One thing that has become clear to us in working with over 10,000 entrepreneurs in the last year alone is that if, as an entrepreneur, you think you have no problems, you have a BIG problem.

The reality is that if you think you have no problems, you probably have no business.

We don’t recommend that you go out and find problems, but we do suggest that you acknowledge the problems you do have as part of your daily work. Your job is to understand how to solve them the best way possible. There will always be a problems or challenges or speed bumps. Your willingness to face them and solve them is the key.

Running a business, you will always face challenges that you have to overcome. Many entrepreneurs we work with have three key things that help them overcome what they might face:

1. Establish a network of other entrepreneurs for brainstorming or support.

2. Have a “safe zone” where you can think through what you need to do.

3. Have a resource — a mentor, coach, advisor or consultant with whom you can talk.

BEFORE YOU GO:

We see our blogs as opportunities for dialogue. Please share your thoughts as comments.

1. What problems do you face on a regular basis that you think you can solve?

2. What network are a good place for you to bounce ideas or discuss things?

3. What other ways have you found to encourage yourself to go through challenges?

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Faris Alami is Founder and CEO of International Strategic Management, Inc. (ISM). He works internationally, presenting Exploring Entrepreneurship Workshops and other entrepreneurial ecosystem — related ventures.