

We all know the internet loves to glamorize burnout but trust us, exhaustion doesn’t breed success. Give your physical, mental and emotional health the focus it deserves. Your well-being is a huge priority in your journey of entrepreneurship because you’re representing your work ethic to peers and potential partners. A healthy boss is a happy boss, and a happy boss makes better decisions.

10. Build your brand to last

When a business is fueled by passion and purpose, it shows. And it lasts. When you’re prepared for the pitfalls of the early years, you build for the long-term, and pave the path for true, lasting success. Rome wasn’t built in a day, remember? Take your time, stay ahead of trends, keep your eyes and ears peeled, and network like hell.

There you have it. The path you’ve chosen is not an easy one, but it is ultimately infinitely rewarding.

“Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won't so you can spend the rest of your life like most people can't.”

Good luck!