Mark Twain Knew the eBay Spirit of Fun, Risk, Adventure

One of the things I love about eBay sellers is their pioneering spirit. When you go to events like eBay Live (in Boston this year - June 14-16) or the Professional eBay Sellers Alliance (PESA) (in Chicago - next week April 24-26), you meet all kinds of original, enthusiastic, ambitious folks that are selling the darndest things and having so much fun.

We talk a lot about business planning, strategy and positioning here (and in the 7 Steps eBay Marketing book), but some of the most important ingredients to eBay success are adventurousness and attitude. You need to like what you do, of course, and you need to take some risks, explore new product lines and continue to learn. Those who have their eyes and minds open to new opportunities and unique products that complement their wares inevitably prosper with their sales.

Keep this in mind as you're slogging through shipping chores and balancing the books.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -- Mark Twain