We think that if we were bigger, more well known, larger scale, could move more product then we’d be set. I built a non-profit once and was convinced if my organization got picked up by a resource heavy, established agency we would crush our competitors. The day finally came when I was successful on my path and found my small organization a well appointed home. There were board room toasts and a lot of congratulatory voicemails coming my way. Instead, upon opening the front door of our new home, I was met with a management team that was half-assed and incompetent. After nine months of observing this, I pulled my non-profit back a day before the merger, retained stewardship, and made some lifelong enemies. ☺ Which I smile about now.
Which brings me to this sign:
Since that kick ass decision of mine, which included zero financial gain (high-fiving myself), I have had dozens of people from that industry ask me to hire them! (I am currently not hiring). Sound leadership and competence can draw in an outstanding workforce.
When Liliana asked me to put together a small piece about business, I wanted to offer this take away to readers: The advantage up and coming entrepreneurs have over businesses that they are aiming to become, is that they are not susceptible to a perspective trap like this:
For me the decision to bury a dynasty of wilderness therapy practice with honor, rather than sell my material and expertise to false leaders brought me joy, not money. What brings me money right now is this……I either get to work with amazing spirited entrepreneurs who are often stuck in leg traps of their own making OR agencies who are actively struggling from the mindset pictured above.
I really LOVE this sign. My “holiday thrift store extravaganza” turned up this GOLD. I had a dramatic “aha” moment in aisle 2 (located just next door to aisle 3). Aisle 3 housed vintage romance novels, oil paintings of mallard ducks flying over Iowa wheat fields and sets of someone else’s grandmother’s china. People stared as I shouted to myself at this realization that THIS sign describes perfectly what I battle within established organizations. How could people walk by this sign and not have the same reaction? “Hello! Do you see this?!, it’s Brilliant!” Mallard duck collectors to the left and right of me raised their noses and china set shoppers tried to silence me with their eyes. I reminded myself that my fiancé loves me a lot more than anyone else in that aisle that day. I held my head high, and kept my feet grounded until I waited everyone out. “Last person standing” is one of my all time favorite titles.
I have worked with many, decades-old organizations and agencies, and I often discover they are confusing tenure with competency, routine imitation with genuine quality. Winning is a choice….unless of course you find yourself in a thrift store during the holiday season and you have what we call “beginners luck” (points-at-self).
A novice with a business concept has an advantage. Aware entrepreneurs benefit from a lack of experience as much as aware executives often benefit from experience in creating intentional design.
If you need a reminder that resources can lead to waste and excess resources lead to more waste; call me for a consultation. I can help support and advise you on your own brilliant concept! Book Now
