5 entrepreneurial tips we’ve learned from our toddlers

and it’s good news they’re so business savvy bc we kind of work for them, am I right moms…

#1. Optimism is key

You see a 2 year old probably knows that every sphere shaped container in the world isn’t “ice keem” but it doesn’t stop them from taking a second to entertain the thought that it COULD be ice keem. This hopeful optimism makes their lives exciting and when they do see a beloved ice keem container, you better believe they’re ready. Ice cream containers are your opportunities. Always be looking for them and you’ll be ready when you stumble upon a real one. Jackpot.

#2. Always be prospecting

No seriously they never stop prospecting….

Oh mom said no? Got it. Better start working on dad… then nana… then aunt Sharon… then the random person they don’t know but are willing to strike up a conversation with just to see if MAYBE they could be the fit they’re looking for to get the board game with 19372 pieces out of the pantry. Whether you’re at a networking event, where duh you’re prospecting, or the ball field where it maybe isn’t so obvious… the prospecting mindset will take you places.

#3. Your memory can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Choose wisely.

Our toddlers remember that the deflated balloon is in THAT ONE junk drawer that we put there 3 weeks ago but is not the least bit phased by how many times he has unsuccessfully jumped from the couch to the ottoman. Remember your wins like you remember the balloon and find great strength and perseverance from them. Forget your failures quickly so you have more time to try, try, again. Bonus points if you learn from the mistake that led to failure but hey our toddlers don’t so you do you…

#4. Be genuinely curious!

Why, how, what, why, why, how, what, why… the limit does not exist. A toddler’s desire to truly understand should inspire you, not frustrate you. Or at the very least a little bit of both. You’re passing up on a goldmine every day if you’re not asking enough of the right questions when talking to customers, prospects, mentors and peers. The best way to train your brain is to be genuinely fascinated by people. Once you achieve this, you won’t be able to help but to ask great questions and learn about them. Maybe they’ve got a story you need to hear at this point in your journey, maybe they’d be a great business partner, maybe they can save you from learning a lesson the hard way- you’ll never know if you don’t utilize genuine curiosity about people.

#5. Don’t be afraid to delegate in order to stay in your zone of genius

Most toddlers love to color. Now I’m thinking of a very specific toddler who especially loves to color. Removing the marker lids and putting them back on, though? Forget about it. Just slows him down. He’s quick to recruit help with the necessary task of capping and uncapping the markers. Sure, it has to be done for coloring to happen. But it doesn’t have to be done by him. And he can get a lot more of what he enjoys done when he’s got that time back. If having someone else pick up your dry cleaning, watch your kids, write your captions, make your graphics or cook your meals is what’s going to allow you do more work inside your sweet spot and move the needle in your life and business? Nobody does it all, we promise.

With 13 kids and counting among the team, it’s almost like they taught us everything we know.

Xo, The Salesgirls