Entrepreneurship means different things to different people. For some, it’s a chance to be your own boss and set your own schedule. For others, it’s a path to financial independence and freedom. Entrepreneurship, whatever it may mean to a person, requires seriousness, hard work and determination. To achieve success, learning from other leaders who have succeeded as entrepreneurs can be an effective way to scale and grow your business. In this article, founder and CEO of DIGIDECK by Sportsdigita, as well as Wall Street-turned sports tech entrepreneur Angelina Lawton, share their insights on entrepreneurship and success.
Specify your identity
Your identity is unique to you. In order to stay focused as an entrepreneur, it’s important to define who and what your identity is. For Lawton, defining his identity, his niche, was critical to achieving optimal results with the DIGIDECK product. “I think the biggest thing entrepreneurs try to do is chase two rabbits at once and catch neither,” he says. I think you have to really own your place before you can own the world.
The reason I’ve been successful is that I’ve defined my area of focus and then built from there. A lot of people just try to be everything to everyone, especially when they’re in sales mode at first.
Develop the right mindset
The right mindset is the most important determinant of success. During his transition from the world of finance to sports, Lawton noticed a common failure in the mindset of an entrepreneur. “Everyone always asks what’s the hardest part of working in sports or finance,” he says. You really are yourself. You are your own biggest obstacle, honestly, as far as whether or not you think you can do it. You have to be confident and don’t hold back.” Lawton talks about how his mindset has helped him through moments that seemed scary. Whether you’re cool, the only woman in the room, or just don’t know some things about your business because everyone else does, you need to gain the confidence to look in the right places. And go to meetings you’re afraid to go to or do interviews that might seem scary to the press. I just kept doing it. And that’s how I kind of kept moving through it. But I think that in both scenarios, we can often be our own worst enemy. But therein lies the opportunity to be your own best source of success.” Lawton hopes to bring this mindset to other women investing in male-dominated industries. I want young women to know that they can succeed and lead in a sea of men. It just takes practice, the right mindset and the right focus.”
Outside Luton’s office, a sign that reads, “Feel the fear and do it anyway,” is a reminder of the mindset it takes to make it happen.
