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The initial phase of a startup is typically filled with high energy and enthusiasm. Although setbacks occur frequently, keeping the long-term vision with you and smiling when imagining possibilities will give you the strength to pursue your ultimate vision no matter what occurs next. However, for the down days, it’s best to confer with trusted peers to find a way out of a dilemma. Finally, planning on multiple levels is vital for creating a successful business that brings profit and enjoyment.
Creating A Successful Business
An acquaintance, ‘Sheila,’ boldly stated that she enjoys painting greeting cards and is seriously considering creating a business for profit and enjoyment. We set a date to discuss her desires and my input regarding beginning her new business.
Upon meeting, my friend said she loves painting and can’t wait to create a business. Treating the conversation as I would with a prospective client, I began asking questions concerning her vision and thoughts to understand her purpose and desirable outcomes better.
Survival of the Fittest
Anyone in business or attempting to build one knows full well that adept trial and error is critical. In addition, embracing the latest technologies for overall efficiency will eventually contribute to profit. Surprisingly, Sheila didn’t want to hear about the benefits of the newer technology, trends, or even how to use social media strategy to build business awareness.
To help her better understand the importance of embracing the new, I gave her an example of a previous encounter with a man who wanted me to help sell his new book. He proudly offered to pay me for going door-to-door, like the olden days of selling encyclopedias or my days of territorial sales. I encouraged him to consider using social media to get his book known, but he refused, halting any effort to sell the book.
Next, I asked Sheila if she would like me to teach her better communication techniques for social platforms. Sadly, her answer was, ‘No.’ Worse, she had no desire to learn how any work could enable growth of her perceived business.
Seeking An Agreeable Topic
Upon hearing Sheila state that she wanted to sell her artwork person-to-person, I asked her if she knew many people and organizations and how she planned to pursue it. The answer revealed she only knows a few interested people and isn’t familiar with potential organizations.
Next, I also asked if she had a copyright, given that she might try to sell her work to individuals and stores. The question stunned her, and she appeared a bit irritated. I then suggested that she speak with an attorney before starting her business to ensure everything is in order. Greater irritation arose on her end as nothing I suggested was agreeable.
Summation of the Conversation
Given Sheila’s lack of experience and acceptance of my ideas and suggestions, my last statement to her was, ‘Given you enjoy the artwork so much, it’s probably best to treat it as a hobby. Otherwise, the expenses of conducting business on your terms will be substantial and may cause business and personal issues. View your work as a hobby and enjoy it to the fullest! The closing statement was agreeable, and after the fact, she emailed that she was now excited about her new hobby.
Takeaways for Successful Business Operations
Each generation will benefit from learning strategies from those of other generations. Younger people are far more comfortable and experienced with technology, while older people know traditional formulas that continue to work well over time. Those in their 40s and 50s likely have concrete business experiences worthy of listening to the lessons they learned.
Experience is the best teacher, and it’s wise to listen to everyone to uncover missing links and enjoy a more robust business. Even better is to consider each suggestion from all angles before dismissing it to determine whether each will assist progress.
Your Story: A Successful Business Will Provide Profit and Enjoyment
Profit does not easily arrive upon beginning an entrepreneurship venture. It takes much work and an understanding of everything occurring around you. It requires a mindset of being willing to move past undesirable experiences, asking many questions of others, and doing your due diligence to find the better track.
Being annoyed when someone asks pointed questions accomplishes nothing, but it is certainly worth serious consideration after the fact. To do your best, you must realize why something may upset you or bring joy to determine how best to increase the enjoyment of your work.
Today’s Businessworld
No matter the age or generation of a businessperson, AI is at the forefront, as is cybercrime, which requires cybersecurity. It’s vital for everyone to research how best to safeguard their work so that they may pursue it as best they can and enjoy the journey.
Conclusion: A Successful Business Wil Provide Profit and Enjoyment
Remaining old-school with strategy and technology is likely to deplete savings. As a senior citizen, weigh the pros and cons of investing in time-consuming learning to get a new business off the ground and heading in a better direction. Adhering to the better advice will have you proudly reflecting on how far you have come and the more extraordinary steps ahead you believe you can now tackle. Heeding advice and all surrounding experiences will lead you to accomplish more than you ever believed possible.
Related: A Time Out for Strategic Planning Encourages Growth