Thoughtful Action: Critical Ingredient in Achieving Success
Blogs, e-mags, journals, and brand-name news outlets have all cited stats illustrating the general public’s rapidly growing interest in entrepreneurship. For those who’ve never done it before, it’s a daunting task to find the right businesses, investigate them thoroughly, prepare to make an informed decision, and then make a healthy, long-term commitment. Each activity noted above requires taking “action.”
Sooooo… where do you begin?
There’s tons of content/data on Google and a growing legion of consultants/advisors/brokers who can help you explore your options. What will trigger you to take “action” to explore options for business ownership earnestly? Perhaps job frustrated, feeling unappreciated, sensing that our core values don’t align with an employer’s, or maybe we feel like we’re stagnating, and it’s time to move on. As well, it’s not unreasonable to find W-2 employees getting “re-organized” out of their company. And we may also get the “epiphany” that life’s shorter than we think, so “if not now, then when.” Any of these might get us “off the dime” to take action.
Sometimes the impetus for taking “action” becomes apparent while doing the basic things in life, like breaking bread. For one of my clients, it happened while doing just that – having a meal with family. Their experience inspired them to take “action,” which led them ultimately to become an entrepreneur. Their chance encounter showcased how community-focused entrepreneurship could do good and very well. Here’s the story of one entrepreneur’s motivation to take “action.”
Successful Entrepreneurs Know That All Business is Personal
On Sundays, my client would take their mother to brunch at local establishments, trying to make it special each time. One time, they chose a brand name deli. The food was really good, but the experience was truly memorable. A founding family member was there – “Uncle Marty,” as his shirt said. He greeted everyone, making a connection, welcoming all who entered a place that’s been his “home away from home” for over 40 years. With dozens of locations to the brand’s name, he and his family are crazy successful. “Uncle Marty” didn’t have to be there on Sunday… but he was, making customers feel appreciated and positively impacting everyone he met.
No doubt, the long-gone founder of this legendary deli is smiling down with pride on Uncle Marty. His hospitality, sarcasm, and sharp wit were not merely entertaining; they were priceless… Uncle Marty took the time to speak with my client’s elderly mother, made her laugh, smile, and appreciate the experience far more than a brunch. She and her recently departed husband had a weekly date, dining at different casual restaurants – it was the highlight of their week. On the day my client’s mother was at the deli, it was her, and her recently departed husband’s 74th wedding anniversary. Uncle Marty made what was understandably a tough day for my client’s mother into one of the joyful memories and, in doing so, showed why thoughtful, caring, fun-loving, committed community business owners are successful. He knew this story would be told many times over, bringing priceless happiness to the customer and positive referrals back to the deli.
Uncle Marty made my client and his family feel special. Moreover, meeting Uncle Marty was what my client needed to take “action” to explore their options, realizing that community business owners could both “do good and do well .” My client ultimately took the entrepreneurial path and has since become a pillar of their community.
Cheers to finding your “Uncle Marty” and perhaps becoming inspired to take “action” to explore your options for business ownership. From identifying the right business to making a long-term commitment, every step requires action. Book some time with me to get started on your journey to success!
FranGuidance
214-908-9791