ProGrad Melbourne

Do You Need to Be Famous to Be Entrepreneurial?

Larissa Ham recently wrote an article on www.smallbusiness.smh.com.au that questioned just how easy it is for celebrities to become successful entrepreneurs and business owners.  

When referring to celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Greg Norman, Oprah Winfrey, Elle McPherson and George Foreman, Lam states that “Some have achieved wild success; others have stumbled, while one has punched and grilled his way to megabucks.”

These celebrities have already captured fame, now they are looking for new ways to capture success and fortune. Whether they are selling clothing, books, perfume or documentary videos, these big names are taking over a large portion of the entrepreneur sector without even trying.

Tom Hastwell, is an entrepreneur that travels around Sydney, inspiring school leavers on how they can form a successful business, without being branded a celebrity first. ‘‘You’ve got to have faith in what you’re doing and that has to be unwavering. The only person who’s going to believe in your business is you so it’s your job to sell that belief to anyone who becomes involved.’’ Tom Hastwell.

Some of Tom’s tips on how to launch a big idea include:

• Always be on the lookout for opportunities and new contacts.
• Everyone will tell you it can’t be done. Ignore them!
• Be passionate about your business — this will inspire others around you.
• Don’t be in it for the money. Do it because you enjoy it; the money will come.
• Networking is a fancy word for being brave and talking to people.
• Surround yourself with good people: business partners, employees, mentors, friends.

Sophie

ProGrad is an assessment, training and placement centre that specialises in providing university graduates with entry level business to business sales roles in fast growing international organisations. For more information please call us directly on 02 8235 8300 or visit our website at www.prograd.com.au