A firm
resolve and a soft heart. In the
early stages of setting up or running your
business you need a good deal of personal
discipline.
Often
first timers see the many things that need
to be done and lose their focus on the
important details...
...they fail
to delegate what they could because of a
misguided feeling that it is easier to do it
themselves than to explain what they want to
somebody else.
This has several drivers:
1. A desire to keep costs to a minimum
2. An uncertainty about what to do.
The first point often results in things
costing you more because those who have
experience will complete the task faster and
avoid the errors that an inexperienced
person will usually make. Unless you have an
unlimited lead time for establishing your
business you are better off getting
professional help early.
They will complete the task faster and will
be in a position to flag areas to watch out
for, whereas those without experience ‘don’t
know what they don’t know’.
The second point causes the new business
owner to hide or mask their own
uncertainties under a cloud of bravado.
Bravado is not a perfect disguise because
others detect the mask and decide to remain
silent rather than embarrass you or confront
you.
My advice is to choose one or two people
that you respect and let them know that you
want their insight. Tell them you would be
honoured if they would provide advice or an
opinion from time to time. Run your ideas
past them occasionally to let them know you
are serious.
A firm resolve about your future will
prevent well meaning people from stealing
your dream. A soft attitude toward others
will enable you to capture time and money
saving ideas and will help you put substance
into that dream.
