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12 LAWS OF SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS
Since first appearing in 2013, this book has been praised as one of the most sincere guides to the real world of entrepreneurship. This is the updated 2016 edition.
The heart-felt examples --based on real experiences of the author-- hit home for many, as they represent the daily struggle of those brave men and women who follow their dreams, take risks, and create the companies that fuel the economies.
The author summarizes his work in 12 basic laws:
1. Don't become an entrepreneur just to make money: do it because you are doing what you love. Real success comes from deciding what you want, making a good plan, and working with all your might to achieve it.
2. Study the rules of success: you will need all the help you can get to navigate the waters of "business life". From believe in yourself, to forget about the past and concentrate in the future, to "As a a man thinketh", everything applies. So, study!
3. Be careful with numbers. Income is important, but the cost to generate it is even more important. Many businesses sell a lot, but make no profit, because their costs are miscalculated.
4-a.Keep the focus. Concentrate your fire. Take care of business. Don't try to do five things at a time. You only have a limited amount of time and energy.
4-b. Choose your opportunities wisely. Not everything is a real "opportunity". Balance your optimism and desire to grab them all; with the use of precaution. Do not rush.
5-a. Be careful doing business with friends. Money tends to be more powerful than friendship. It is better a friendship born from a business venture, than a business born from a friendship...
5-b. Choose your partners wisely. Good partners are like diamonds: hard to find. Bad partners are like diamonds: really expensive. Don’t rush into business with the first person you met in a party or while waiting at the bank.
6. Take your time choosing employees. Don't just hire your secretary's nephews cousin of a friend. Be diligent. Interview candidates, check references. These people, they will be THE FACE of your company!
7. Put everything in writing. EVERYTHING. In a business deal, people tend to suffer TSA, temporary selective amnesia. If not in writing, they will only remember whatever is on their best interest. Never, never, NEVER enter into a verbal agreement. Writing everything helps everybody.
8. Control, control, control. People have the nasty tendency to steal, specially from their employers. Judas, Jesus' accountant, used to steal from him (John 12.6). If they stole from Jesus, imagine what they would do to you!
9-a. Learn communication skills. You have to be able to sell your ideas and to sell yourself. You could be great, but if you don't sell it, nobody will buy it. And you need buyers!
9-b. Sometimes, you just need to shut up. Not everybody need to know if you are in financial trouble, or if you had a bad sales month, or if you broke up with your girlfriend and lost your inspiration... People are always looking for signs of trouble to run away from you.
10. Don't let trouble defeat you. Everybody and every business faces situations sooner or later. Sometimes is our fault (we did not: work enough, innovated enough, paid attention to the market). Or it can be a financial crisis that puts everybody against the wall. What is important is to be prepared; or if you are caught off guard, to not let it defeat you. Calm down and think.
11. Concentrate on the solutions. There is always a way out. But if don't find a moment of quiet to think hard, you may miss what is right in front of you. Know there is always a solution, and FIND IT!
12. If you ask for 'divine' help do it smartly. Many turn to God when in trouble, which is great. But if you do it, don't sit down and just wait for a heavenly solution.
The heart-felt examples --based on real experiences of the author-- hit home for many, as they represent the daily struggle of those brave men and women who follow their dreams, take risks, and create the companies that fuel the economies.
The author summarizes his work in 12 basic laws:
1. Don't become an entrepreneur just to make money: do it because you are doing what you love. Real success comes from deciding what you want, making a good plan, and working with all your might to achieve it.
2. Study the rules of success: you will need all the help you can get to navigate the waters of "business life". From believe in yourself, to forget about the past and concentrate in the future, to "As a a man thinketh", everything applies. So, study!
3. Be careful with numbers. Income is important, but the cost to generate it is even more important. Many businesses sell a lot, but make no profit, because their costs are miscalculated.
4-a.Keep the focus. Concentrate your fire. Take care of business. Don't try to do five things at a time. You only have a limited amount of time and energy.
4-b. Choose your opportunities wisely. Not everything is a real "opportunity". Balance your optimism and desire to grab them all; with the use of precaution. Do not rush.
5-a. Be careful doing business with friends. Money tends to be more powerful than friendship. It is better a friendship born from a business venture, than a business born from a friendship...
