Of Streams and Entrepreneurs
February 8th, 2009 Filed under: Uncategorized — Small Home Business Author“By the time it came to the edge of the Forest the stream had grown up, so that it was almost a river, and, being grown-up, it did not run and jump and sparkle along as it used to do when it was younger, but moved more slowly. For it knew where it was going, and it said to itself, “There is no hurry. We shall get there some day.” But all the little streams higher up in the Forest went this way and that, quickly, eagerly, having so much to find out before it was too late.” (from The House at Pooh Corner; In Which Pooh Invents a New Game and Eeyore Joins In; by A. A. Milne, 1928)
Such is the life of many small businesses. What began as the realization of a dream has somehow become a job. And, in many situations, not just a job – but a daily pressure cooker. Where did the excitement go?
And what of the brooks that run and jump – and sparkle? Ah, yes – embodied there are the dreams, the aspirations, the hope, the energy and the optimism of an entrepreneur, energized that he or she has launched their dream.
What happens between the time a spring bursts forth from the rocks and crags, and when the larger stream reaches the edge of the Forest? What is different? Is it not the same water that once was the spring, which once sparkled with the excitement of the business start-up?
A closer look will generally reveal that the core of the dream is still there. Perhaps the eyes of the entrepreneur have glazed over with the burden of
- Cash flow shortages
- Finding new customers
- Managing a staff
- Making a profit
- Performing multiple tasks for which he/she has little training or desire.
- Finding time to have a life
Just as life brings change, increasing responsibility and the maturity of age, so a start-up business must evolve and mature if it is going to survive beyond the first twenty-four months. However, the wide-eyed enjoyment and ‘fire-in-the-belly’ excitement that drives most entrepreneurs need not disappear with success.
Do you want to disappear in the muddle or be a gazelle?
- Stick to your mission!
- Hire the right staff – those who can seize your dream yet compliment your personality;
- Revisit your business plan at least annually, preferably semi-annually.
- Take risks, but be selective and do it on your terms.
- Work and live by a code of ethics that recognizes your customer and your community
The splashing and gurgling of the running brook is created by stones in its path. Notice that the stones do not stop progress; rather, they are the source of the day-to-day excitement and challenge. And over time the water smooths the rough stones. The deeper, more somber river does not encounter such stones. Similarly, many entrepreneurs have allowed their business to become too defined by the river banks through which their business flows. By entertaining new risks again, rejuvenating the creativity that initiated your start-up, you may find that sparkling brook once again.
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