I personally know what an MLM feels like. I was involved in one – successfully I might add – until I woke up to the system of how it pays off for the few while the many do the lion’s share of the work. It was a structure I couldn’t stomach.
Everything felt like hype. One punctuated with lots of enthusiastic energy and a bit of deceptive selling. Like the time I was waiting for an elevator. I struck up a conversation with a guy waiting for his guest to arrive for a meeting. After I identified his affiliation with Amway, he quickly remarked, “just don’t let my guest know.” Yikes!
Business today feels like it’s moving in that direction. It’s the rise of the faux business.
Linkedin is peppered with ‘Linkedin lead generation specialists.’ Others speak emphatically about how they can help you earn 7 figures within 6 months.
Clickbait clamors for our attention. Disinformation leads us down a dark and winding path. Wild and loudly exclaimed headlines crowd our feeds.
Invest time to get to know you and build trust? Heck no – the world is in a hurry and you’ve got 15 minutes. Sales questions are locked and loaded. It’s speed selling on steroids. There’s little time or effort invested into an honest, relationship-building conversation.
Let’s take a collective breath and slow our pace.
Can we turn down the volume of our headlines and social media? And, return to truth in advertising?
Most importantly, can we give potential business clients the respect of time they deserve to state their dreams, hopes, and challenges? And, then pause to listen — to really hear what they say as well as what they don’t say.
What a wonderful world this would be…to quote the incomparable Sam Cooke.
Taking the courageous step to engage a strategic business coach is a big deal for many entrepreneurs. For some, it means admitting they can’t grow their business alone—no matter how smart they are. It also means coming face-to-face with beliefs, behaviors, and habits that are getting in the way of success.
Having coached hundreds of small business owners in a variety of businesses at different phases of business growth, there is an expectation—by the business owner and the coach—of coaching progress and achievements to be attained. Coaching, after all, is an investment of time and money deserving of a substantial return on investment (ROI).
In fact, surveys show that the ROI on business coaching is very high. One study done on a Fortune 500 company revealed that executive coaching ROI was as high as 529%. Another study showed that for every dollar invested in coaching, the return was $7.90. That’s a whopping 690%! These statistics show just how strategic business coaching increases your business performance.
For some, business coaching speeds them quickly down the road while others slog along and make less progress than expected. What makes the difference between success and schlepping? Here are the distinguishing behaviors of our most successful clients:
1. Take responsibility for their business.
Doesn’t everyone, you ask? Not always. Many business owners are just plain exhausted and burned out. Wanting the coach to take the lead on business development is appealing to a sleep-deprived entrepreneur. However, those who achieve the most powerful coaching results take responsibility for their business and its direction. They set the tone, pace, and objective for each coaching call.
2. Make strategic planning and thinking a priority.
Rather than spending time putting out fires, meeting the demands of others, and dealing with constant interruptions, our fast achieving coaching clients arrange—in advance—for time to strategically think and plan. With greater clarity and focus, strategic implementation takes the lead in their day. It’s a fore-thought; not an afterthought on their ever-growing to-do list.
3. Do the homework.
Sounds like you’re back in school, doesn’t it? In a way, any business owner engaged in coaching is engaged in a learning process. Unlike those who wait until the night before the big test, the most accomplished businesses jump on their plan of action immediately. In fact, many allot time immediately following a coaching meeting to implement their commitment. After all, it’s a promise they made to themselves and they don’t want to disappoint.
4. Enter into the coaching engagement with optimism.
Yes, it does happen. Occasionally, an individual with a “failure to thrive” disposition gets involved with coaching. Although they want to believe coaching overcomes their dilemma, until they stop rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic, it can be a tough road.
On the other hand, those who start coaching with an optimism and excitement about the success that coaching brings make progress more quickly
5. Laser focused during a coaching appointment.
Although the majority of our contact with clients is by phone or Skype, I have ninja-like listening skills and can tell when clients are multitasking. They’re not quite as engaged in the conversation and miss out on the nuances of success that coaching brings to their business.
Those who garner the greatest value are present—mentally and physically. All distractions and disturbances are eliminated. They are completely immersed in the conversation. As such, they gain enormous value from each encounter.