5-b. Choose your partners wisely. Good partners are like diamonds: hard to find. Bad partners are like diamonds: really expensive. Don’t rush into business with the first person you met in a party or while waiting at the bank.
6. Take your time choosing employees. Don't just hire your secretary's nephews cousin of a friend. Be diligent. Interview candidates, check references. These people, they will be THE FACE of your company!
7. Put everything in writing. EVERYTHING. In a business deal, people tend to suffer TSA, temporary selective amnesia. If not in writing, they will only remember whatever is on their best interest. Never, never, NEVER enter into a verbal agreement. Writing everything helps everybody.
8. Control, control, control. People have the nasty tendency to steal, specially from their employers. Judas, Jesus' accountant, used to steal from him (John 12.6). If they stole from Jesus, imagine what they would do to you!
9-a. Learn communication skills. You have to be able to sell your ideas and to sell yourself. You could be great, but if you don't sell it, nobody will buy it. And you need buyers!
9-b. Sometimes, you just need to shut up. Not everybody need to know if you are in financial trouble, or if you had a bad sales month, or if you broke up with your girlfriend and lost your inspiration... People are always looking for signs of trouble to run away from you.
10. Don't let trouble defeat you. Everybody and every business faces situations sooner or later. Sometimes is our fault (we did not: work enough, innovated enough, paid attention to the market). Or it can be a financial crisis that puts everybody against the wall. What is important is to be prepared; or if you are caught off guard, to not let it defeat you. Calm down and think.
11. Concentrate on the solutions. There is always a way out. But if don't find a moment of quiet to think hard, you may miss what is right in front of you. Know there is always a solution, and FIND IT!
12. If you ask for 'divine' help do it smartly. Many turn to God when in trouble, which is great. But if you do it, don't sit down and just wait for a heavenly solution.
143 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2010
12 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Mauricio Chaves Mesén
116 books3 followersMauricio Chaves-Mesén, born on November 30, 1969, in San José, Costa Rica, is a distinguished author whose literary journey began at the age of eight with his first short novel. This early display of talent foreshadowed a life dedicated to the written word.
His initial career path was conventional; he became an attorney and earned an MBA. His professional pursuits led him to significant roles at international organizations, including the World Bank. He then transitioned into real estate development, achieving millionaire status before facing a market crash that resulted in significant financial loss. This pivotal moment redirected him back to his true passion: writing.
In his books “12 Laws of Great Entrepreneurs” and “Think Success,” he shares his personal narrative of overcoming failure and rediscovering his calling. These works embody his belief that setbacks are merely destiny’s way of guiding us toward our true paths.
Beyond self-help and business literature, Chaves Mesén has translated over seventy books, making seminal works accessible to Spanish-speaking readers. His translations include “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran, and “1984” by George Orwell. He also introduced Spanish translations of esoteric classics like “Cosmic Consciousness” by Maurice Bucke, “Atlantis” by Donnelly, and “Secret Societies” by Heckethorn, along with works by Orison Swett Marden, Wallace Wattles, William Walker Atkinson, and Florence Scovell-Shin.
As a novelist, he is renowned for his “Caballeros de Nostradamus” saga, which merges historical fiction with esoteric knowledge, featuring figures such as Da Vinci and Nostradamus. Titles like “La Pirámide del Apocalipsis,” “El Oráculo de la Atlántida,” and “La Profecía de Da Vinci” offer a thrilling blend of adventure and mystery, captivating readers worldwide.
Chaves Mesén’s work delves into personal growth, success, and the application of ancient wisdom to contemporary life. His investigative spirit explores the hidden secrets of organized power and global secret organizations. He believes in discovering one’s talents and using them to fulfill one’s purpose, a philosophy encapsulated in his quote: “To be happy, fulfilled, and to achieve success and prosperity, discover your talents, and then use them to accomplish your purpose, regardless of what happens around.”
His journey from attorney to millionaire to writer illustrates the unpredictable twists of fate that shape our destinies. His novels and translations invite readers to explore profound themes and timeless questions, all within a compelling narrative.
His commitment to writing and his belief in the transformative power of literature have established him as a respected figure in the literary community. His works continue to inspire and guide those seeking personal and professional fulfillment, making him a beacon for readers and aspiring writers alike.
