There are realities that you have to receive in an open heart and a clear mind before you begin business. Business is not about money, logos or social media posts. It is the journey which tries your patience, your personality and the faith in yourself. I have over a period of time realized that most individuals fail not due to lack of intelligence but due to lack of knowledge of what they were venturing into.
To begin with, you have to realize that business is work. Very hard work. Anybody who informs you it is easy lies. On days, nothing will be fine, your customers will be quiet and when you feel that your work was in vain. I have experienced moments when I had worked months and achieved minimal outcome.
This is normal. Consistency in business, rather than excitement is rewarded. Business will not disappoint you as far as you are seeking quick money. However, in case you are ready to remain, to study and to develop it will make you a person of stronger personality.
Second, you must know your “why.” What is your reason of starting this business? And is it upon money only, or is there a more? Even money cannot take you through difficult situations. It is your purpose that will hold you together when the time of trouble arrives. I discovered that I could no longer quit when I knew what I was doing. Storms blow you up, and you have your anchor, your why.
It is another significant issue to learn and then earn.
Most individuals jump into business without knowing what it is all about. They fail to analyse their market. They lack the knowledge of their customers. They are not aware of their figures. This is dangerous. You must know all you can before you sell anything. Study in books, in men, in errors--most of all errors. I had to struggle and spend a lot of hours learning, failing, adjusting and learning. The time spent there was not an investment.
You also need to embrace the fact that you will be filled with fear.
Fear of failure. Fear of people’s opinions. Fear of losing money. Being afraid does not imply being weak, but it means that you are caring. It is not the fear, but letting the fear to paralyze you. I also learned to take a step even when I was frightened. Fear does not mean the lack of courage; it is doing things despite having fear.
The other reality that is overlooked by many individuals is that discipline is more important than motivation. Motivation comes and goes. Discipline stays. You will come across days when you will not feel like going to work but the business will require you. Small things are what make a difference in doing the right thing day by day and no one notices it. I got to know that attending classes every time made me a different person.
You need also to know how to cope with failure. Failing is not the result, but is a lesson. Each unsuccessful experience has an amount of lesson. And in your fleeing at failure, you will flee at growth. The number of times I failed to do so is indescribable, but every failure made me think deeper and make my strategy even more lethal. Business does not entail never failing in it is the business of failing forward.
Human beings are not as unimportant as you think. Good relations, trust and integrity are strong assets. Be nice to people whom you do business with, collaborate with, or even rival. Fast money will not take you much farther than a good name. Success in business goes down the road quicker than reputation. Guard it carefully.
Lastly, you have to be patient with yourself. Growth takes time. You will not get it all figured out at the start. Be able to learn, to adapt and to be better. When one starts small it does not imply to think small. It takes time to create great businesses.
Conclusively, business is one of the most difficult and gratifying choices to make. It will not only make you longer but also humble and strong. Working hard, being honest, and continuing to learn and trusting in the process will not only transform your income but also make you a different person if you are willing to do that. And what a change is worth the struggle.