6. Prepare for their appointment.
We provide an online prep form that triggers coaching 24–36 hours before each appointment. It’s the time when the owner puts all other activities on pause to think strategically.
The Strategy Call Prep Form encourages them to consider their achievements for the previous week, insights (which anchors learning and sustains change), and identify their most important need and objective for the conversation.
Preparation lays the groundwork for a profoundly forward-moving coaching conversation.
7. Possess realistic expectations.
The optimistic realists don’t expect a silver bullet, or their coach to pull a bunny out of the hat, to make their business grow. The have a keen understanding of reality. They know what it takes to succeed and persist with grace and tenacity while achievement meets them where they’re at.
8. Remain engaged with their coach between meetings.
Coaching is not a once a week event. Discerning entrepreneurs know the significance of engagement with their coach between meetings to keep them clear, focused, and moving forward. Synergy is sparked with communication via Evernote’s work chat on questions and situations that arise.
9. Willing to rethink various aspects of their business, belief systems, and behaviors.
Entrepreneurs fully engaged in coaching understand what they don’t want—one year of business experience repeated ten times. That’s a certain death nail in their success. Rather, they want their experience—and results—to be different with each passing year in business. They understand that business survival is adapting at a pace quicker than the market. As such, they willingly stop doing what’s not working and adopt new behaviors, beliefs, and ways of conducting business.
10. Willing to learn.
Like food, knowledge decays. Although there’s no easy way to determine the actual shelf life of knowledge, it’s safe to say that a large portion of what we know is obsolete within a few years.
Our achieving business owners stay abreast of changes in their industry, trends in business, and advancements in technology. And, they quickly adapt to the ever-evolving needs of their clients.
…The Rest of the Story
In essence, does business coach actually move a business forward? Yes, it does when both the business owner and the business coach bring their A-game to the table.
Experience business coaching for yourself. Your first call is on us!
Running a business is not for the faint of heart or the weary of spirit. In addition to the stamina required to run the race, there are skills that make growing your business a little bit easier.
According to a veteran chief executive, Terry H. Hill over at business.com, “Over half of new businesses fail mainly because the entrepreneur is unable to translate their passion into practical business skills. Success demands more than hard work, resilience, and expertise in your field. In order to succeed, you need to understand and to become proficient in a set of fundamental business skills.”
It’s a good thing life-long learning is baked into the DNA of the entrepreneur! With homage to HubSpot, and as a business coach who has worked next to small business owners, allow me to present the vital business skills you want to learn … no teeth-gritting required.
Strategic Thinking. As entrepreneurs, it’s not wise to be operationally busy every waking moment of the day.
Escaping your daily routine for a bout of thinking strategically changes your perspective. It permits you to see your business in a different light. It presents new insights that shape your decisions and give you a “leg up” in your business.
Strategic Planning. The natural progression following a healthy dose of strategic thinking is strategic planning.
The insights gained while thinking strategically help identify goals and formulate plans that give shape to your vision. Rather than “shoot from the hip,” planning proficiency makes resource allocation a dream.
Goal Setting. Closely aligned with your strategic thinking and planning is your ability to set the kind of clear, audacious goals that move your business forward. After all, isn’t that what it’s all about?
Although it sounds simple, setting, and achieving goals is not as easy as one would believe. Selecting the right goals, identifying the precise tactics to make those goals happen, and setting up your lead and lag measures challenge the most ardent performer.
Is it doable? Absolutely!
Marketing. Yikes! Where do we begin to define and develop effective marketing skills, especially in this mad, mad, mad business environment. This is a great place to consider outsourcing to the experts given the vast amount of information and skill needed to market for results.
Outsourcing doesn’t leave you off the learning hook, however. It’s important to glean a basic understanding of marketing to make sure you hire the right vendors.
Sales. Surprise! You’re already selling. You sell your kids on wearing a coat to school. You sell your spouse on taking you to dinner. The real question is how skilled are you at selling in your business?
Selling plays a vital role in your business success. It’s important to get it right. With just a bit of focused intention, your ability to match your selling style to your clients’ buying style will be second nature for you.
Gone are the days of the obnoxious used car sales approach. Thank goodness!
Organization. Does this sound like you need a professional organizer? Perhaps you do but these are the kind of organizational skills that go beyond having things in neat little piles.
