Stop studying (for a moment) and start shipping
Monday, January 2, 2012 at 1:17AM Yes, learning is great. Everyday, learn something new. Study new topics. Attend courses. Develop the mind.
But if you’re in your own business – or wanting your own business - will you just press the pause button on all of those courses for a moment, please?
Many a small business owner/operator doesn’t have the time or budget to get out the front door to anything – even if it is a free networking event held by the local Council! Others are financially committed and working ridiculous hours that the thought of showing up at a course – the possibility of having the time or money for a course – is foreign to them.
So if you’re yet to embark on the business, I have a message for the creative soul that you are, the person with the whole host of business ideas and the future visions that one day you hope will come to fruition.
They will and they can. And I’m not just playing motivator here.
They will happen but we need to press ‘pause’ on all of that development you may be doing, or have done.
In the past couple of weeks I’ve been coaching and mentoring some clients – wanting to get their business idea fired up – and I’m overwhelmed at their capabilities, their range of skills and their qualifications.
Yes, they can do it. Whatever their business idea is or their passion or interest, it is quite often reflected in their choice of courses and development. I’m convinced they are capable. But I’m wondering how many of these additional certificates, short courses, masters qualifications and other formal and informal studies are really necessary right now for getting their idea up and out there.
It’s a great distracter.
Why aren’t they putting their creative idea into practice? You know, registering a business name, registering a domain name, getting some business cards printed, getting their LinkedIn profile up to date and then getting in touch with the people they already know to meet with them and tell them about their business solution.
Instead of taking this vital ‘action’ and ‘shipping’ products (or services) as marketing guru Seth Godin puts it, they’re thinking they need even MORE qualifications, knowledge and know-how.
For some businesses, yes, you will need a qualification or an accreditation or a special selection of letters after your name to hang out your shingle.
But I’ve been pleased to recently meet these successful small business operators: the banker who is a graphic recorder, the physiotherapist who is a facilitator, the actor who is a trainer, the art lecturer who is a kitchen designer, the architect who is selling health products and many others who are just getting on with it. They’re putting their offer out there. They’re taking a risk. They’re risking failure. They’re risking success. And many of them are getting it. Success that is.
Stop studying for a moment will you? Please. In place of all of that study and learning, take some action, implement some of your ideas and ‘ship’ your stuff out the door. Your doubt will only grow, your fear will only multiply and your success will be that much further off if you keep thinking you need another batch of technical knowledge before you … ship it.
Reader Comments (1)
Absolutely! Lynne this designated with me. I would love to push back the fear of getting on with some work and meeting real scary clients who may just give me some real feedback on my early projects. There's some great little courses out there that could keep me busy for years and it would even look like I was working. Alas, I've just pulled out of a 'course' as there is much great, fun, challenging work at my door.