This is a story about a man who wanted to try his hand at business so that he could leave a legacy behind and did. He eventually realized how difficult it is to build something of lasting value to self and others.
“Business is all about giving in to your desire and passion and spending time chasing a waking dream”, this is what everyone says to people who have a compelling belief that they are meant to do much more. To me, it appears that becoming the business owner is the easiest part since all you have to do in getting into business. But this is where the easy bit ends and work organization becomes something you have to contend with.
It all depends on what kind of person you are and how easy or hard you want things to get. If you are the kind of person that believes in the goodness of people and trusts that people do what they say — forget it! The anxiety and depression will get you crashing and burning.
If you are a shouty kind of person who will make this unpleasant for others so that they just get things done because they don’t want to cross with you — forget it! Their anxiety and depression will get your company crashing and burning.
If you are not in a mad rush to make it, believe in the goodness of people and know how to lead both from the front and back depending on the situation, you will be better equipped to deal with the uncertainties of business because the certainties of what you have created will ultimately deliver value in the long run.
Companies run because of the people that work in them. But before people deliver, they want should know what is expected of them and the consequences for them and others in case they miss deadlines or targets. This is where clear target definitions are of the absolute essence. Everyone needs to know what they have to do. Easier said than done for a startup. A startup by definition is chaotic and running one will throw up challenges that no one knows how to deal with. Expecting staff to get up and get going, think out of the box, make judgement calls, and get it done is simply not going to happen.
The culture of performance where everyone wants to better themselves is the difference between who will make it and who won’t lie. I believe that when a venture fails, no one but the promoter or founder is to blame for it because they create and run it in their own image — if not, they should. If things succeed, the glory and the profits are for the owner to keep. So, there is no one to blame but you if the culture of the company is not set up around performance.
I have often been in situations where I react in a way that doesn’t appear to be delivering value or is outright wasteful. In most instances, it is because I did not appreciate the work, money, or effort involved or I was too demanding because I just didn’t understand. You have to have knowledge of your business, competitor behaviour and customer expectations. Else, it will not work. You will know when to push and when to let go.
There is a lot that depends on luck but luck is like a lottery that you might never win. So, you have to have a smart and steady plan to keep moving the needle every minute, hour, day, week, month, year, decade if you want to win in business.
Keep going till you have nothing else left but to give up!