Acquiring the ability to master prioritization, productivity, and performance ensures you’re functioning – and focusing – on what matters most.
Ready for Class?
Thanks to advancements in technology, accessibility to acquiring essential business skills have never been easier. Although institutions of higher learning are catching up to teaching the entrepreneurial skillset, it still lacks relevance for today’s modern world. Just ask Elon Musk!
In the meantime, you can bone up on your skills through several – if not all – of these methods. After all, school is never out for the pro.
Online courses. There’s no shortage of self-directed online courses to be had. Check out Lynda.com,Udemy.com, or the free online courses at Santa Clara University
Local courses. If you like to learn in a face-to-face environment, you’re in luck. The business terrain is dotted with small business development centers that offer low cost or free courses on a variety of topics.
Stand-up comedy course. Yes, you read that right. If you’re the kind entrepreneur that abhors a traditional learning environment, enrolling in a stand-up comedy course might be your ticket. (You can read about my improv experience.)
Engage a business coach with a teaching style. Many skilled business coaches have a real heart – and skill – needed to guide an entrepreneur through the honing of their skills.
If you have a chance to read HubSpot’s blog, you may find a few more skills that aren’t covered here. Alas, I’d rather master strategic thinking than Excel documentation. (That’s what my virtual assistant is for.)
During a recent conversation with a colleague, the question about the difference between a life coach and a business coach came up. It was an excellent question.
The growth in the coaching industry, much like any industry, creates specialization. What was once only business and/or life coaching, has spawned executive coaching, performance coaching, team coaching, and personal coaching, just to name a few.
Frankly, coaching specialties lend a bit more complication to the conversation. In many ways, it reminds me of the medical profession. Students pursuing a career in medicine, despite the learning institute of choice, undergo fundamental instruction prior to undertaking their specialty of plastics, obstetrics, cardiology, etc.
Coaching Know-How
The industry of coaching, as a whole, comes with a set of agreed upon core competencies laid out by the professional organization, International Coaching Federation (ICF). This is the gold standard for the coaching industry.
The ICF reviews the various coach-training programs and, based on the standards outlined by a global Board of Directors, provides accreditation for the program. This ensures exceptional training curriculums are available for coaches who seek professional training.
Given that, the core coaching competencies sought and acquired are the same whether a coach pursues a business or life coach training program. Isn’t that good news!
Life vs. Business Coaching
Knowing that a life and/or a business coach are skilled in the fundamental competencies goes a long way to building confidence in your choice as a consumer. This is, of course, based on the fact that the coach you’re considering has obtained coach training at an ICF-approved coaching academy. (You arevetting your coaches, right?)
Depending upon your desired outcome, both a business and a life coach can assist with issues and challenges around your personal life. I would assert, however, that a life coach is better equipped to coach you through the concerns or objectives you have that are related to your personal life.
Although coaches of various specialties share in their skill of the core coaching competencies, each discipline comes equipped with advanced knowledge, skill, and tools that allow them to perform at their best.
Does this mean you’ll need both a business and a life coach? That depends on your subject matter and desired results.
Although business coaching conversations may include cash flow, marketing, staffing, or strategies for business growth, business coaching is always a bit personal. As a matter of practice, you can’t take the owner out of the business nor can the business be extricated from the owner. They’re a package deal!
The Bottom Line
The key to deciding what type of coach is a good fit for you is greatly determined by the area of focus and outcome you desire. Although a coach may be able to effectively cross-over into other areas of study, the truth is — you, as the consumer, will always do yourself the biggest favor when engaging a coach specific to your needs.
It begins innocently enough. An idea is sparked. The fire of business ownership is lit. Before long, what was once a mere idea, takes root and begins to flourish. Clients are acquired. Initiatives are launched. Revenue grows.
For some small business owners, this is their important work. For countless others, however, the nitty gritty details of growing a small business buries meaningful work. Business begins to feel more like it owns you versus you owning it.
What do you do when the grind of growing a small business takes its toll? How does one maintain the purpose and the passion with which your business was launched? And, why is important to be involved in meaningful work?
It’s not always easy . . . and the crux of the conversation during a recent coaching appointment.
The Meaning of Work
Meaningful work is defined as work significance. An article highlighting several studies concluded that meaningful work consists of three elements — significance, broader purpose, and self-realization. They go on to say that we are “hardwired to seek meaning.”
