Smart Business Strategies for Entrepreneurial Success – Ahmad Ashkar, Founder of Forerunners, Falafel Inc., the Hult Prize
Running a business whether big or small is never easy. But entrepreneurs can accelerate their success by adopting simple, effective strategies that strengthen their skills and sharpen their decision-making. According to Ahmad Ashkar, founder of Forerunners, Falafel Inc., the Hult Prize and other transformative companies, long-term business success is built on consistent habits, continuous learning, and a strong understanding of your own capabilities.
Below are some of the most impactful strategies he recommends:
1. Learn from Your Early Work Experience
No entrepreneur succeeds overnight. Most start out in
traditional jobs, using early career roles to understand how companies operate,
how leaders think, and how teams function. These experiences help develop
crucial traits like adaptability, humility, and resilience qualities that
become invaluable when launching a business of your own.
2. Identify a Real Problem and Solve It
Great businesses are built on solutions. Study your
industry, observe recurring challenges, and design a model that genuinely
addresses those needs. Entrepreneurs who fix real problems naturally attract
customers, investors, and long-term opportunities.
3. Develop a Strong, Diverse Skill Set
Entrepreneurship is constant problem-solving. To navigate
challenges, build a broad skill set that balances creativity, strategy,
leadership, and financial understanding. Assess your strengths and weaknesses and
actively learn from mentors, colleagues, or online resources to close your
knowledge gaps.
4. Stay Curious and Keep Learning
Curiosity drives innovation. Entrepreneurs who stay open to
learning, exploring new ideas, and meeting new people are better equipped to
adapt as markets change. Protect your curiosity. It keeps your business fresh,
relevant, and competitive.
5. Surround Yourself with the Right People
A talented, trustworthy team is a powerful advantage. Build
a group that brings diverse strengths but shares your mission and values. The
right people amplify your vision and help create sustainable growth.
6. Monitor Your Profit Margins
Healthy businesses understand their numbers. Keep a close
eye on your gross profit margins and evaluate whether each product or service
is truly worth the investment. Remove low-performing offerings so your time and
resources stay focused on what works.
7. Build Strong Relationships with Bankers
Whether you need funding now or later, maintaining good
communication with your bankers is essential. Share regular updates about your
business and cash flow projections. A strong relationship can make accessing
capital much easier when opportunities arise.
Final Thought
Entrepreneurship is a journey of continuous growth,
strategic choices, and a willingness to adapt. By applying these principles,
business owners can dramatically increase their chances of long-term success.
As Ahmad Ashkar emphasizes, mastering these simple strategies helps
entrepreneurs not just survive—but excel—in competitive industries.

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