TAKE A CHANCE, I DARE YOU!

This has been my week, at least the last few days, during which I heard: “If I only had.” I DARE YOU!

Some small business owners live in the past, in the world of “What if’s”. Most of the “What If’s” we discussed were not major risk items: “If I only had read that book” or ”If I only had joined that group”, or “If I only had hired that person”. You can go on and add many other versions of “If I only had.”

The fact that you are a small business owner, that includes working on a commission, means that you are a risk taker. That first step to start the business is just that, the first step. Opportunities will appear, some may be your own ideas or something brought to you from an outside source. Each new “chance” to try something new has to be carefully analyzed; sometimes that analysis is not too clear. That’s where your gut and your risk tolerance have to take over.

Don’t Let the “What If’s” drown out your dreams!

If it sounds like a good idea and it makes sense to proceed, then go for it. Regrets are one of the greatest deterrents to growing a successful business.

William H. Danforth, Founder and Former Chairman of the Board of Ralston Purina Company, wrote a book called I Dare You. It was first published in the 30’s but I still consider it a must read for small business owners. It is still available on Amazon for around $10. I shared the following with several people:

“Courage for your tasks. That’s what’s needed. Courage of the lasting kind, too. Many start. Few finish. Many “mount up with wings like eagles” but only the select few continue to “walk without fainting.”

“Your adventurous spirits will meet obstacles, but dare to map out a program of life with a sense of direction, but with no sense of obstacles.”

Risk taking is an indispensable part of small business leadership. When we look at small business leaders, we see that they have the courage to begin while others are waiting for a better time, a safer situation, or assured results. They are willing to take risks because they know that being overcautious and indecisive kills opportunity. If we are to grow a business in today’s economy, we must use our risk-taking abilities to create an environment that supports and encourages innovation and creativity.

I DARE YOU!

—————————————————————————————————————————-
Tips & Advice by Nick Petra – CFP, Mentor, and Founder of StrategicDuck and BizQuack