Engaging in work that is meaningful is tied to our motivation. It heightens the degree of our commitment. Plus, it influences our sense of well-being.
Meaningful work is a form of self-expression.
For many of us, launching our own enterprise was a quest for authenticity in our work. Our ability to infuse our business with meaningful work is priceless. It shines a light on the path to pursue and gives us direction. It creates value in growing our business.
What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up
My career path is a bit of an enigma.
During the era my career was unfolding, it was common to identify a path upon which to travel until retirement. Changing jobs was common. Changing careers was unheard of . . . except for me.
My spouse remained in the same career with a variety of jobs along his career continuum. I’ve experienced three major career changes in my lifetime (to date).
On the surface, it might seem as though my quest for meaningful work — from Registered Nurse to Small Business Coach/business owner, with a stop off in sales/business development, began with throwing a dart. Trust me, there were times I thought the same thing!
Yet, as I reflect upon the shared passion, purpose, and motivation, all three career choices reflect a common thread — “the golden thread.”
The Golden Thread
Did you know that gold can actually be threaded into a cloth or garment? Like a prize running through a vestment, it won’t tarnish or lose its value. Though it’s not in your face, it catches the eye of those around you. That’s certainly true of your golden thread.
Your golden thread is your meaningful work.
If you reflect back far enough, you’ll see your golden thread woven into early childhood memories — from the make-believe games you played (I played doctor) to your early career choices (I wanted to be a nun).
The golden thread is the one glowing filament that weaves together the stages of our lives. It’s a theme that plays continually in the background regardless of the seemingly disparate — and perhaps often — career changes.
And, when you tug on your golden thread throughout the course of your day, it’s a reminder of the meaningful work you are called to do. It fuels the purpose of your business. It sparks passion in your work. More importantly, it shapes the decisions you make.
Instead of robotically creating products and services in response to market needs, plucking away at your golden thread gives rise to products and services with deeper meaning, influence, and significance — for you and your clients.
It gives meaning to your work. And, isn’t that really what it’s all about . . .
What is your golden thread? How do you express it in your business?
There’s been an explosion of growth in coaching industry. This fiery evolution has brought an interesting leaning along with it. It’s nudged a shift from acquiring professional training on the art and science of coaching to a vast number of professionals hanging out their “the coach is in” placard. After all, as is often heard, everyone’s a coach. (Psssst. No, they’re not.)
I have to admit – in the 20 + years as a business coach, I’ve seldom seen bad press on the coaching industry. There must be a number of stories lurking someplace. Coaching shills exist.
You’re Busted!
In one report, it appears the FTC busted a ring of con artists acting like business coaches. You can read the nitty gritty here.
In another article, there are coaches coaching coaches on how to make money coaching others how to make six figures. Yikes!
As someone who has dedicated a career to upholding the highest standards of honesty and integrity – not just for the coaching industry but for business, in general – it saddens me to read the stories of those unfamiliar with the coaching industry.
It’s as frustrating for me as it is for you. It’s painful to see you invest your hard-earned dollars into business coaching delivered by someone who is merely guessing at what works.
Without any previous experience with a business coach, how can you separate the wheat from the chaff? Being aware of the initial hints of concern will safeguard significant resources
Caveat Emptor
It’s impossible to list all the scams and shams that you might come across that rise to the level of buyer beware. Instead, let me outline a few things to look for to ascertain the fitness of a business coach.
Do they have a website?
The notion of no web presence sounds laughable in this day and age. Yet, it happens. A business missing vital marketing pieces requires scrutiny.
Is contact information listed?
The concern for safety of those who work from a home office is valid. Nonetheless, resources that demonstrate legitimacy are easily accessible – like a P.O. Box.
How long have they been in business?
This is not to say that a business coach with one year under their belt isn’t skilled, but you want to look at their entire picture of experience to get a sense of what you’re getting into.
What is their area of specialty?
What type and size of business is a good fit for them?
What is their coaching philosophy?
For instance, do they follow a particular methodology that may, in fact, conflict with your style and strengths?
How are their listening skills?
This is huge! You want a coach who listens to what you say as well as hears what is not being communicated. The difference between a coach listening and hearing influences the level of transformation you’ll realize in your business. You can read more about what makes an effective coach here.
