How to Think Like an Entrepreneur
I have been living in Tbilisi for seven years, and I’ve noticed a recurring pattern: many shops open with excitement, only to close after a short time. What lies behind this problem?
Here, let’s analyze it, beginning with a story.
One afternoon, a man was walking down a quiet street when he noticed an empty shop. In front of the shop stood a small flowerpot. As he passed, he accidentally knocked it over and broke it.
Feeling responsible, he picked up a piece of paper and wrote:
“I’m so sorry. I accidentally broke your flowerpot and would like to make it right. Please call me.”
He left his phone number and walked away
A few hours later, the landlord called. They spoke first about the broken flowerpot, then about the empty shop itself. The man’s honesty and willingness to take responsibility impressed the landlord. By the end of the conversation, the landlord offered to rent the shop to him at a price lower than the market rate, simply because he trusted him.
There was just one problem: the man had no idea what kind of shop to open.
Instead of guessing, he placed a sign in the window that read:
“For Rent – Call for Details.”
When people called, he asked a single question:
“What kind of business do you run?”
He carefully wrote down every answer. After hearing the same ideas repeatedly, he noticed a pattern. The neighborhood was missing one shop, something people clearly wanted. So, he opened exactly that.
The shop became a success.
The Lesson
This story isn’t just about opening a store. It’s about smart thinking and bold action.
The man didn’t rely on luck or assumptions. He listened to the market before investing. That simple act of asking questions was real market research.
Unfortunately, in many cities such as Tbilisi, we often see the opposite. Shops open with big dreams, heavy costs, and no customers. Soon they closed, not because the owners lack passion, but because they never checked whether people wanted what they offered.
How to Think Like an Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurial thinking isn’t about having a perfect idea from the start. It’s about:
- Curiosity – noticing opportunities where others see only a space.
- Courage – taking the first step, even when you don’t have all the answers.
- Listening – letting the market guide your next move.
Whether you’re launching a business, starting a side project, or planning your next career step, remember, don’t guess, ask, listen, and act.
That’s how smart entrepreneurs turn an empty shop and even a broken flowerpot into lasting success.
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