Entrepreneurship isn’t just for the inventors. Anyone can apply the principles of being an entrepreneur into their everyday lives and see the fruits of their labor. But what exactly does it mean to be an entrepreneur? Simply put, an entrepreneur is someone who can build a bridge from the current reality to a future concept, using whatever resources are available.

If the future you want involves that one special job, what will it take to get there? Travelling from A to B usually involves elements of determination, creativity and drive. With hard work and a little luck, you’ll be well on your way.  A hard-working mindset is what enables you to create opportunities and open doors. Jefferson put it best when he said, “I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it."

The difference between good and great is often a small amount of effort placed in the right direction. Think of the status quo as if you’re hitting the gas pedal while your wheels are spinning - not very effective right? By shifting gears and slowing down, you’ll be able to get moving faster. Have a strategy that enables success and the pay off will come.

So what is the right way to create your next job opportunity? I can tell you it’s not resume spamming or applying to jobs that are over your head. It’s networking with the right people, spending the time to cultivate lasting relationships, and sidestepping the wall that has been holding you back. The right people are going to help you reach your dreams.

Often, the people you know have an interest in finding talent to provide business solutions to their own networks. Whether it’s a friend, recruiter or colleague, they won’t know about your passions until you tell them, and they probably won’t bring the opportunity to your doorstep. Spend the extra time forging and maintaining friendships to stay relevant, and help yourself by constantly evaluating and upgrading your personal strategy and mission. In time, those connections can help you build the bridge to your next destination.

Use tools like LinkedIn to do research on companies you like and to find connections on the inside. A recommendation from an insider can be the key that opens the door. One of the top reasons recruiting firms are so successful is because they have a direct line to the hiring manager. Their value is created by helping companies find employees and contractors like you.

There are many free resources available to aid you in your job search.

Your ideal job is waiting for you, so be a true entrepreneur and do whatever it takes to get there.

Originally posted on Eliassen Group's Blog at http://bit.ly/KRcDlV