What technology is available that allows for just-in-time access?
Previously “walled off” by boundaries of engaging your coach during a brief meeting weekly, business needs have changed. Coaching must modernize and adapt to the changing needs of clients with availability and access.
Do they allow a complimentary consultation, coaching session, or get-to-know-you meeting?
It’s a rare sighting when a business coach stops short of the offer of a courtesy call. Don’t let them do all the talking, however. Come to the meeting prepared with a few questions to ask your potential coach.
Coaching is a bit of a mystery – even to this day. It’s a challenge to figure out how to measure results and ROI when soft returns such a reduced stress and less overwhelm are the catalysts to greater clarity and clearly defined outcomes. Working with a business coach without any formal training turns the experience into a nightmare.
While “executing” my morning routine, I realized my crack of dawn habit was messed up. Designed to fuel, energize, and sustain me, it did little to prepare me for the day ahead.
I run hard throughout the day. Besides being a business coach, I’m a business owner, wife, house and yard manager, chef, housekeeper, sister, aunt, grandma, godmother, and friend. It’s exhilarating…and exhausting.
My day begins at 5:30 am. It’s the time before the sun rises that my world is quiet. I have undisturbed, uninterrupted time for me and my rambling thoughts of the day ahead.
Needless to say, I’m a bit embarrassed to share my sacred morning routine with you. But, in the spirit of full transparency, here goes.
Feasting on Fruity Bears & Digital Delicacies
Up until the time of this writing, my break of day “me” time was filled with pouring over my iPad, caffeine in hand, curled up in my favorite corner of a well-worn couch. It was 90-minutes of sheer, unadulterated bliss before I hit the trail for the day’s adventure.
This morning was different.
Having read an article on fueling for the day, I set out to challenge my daily grind. The author suggested having breakfast within 30 minutes of rising followed by 1 cup of coffee. Say what?! My 90-minute escapade included 2-3 cups of that hot, rich caffeine-ladened elixir. Breakfast was an afterthought 2-3 hours into the day.
In an attempt to follow the expert’s idea, I launched into the new routine, albeit ridden with skepticism and forlorn. How I would miss my “old” routine. Much like disposing of my favorite pair of running shoes long-past their purpose and usefulness, it was tough to part with my old ways.
My well-worn morning routine consisting of games, social media, and news consumption. It was my way to energize and prepare myself for the day ahead — to gird my loins, if you will. Yet, it was very much like having a sugary donut and a handful of gummy bears before climbing Mt. Baldy.
A Hikers Guide to Peak Performance
As a hiker of Mt. Baldy, it didn’t take long to realize that such a morning start wouldn’t take me far up the trail. What if I peered down the eye of each day as if it were a trek across the Pacific or Appalachian trail? How would I fuel? How would I travel? Would I go all day without a break?
Heck, no!
Breaks would be pre-planned. Meals and snacks — affectionately called “fueling” — would be deliberate and calculated. Hydration would be projected and delivered with regularity to avoid the energy-crushing effects of dehydration. Rest — and lots of it — would be premeditated.
These would not be ad hoc activities. No “poking around on Facebook” until the wee hours of the morning only to have sleep interrupted by the blue light of digital devices. No! We would be much more reverent and respectful of our routines and habits knowing what the day ahead may bring.
IMHO (In My Humble Opinion)
The job of an entrepreneur is exhilarating. It’s exciting and fun. And, it’s demanding — as taxing as the mountain trails with their dangerously steep inclines and rocky descents.
The views along the way are spectacular. The vistas inspiring. To reach the summit — the ultimate pinnacle of our labor — requires the utmost care in planning and preparation to ensure our readiness for the journey ahead.
Entrepreneurs do a crappy job of taking care of themselves — myself included. We need to do better to make certain we outperform each and every day along the trail. It is, after all, the only way to summit.
It’s an acronym that stands for “federal income tax” or “free independent traveler.”
It’s a verb of the right shape and size. “My jeans still fit.”
Most commonly, fit describes a condition of good health, particularly due to regular physical exercise. “I walk daily to stay fit.”
