By: Lady JB Owen
Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. In the competitive world of startups and growing businesses, ambition alone isn’t enough. Success demands action—relentless, calculated, and purposeful action. As Sam Taggart, founder of D2D Experts and author of the upcoming book Eat What You Kill: Becoming a Sales Carnivore, puts it: “Ambition without action is like having a map without a destination. You’ve got to hunt for your success every single day.”
Taggart’s “sales carnivore” philosophy is a wake-up call for entrepreneurs. It’s a mindset that champions proactive strategies, resilience, and an unwavering focus on growth. Here’s how his lessons can help you turn your entrepreneurial ambitions into tangible results.
1. Stop Waiting for Opportunities—Create Them
Entrepreneurs often fall into the trap of waiting for the “perfect opportunity.” But as Taggart emphasizes, waiting is a luxury that few can afford in a fast-paced market.
“Success isn’t something you stumble upon—it’s something you hunt for,” Taggart explains. “The best entrepreneurs are those who create opportunities where others see none.”
Whether it’s identifying underserved markets, developing innovative solutions, or refining your pitch to investors, action breeds opportunity.
2. Build a Resilient Routine
Consistency is the backbone of entrepreneurial success. It’s easy to stay motivated when things are going well, but what separates the great from the good is the ability to push through setbacks.
“Every successful entrepreneur has a routine that keeps them grounded and focused,” Taggart says. “The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Show up every day ready to work.”
Start by prioritizing your day: focus on high-impact tasks, set measurable goals, and carve out time for reflection and recalibration.
3. Master the Art of Rejection
Rejection is an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial journey, whether it’s a declined pitch, a lost sale, or a failed idea. Instead of fearing rejection, Taggart encourages entrepreneurs to embrace it as a stepping stone to success.
“Every ‘no’ is just data,” he says. “It’s information that can guide you to your next ‘yes.’ The key is to keep moving forward, learning, and adapting.”
Reframe rejection as an opportunity to improve. Analyze what didn’t work, refine your approach, and try again with newfound insight.
4. Know Your Competitors Better Than They Know Themselves
A core tenet of Taggart’s philosophy is the importance of understanding your competition. In a crowded market, your ability to position yourself as the best option hinges on knowing where others fall short.
“Competition isn’t something to fear—it’s something to study,” Taggart advises. “When you know your competitors’ weaknesses, you can turn them into your strengths.”
Regularly analyze your competitors’ strategies, pricing, and customer feedback. Use this intelligence to refine your own value proposition and stay ahead of the curve.
5. Align Your Actions with Your Vision
Entrepreneurs often get caught up in the daily grind, losing sight of their larger goals. To avoid this, Taggart stresses the importance of aligning every action with your long-term vision.
“Your ambition should guide every decision you make,” he says. “If what you’re doing today doesn’t serve your bigger goal, then it’s time to pivot.”
Set aside time each month to evaluate your progress and ensure your efforts are contributing to your overarching mission.
6. Celebrate the Small Wins
Entrepreneurship can feel like an endless race, but acknowledging milestones along the way is crucial for maintaining momentum.
“Celebrating your wins isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about building confidence and reinforcing success,” Taggart explains.
Whether it’s landing a new client, achieving a financial milestone, or receiving positive feedback, take the time to acknowledge and share your successes.
7. Keep Learning and Evolving
The entrepreneurial landscape is constantly changing, and those who fail to adapt risk being left behind. Taggart highlights the importance of continuous learning and growth.
“The best entrepreneurs are perpetual students,” he says. “They’re always seeking new knowledge, new skills, and new ways to grow their business.”
Invest in your personal and professional development by attending workshops, reading industry-relevant books, and surrounding yourself with mentors and peers who challenge you to do better.
Sam Taggart’s New Playbook for Entrepreneurs
For entrepreneurs eager to take their ambitions to the next level, Taggart’s upcoming book, Eat What You Kill: Becoming a Sales Carnivore, is a must-read. Launching on January 14, 2025, the book offers actionable insights for developing a proactive, results-driven approach to business growth. From creating opportunities to mastering rejection, Taggart’s advice equips entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive landscape.
“Ambition is the spark,” Taggart says. “Action is the fire that drives success. The key is to keep feeding the flame.”
Pre-orders for Eat What You Kill are now available, making it an essential addition to every entrepreneur’s library.
