Starting a business is no small feat. The journey demands more than a good idea or a lucky break. In a recent EntréView discussion, a seasoned business expert shared invaluable insights on launching and sustaining a successful venture. The conversation revolved around three key pillars: genuine passion, unwavering determination, and the power of networking.

First and foremost, the expert emphasized the critical role of passion in entrepreneurship. It’s not enough to see a market opportunity or inherit a family business. To truly thrive in the long run, you must deeply love’re doing. This isn’t just about enjoying your work; it’s about having a genuine connection to your product, your team, and your overall mission.

Why is passion so crucial? As our expert pointed out, you’re more likely to go above and beyond when you’re genuinely invested in your business. You’ll care more about your people, pour your heart into product development, and be willing to make the necessary sacrifices. Whether it’s putting in extra hours, reinvesting profits, or weathering tough times, that passion becomes the fuel that keeps you going when things get tough.

But let’s be honest – passion alone won’t pay the bills. That’s where determination comes into play. Our experts stressed the importance of having what they called “fortitude and a determination factor that will not let you fail.” This is especially crucial when starting from scratch, with no investors, capital, or bank backing you up.

In those early days, you’ve got to rely on your gut instinct and an unshakeable belief in your vision. It’s about having the grit to push through obstacles, the resilience to bounce back from setbacks, and the tenacity to keep going when others might throw in the towel. This determination isn’t just about being stubborn; it’s about having the mental toughness to navigate entrepreneurship’s inevitable ups and downs.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. While passion and determination are internal qualities, our expert highlighted an external factor that’s equally critical: your professional network. They went as far as to say that understanding the importance of networking is “110%” essential. That’s not just hyperbole – in the business world, who you know can often be just as important as what you know.

But what exactly does a “robust network” look like? It’s not just about having many LinkedIn connections or a stack of business cards. It’s about cultivating meaningful relationships across diverse sectors and industries. Think of it as building a personal advisory board that you can tap into for guidance, opportunities, and support.

The expert emphasized the need to expand and nurture these connections actively. This means putting yourself out there, attending industry events, engaging on professional platforms, and always being on the lookout for potential collaborators or team members. But it’s not just about making connections; it’s about maintaining them. Treat people respectfully, follow through on your promises, and always leave a positive impression. You never know when a casual acquaintance might become a crucial business ally down the line.

Here’s the kicker—your network isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s your safety net in the unpredictable business world. Jobs can be fickle, and market conditions can change overnight, but a strong network provides constant opportunities and support. Our expert said that if you “preserve, nurture, and curate that network,” it becomes your number one asset in business.

So, what’s the takeaway from this EntréView? If you’re looking to start a business or take your existing venture to the next level, focus on cultivating these three elements:

1. Genuine passion for your work that drives you to excel and invest deeply in your business.

2. Unwavering determination to push through challenges and realize your vision.

3. A robust, diverse network of professional connections that can provide support, opportunities, and guidance.

Master this trifecta, and you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the exciting, challenging world of entrepreneurship. Remember, business success isn’t just about what you know or have – it’s about how much you care, how hard you’re willing to work, and who you surround yourself with.