Perhaps the most applicable definition of fit as it applies to entrepreneurs is of a suitable quality, standard, or type to meet the required purpose. The most important of these as it relates to entrepreneurship is “to meet the required purpose.”
Fit For The Job
The work of an entrepreneur is exciting and exhilarating. It’s like a scene from the 1969 cult classic, Easy Rider, where two Harley-riding hippies, complete a drug deal in California and decide to travel cross-country in search of spiritual truth…on the good days with the wind in their hair and the sun in their face.
The days of an entrepreneur, like the leather-clad motorcycle riders in Easy Rider, are filled with risk and rebellion against the establishment. Mention fit and entrepreneur in the same sentence and what image immediately comes to mind? Chiseled biceps and the speed of a gazelle achieved through sweating at the gym, throwing around a bunch of metal weights.
In this case, nothing is further from the truth.
5 Strategies to Raise Your Entrepreneurial Fitness Level
Just like any effective fitness program, there are several strategies that, when combined, enhance the results you’ll achieve. The road to becoming a fit entrepreneur is no different.
1) Get some zzzzz. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to know the importance of an adequate amount of restful sleep. Despite what we continue to learn through the science of sleep, most entrepreneurs “burn the midnight oil” in an attempt to get ahead.
In the words of the great Dr. Phil, “How’s that working for you?”
Not well, apparently…and there’s a price to pay.
An inadequate amount and quality of sleep affect judgment, focus, decision-making, and the ability to practice self-discipline, just to mention a few things. Over the long-haul, a lack of adequate sleep affects one’s health. Just ask Arianna Huffington.
Strategy:Get 7 – 8 hours of quality sleep each night. And, no….you’re not special. You cannot survive on 4-6 hours a night. Just ask your spouse!
2) Unplug. Growing up, the “boogie man” under the bed haunted our sleep. Electronics, which are integrated into every aspect of our lives, are the modern-day “monster” interrupting our need for sleep.
The blue light emitted by the screens of our electronic gadgets slows the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates our wake/sleep cycles. It tricks the brain into thinking we need to be alert. Plus, if you happen to read a piece of news or an email that triggers your brain, it becomes more challenging – if not impossible – to calm down and go to sleep.
Strategy:Turn off all screens – cell phone, ipad, and TV – at least 60 minutes before bedtime. Your brain will thank you.
3) Move it. If you’re like me, you’re really tired of people making this point. Ack! Who doesn’t want to be a slug? I do!
In addition to the obvious physical benefits, exercise is a well-known stress reliever that sharpens our critical thinking ability. Not only that, studies show that entrepreneurs who run or bike have higher sales.
Strategy:Take the time to exercise 60 minutes every day. After all, you are the boss and have the power to make these important decisions.
4) Work in Cycles. “Keep your nose to the grindstone” was often the idiom used to describe a work style that consisted of continuous hard labor. A new age requires a different work style.
Tony Schwartz, President of The Energy Project, uncovered scientific research revealing the human body’s natural 90/20 cycle. His 90-Minute Solution of focused work for 90 minutes followed by 20 minutes of rest dramatically influences performance.
Strategy:Call time out early and often throughout your day no matter what work cycle you choose to follow.
5) Nosh for success. Although the brain makes up only 2% of our body weight, it consumes 20% of the calories. This explains why mental fatigue feels so physical. Using our brains all day is exhausting.
Blood glucose is a complicated subject. Just ask any diabetic. Too much and we have to peel you from the ceiling; too little and you’re being scraped off the floor.
Achieving a balanced blood sugar is a bit like “little Red Riding Hood” – not too much or too little but just the right amount of brain glucose keeps you breezing smoothly through the day.
Strategy: “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper” plus keep some healthy snacks close by for that midday brain glucose slump. Potato chips and licorice not allowed.
The yin/yang of entrepreneurship requires fitness on all levels – mental, emotional, and physical. Fit entrepreneurship affords the ability to remain clear thinking and focused – absent of distractions – so that you might move more easily and effortlessly through the demands of the day.
In small professional service businesses, there are options for choosing the services to provide. This is generally divided into camps — services you can provide based on previous skill and expertise and those services you’re most passionate to deliver.
What may seem like a clear-cut choice for some is really quite agonizing for a small business owner. This is particularly tormenting in the early stages of business growth and development when cash — or lack thereof — dictates decisions.