His books often focus on self-improvement, success, and the power of the mind. Here are some key lessons from his non-fiction works:
The Power of Positive Thinking: His translation of “El Sistema de la Llave Maestra” by Charles Haanel emphasizes the creative force of the mind and its unity with the Universal Mind, activating the law of attraction. “A positive mindset that harbors great thoughts can attract prosperity and happiness”.
Self-Determination: In “12 Laws of Great Entrepreneurs,” Chaves Mesén shares insights into the entrepreneurial spirit, highlighting the importance of self-reliance and the ability to shape one’s destiny through decisive action.
Overcoming the Past: He believes in the freedom to detach from one’s past.
These lessons encapsulate a philosophy that combines ancient wisdom with practical strategies for personal and professional success. They encourage readers to think big, act with purpose, and believe in their ability to manifest their desires.
His initial career path was conventional; he became an attorney and earned an MBA. His professional pursuits led him to significant roles at international organizations, including the World Bank. He then transitioned into real estate development, achieving millionaire status before facing a market crash that resulted in significant financial loss. This pivotal moment redirected him back to his true passion: writing.
In his books “12 Laws of Great Entrepreneurs” and “Think Success,” he shares his personal narrative of overcoming failure and rediscovering his calling. These works embody his belief that setbacks are merely destiny’s way of guiding us toward our true paths.
Beyond self-help and business literature, Chaves Mesén has translated over seventy books, making seminal works accessible to Spanish-speaking readers. His translations include “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran, and “1984” by George Orwell. He also introduced Spanish translations of esoteric classics like “Cosmic Consciousness” by Maurice Bucke, “Atlantis” by Donnelly, and “Secret Societies” by Heckethorn, along with works by Orison Swett Marden, Wallace Wattles, William Walker Atkinson, and Florence Scovell-Shin.
As a novelist, he is renowned for his “Caballeros de Nostradamus” saga, which merges historical fiction with esoteric knowledge, featuring figures such as Da Vinci and Nostradamus. Titles like “La Pirámide del Apocalipsis,” “El Oráculo de la Atlántida,” and “La Profecía de Da Vinci” offer a thrilling blend of adventure and mystery, captivating readers worldwide.
Chaves Mesén’s work delves into personal growth, success, and the application of ancient wisdom to contemporary life. His investigative spirit explores the hidden secrets of organized power and global secret organizations. He believes in discovering one’s talents and using them to fulfill one’s purpose, a philosophy encapsulated in his quote: “To be happy, fulfilled, and to achieve success and prosperity, discover your talents, and then use them to accomplish your purpose, regardless of what happens around.”
His journey from attorney to millionaire to writer illustrates the unpredictable twists of fate that shape our destinies. His novels and translations invite readers to explore profound themes and timeless questions, all within a compelling narrative.
His commitment to writing and his belief in the transformative power of literature have established him as a respected figure in the literary community. His works continue to inspire and guide those seeking personal and professional fulfillment, making him a beacon for readers and aspiring writers alike.
His books often focus on self-improvement, success, and the power of the mind. Here are some key lessons from his non-fiction works:
The Power of Positive Thinking: His translation of “El Sistema de la Llave Maestra” by Charles Haanel emphasizes the creative force of the mind and its unity with the Universal Mind, activating the law of attraction. “A positive mindset that harbors great thoughts can attract prosperity and happiness”.
Self-Determination: In “12 Laws of Great Entrepreneurs,” Chaves Mesén shares insights into the entrepreneurial spirit, highlighting the importance of self-reliance and the ability to shape one’s destiny through decisive action.
Overcoming the Past: He believes in the freedom to detach from one’s past.
These lessons encapsulate a philosophy that combines ancient wisdom with practical strategies for personal and professional success. They encourage readers to think big, act with purpose, and believe in their ability to manifest their desires.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 8, 2025
Muy motivante. Va directo a los puntos claves sin rodeos y eso se agradece. Bastante recomendable si se piensa montar un negocio o si ya lo tiene
September 9, 2013
The advice it provides is just fantastic for anyone looking to be, or already an entrepreneur.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews