Inspiration & AdviceThree Qualities Every Entrepreneur (And Human Being) Needs

Greg Bell, Founder of Water The Bamboo Center for Leadership, shares lessons learned the hard way at OEN’s 2014 Entrepreneurial Summit.

Generosity. Trust. A willingness to ask for help. At OEN’s 2014 Entrepreneurial Summit, Greg Bell, founder of Water The Bamboo Center for Leadership, focused on the values and qualities that entrepreneurs need to succeed.

The takeaway? Entrepreneurs need to build a community, they need to trust that community, and they need to give back to it. It’s not your everyday business advice.

Here’s more from Greg:

1. Be willing to ask for help

I grew up in Texas. I grew up in a tiny little town called St. Augustine, and if you’ve heard of that town, we’re probably related. Twenty-four hundred people and a goat. I grew up in a house with no running water, no indoor plumbing, no outdoor plumbing… no plumbing, ok? It’s interesting when I think about how many people have helped me in my career. Part of the reason I think people help is because I ask. Always ask. If you don’t ask for help, you’ll never get it.

2. Be generous

Early on, I was always chasing transactions. But now I’m looking for transformation. How do we really change the game? That starts with generosity. Every meeting I go to, every client I work with, I think about generosity. Generosity can generate more revenue for you than all of your transactions.  All of us have been helped by others. When you have success in your company, when you have success in your life, always be willing to reach back. Reach back generously.

3. Trust the world

I have three daughters—their names are Grace, Hope, and Joy.  I always tell them, “If you trust the world, you’re going to be disappointed. But if you don’t trust the world, you’re going to be absolutely miserable.” Think about that for a moment. I’m asking you to step outside your comfort zone. Yes, people, things, process, will disappoint. But never walk in the room and let an idiot get in the way of what you’re trying to do.

See Greg’s full story at OEN’s 2014 Entrepreneurial Summit. Video produced by 10 Bridges Media, LLC:

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