The Struggle of the Small Business Startup
This was certainly the dilemma experienced by one of my clients…
They left the safety of a well-paying, albeit boring and unchallenging job, to spread their wings in the unrestrained and exciting world of entrepreneurship. They have dreams. They long to be involved in work that flipped their switch, got them excited to get up every morning, and fed their soul.
Yet, they found themselves at the intersection of a very important decision.
Past employment allowed them to hone skills involved in services they can provide. Yet, the work choked the life force from their being.
Do they “play it safe” and focus on providing the services they can even though it makes them a bit queasy? Or, do they “take a risk” and deliver on their passion?
Safety and Security vs. Risk and Vulnerability
Risks are scary. They create fear and anxiety, which most like to sweep under the rug. Who doesn’t love a good “out of sight/out of mind” phenomenon?
Starting a business opens a world of uncertainty. There is unpredictability associated with revenue generation, client acquisition, and industry competition. There is also a danger of events that pose a risk, such as an unforeseen economic turndown or a weather calamity. (OMG, I’m scaring myself now!)
Yet, it’s only when one is willing to take calculated risks is the satisfaction of success experienced. Until we’re willing to discuss the fears standing in the way of delivering the kind of work we’re passionate about, we continue to live beneath our dreams, desires, and potential.
So, have the discussion. Get your fears out on the table. Sort through them. Find solutions that reduce exposure so you can face the fear and take the risk.
There’s a give-and-take between that which is comfortable and that which is awkward, annoying, and downright tortuous to put into action. Like a tug of war, it’s the unspoken agreement we make with business startup success.
The desire to avoid discomfort is one of the biggest challenge amidst the small business startup. It’s particularly apparent among the millennial generation.
This is not to knock this particular generation. However, it’s been my experience that boomer business launchers appear more willing to do what it takes. They choose to do things they don’t like — temporarily. It’s part of what business success requires.
I don’t want this to come across as though I’m generation bashing. (Is there an echo in here?) One size doesn’t fit all — every member of a particular generation doesn’t fit the stereotype.
The biggest difference, in my humble opinion, is “time in the saddle.” We (i.e., “older” business owners) were once young, dumb, and wet behind the ears. Thank goodness wisdom comes with experience for most — but not all — of us.
Of course, some would say with business longevity comes rigid thinking, limited creativity, resistance to change, and defunct innovation. Imagine “this is how we’ve always done things” bellowing from the dingy office of the older business owner.
Some millennial business owners make respectable choices that could/would have served the boomer well — like intentionally carving out quality time with family.
The challenge arises when one, regardless of generation, choose something other than the hustle — particularly in the early days of business.
Do The Hustle
What does it mean to choose the hustle? To the melody of the 1975 Van McCoy song, The Hustle, playing in the background…
Hustle is not…
working 24 hours per day
missing your kid’s little league games
responding to customers requests at the dinner table
working through sick days and vacations
…fill in the blank with your belief about hustle
Hustle is…
doing what success requires
taking calculated risks
coming out of the closet to your strengths and passion
not surrendering to your fears
adapting gracefully and graciously to changing trends
willingness to briefly be uncomfortable
Hustle is blogging — even when the thought of it makes you queasy — if that’s how your buyer persona locates your services.
Hustle is attending networking events — even when you think they’re lame — if that’s how you expand your network.
Hustle is sending emails to potential clients — even when you’re convinced they’ll say no — if that’s how to inform your audience.
Hustle is experiencing the discomfort — even when it’s a hassle — if that’s what is required to succeed.
And when you’ve been in business for a while and have done the hustle to succeed — to build your reputation, to create awareness, to reach out to others, to hone your expertise in your skills and rework your services time and time again — then, and only then, are you empowered to be selective.
Until then, put your big girl/boy panties on and let’s hustle.
Synnovatia is a strategic coaching firm that is detailed and knowledgeable about business. i have a small business that grew from $150K to $750K because of the goal setting and resources that Synnovatia provided. It saves me years of learning on my own.
Thanks to advancements in technology, accessibility to acquiring essential business skills have never been easier. Although institutions of higher learning are catching up to teaching the entrepreneurial skillset, it still lacks relevance for today’s modern world. Just 
You’re Busted!
