There are many factors that can determine the success or failure of entrepreneurs. In a South African context, it may be justifiable to blame the high failure rate on a lack of funding, bureaucratic red tape, a lack of access to markets or any other opportunity inhibitor. However, over the last 8 years of working at Property Point with entrepreneurs of various backgrounds and ambitions, I have come to learn that much of the success of small and medium enterprises (SME’s) is within the individual themselves. The external factors mentioned above may be reasonable, but my experience and studies in human behaviour have shown me that it is more likely the internal factors where the key to success is hidden.
NLP stands for Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a name that encompasses the three most influential components involved in producing human experience.
The neurological system regulates how our bodies function, language determines how we interface and communicate with other people and our programming determines the kinds of models of the world we create. Neuro-Linguistic Programming describes the fundamental dynamics between mind (neuro) and language (linguistic) and how their interplay affects our body and behaviour (programming). Learning NLP is like learning the language of your own mind!
Here are 3 quick ways to use NLP techniques to boost your efficiency and profitability as an entrepreneur:
1. Be conscious of what you think of yourself? (Self-esteem)
What you think and believe about yourself is vital to your success as a human being and subsequently as an entrepreneur. The person behind the business is more important than the business itself. Most of the times when businesses are not making it, it is because the business owner himself is “not making it’’. Entrepreneurs can often bow to self-doubt and the use of NLP is a powerful and yet gentle way of training your mind to believe in your best and your complete potential. NLP techniques can be used to overcome lack of confidence, fear and other negative thoughts that may crowd your mind. These are the monsters to overcome in the environment of growing a sustainable business.
2. Focus on the opportunities and not the challenges
The entrepreneur is one who can seek out opportunities. In fact, that is what separates the ones with a millionaire mindset from the rest. Using NLP techniques will help you focus on the opportunities and not on the challenges that stand in your way. Doing so will increase confidence and give you the mental skills you need to reach your goals.
3. Have the guts to change what doesn’t work
Finally, a successful entrepreneur is one who is willing and open to change what doesn’t work. Flexibility and adaptability are keys to entrepreneurship and Neuro-Linguistic Programming Techniques can help you get them.
Based on the above we conclude that NLP offers ways for entrepreneurs to create goals and reach them faster and with greater ease, ways to resolve work or personal issues, and ways to reduce stress and deal elegantly with change in the world we are living in and doing business in.
Hannes Steyn is a Programme Manager at Property Point and qualified NLP practitioner.