This column has given me the venue to talk about a lot of the little quirks we face when running a small business, but I realize the one thing that I haven’t fully addressed is the sometimes dysfunctional but always loving relationship I have with my business. Yes, I admit it. I am in a long-term relationship with my business, for better or worse. So SPC my love, here are the lessons your love has taught me.
I’m either all in or all out
I’ve met a lot of different kinds of entrepreneurs but one thing was common, their commitment to their business rivaled that of a stage 5 clinger. I understand that for me to be successful, I have to believe in what I do to the core of my being. Like a relationship I have to pick a side, in or out.
Once the commitment is made, it’s made
Starting you was like being pregnant, that baby was coming in nine months whether I was ready or not. So I’ve learned that being scared is a great thing, it means I’m engaged and concerned about your well-being; but that commitment can’t be broken so I know that if I’m not ready to commit I shouldn’t start the ride.
The rewards are endless
My business has opened so many doors and so many opportunities that I would never have experienced without it, I am forever indebted. I’ve been invited to speak, been flown in to meet with heads of Fortune 400 companies and have been introduced to people much smarter and more successful than me. Would that have happened without you? I would like to think I’m ambitious enough to say yes, but the reality is that it was all you and for that I thank you.
The challenges are preparation
I know you will challenge me and even though it will feel like you are working against me, I know better. Those challenges will sharpen me into a better business owner and a smarter entrepreneur. I will cry, I will shout and I will want to quit, but your tough love will build a better business. Thank you.
I’ve concluded that this is a long-term love affair and it will have its fair share of ups and downs. I will want the successes to last forever but the relationship will evolve and so will the demands. I know that I’m all in, are you?
