Do I Have an Entrepreneur Mindset?

“The biggest mistake that you can ever make is to ever think that you work for anyone but yourself. From the time you take your first job until the time you retire you are always self-employed.”–Brian Tracy, business and professional development coach

Feeling inspired to start or grow your career as an independent contractor? Running your own business means taking charge of your growth, making smart decisions, and always looking for ways to improve—exciting, right?

It all starts with an entrepreneurial mindset. Use these strategies from MBO Partners to stay flexible, find new work opportunities, and build a successful business on your terms.

10 Strategies for Becoming a Top Entrepreneur

1. Own Your Path with Self-Leadership

Award-winning entrepreneur Jim Rohn says, “If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.” Taking control of your professional journey means setting clear goals and holding yourself accountable every step of the way. From determining your rates to managing deadlines, you’re in the driver’s seat of your success.

Stay organized and motivated by using project management tools and scheduling regular check-ins with yourself. Think of it as being your own supportive boss—one who pushes you to grow while celebrating your wins along the way.

Discover: 6 Personality Traits of Successful Independent Contractors

2. Build Up Your Resilience

In independent contracting, challenges are chances to learn and grow. When things don’t go as planned, step back, figure out what went wrong, and use that knowledge to improve.

Being flexible is just as important. Client needs change, and new technologies emerge. Stay ready to adjust—whether that means expanding your services or learning new skills to keep up with industry trends.

3. Become a Problem-Solver

Successful entrepreneurs don’t wait for solutions—they find them. Get in the habit of identifying potential issues early and thinking of creative solutions before they turn into bigger problems.

When clients face challenges, see them as chances to showcase your value. If a client has a tight budget, for example, come prepared with cost-effective strategies that still deliver strong results.

Check Out: 6 Habits of Highly Effective Entrepreneurs

4. Build Your Professional Community

Networking helps you build genuine relationships that support your growth. You can connect with fellow contractors, industry experts, and potential clients through professional groups, online communities, and industry events.

Remember that every interaction is an opportunity to learn something new or help someone else succeed. These connections often lead to referrals, collaborations, and valuable insights that can help your business move to the next level.

5. Create a Strong Personal Brand

Your reputation is one of your biggest assets as an independent contractor. A strong personal brand helps you stand out, attract the right clients, and establish credibility in your industry.

Start by defining what makes you unique—your expertise, values, and the problems you solve. Then, showcase your brand through a professional website, social media presence, and thought leadership content like blogs or case studies. Consistently sharing your insights and successes builds trust and keeps you top of mind for future opportunities.

Learn More: 9 Ways to Build a Professional Brand

6. Take Smart Risks

Growing your business requires stepping out of your comfort zone, but it’s important to do so strategically. Before embracing a new challenge or making a big change, assess the potential benefits alongside the risks.

Treat this process as a series of calculated experiments rather than taking blind risks. Start small, test your ideas, and adjust based on the results. This way, you can drive growth while maintaining stability.

7. Invest in Client Relationships

In her Harvard Business Review article, “A Campaign Strategy for Your Career,” Dorie Clark, an author and executive education professor at Columbia University’s Columbia Business School, outlines a campaign-style approach to career growth. A key element of this strategy is building strong, lasting relationships with your clients.

Prioritize delivering exceptional value and maintaining open, honest communication throughout every project. Beyond meeting deadlines, check in regularly, ask for feedback, and look for ways to exceed expectations. These extra efforts can turn one-time projects into long-term partnerships.

Explore: Client Relationships Guide: Ways to Build Strong Relationships With Clients

8. Master Your Money Game

Strong financial management is the backbone of any successful independent contracting business. Create a clear system for tracking your income, managing expenses, and setting aside money for taxes and unexpected needs.

Then, use your financial insights to make strategic decisions about pricing, investments in your business, and growth opportunities. Having a solid financial foundation gives you the freedom to focus on delivering great work.

9. Never Stop Learning

The best independent contractors are always learning and improving their skills. Make learning a regular habit by taking online courses, reading industry news, or joining skill-building workshops.

Try setting aside time each week to explore new tools, techniques, or trends that could help your clients. Staying committed to growth makes you more valuable and helps you discover new opportunities in your field.

Check Out: Education Options to Grow Your Skills and Your Business

10. Embrace the Growth Journey

Developing an entrepreneurial mindset means seeing every experience as a chance to learn and improve. When you face setbacks or miss out on opportunities, ask yourself what lessons you can take away to make your business stronger.

Above all, stay curious and open to feedback, always looking for ways to improve. Remember, the most successful contractors started just like you—taking it one step at a time and learning along the way.

Additional Tools and Resources Available for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners

If you’re looking for more resources to support your journey as an independent contractor or small business owner, visit MBO’s blog for expert insights and advice. Our blog covers a wide range of topics, from financial planning and taxes to marketing and client management, to help you succeed in the world of self-employment.