Keep Your Startup Out Of The Sand

If Entrepreneurial Sand Pits are the things that consume resources disproportionately, then potential Quicksand is All Around Us !!  Taking the approach of Westley, the Hero in the movie The Princess Bride, we can use the knowledge from experience and our environment and pass right through.

Westley:  No, no. We have already succeeded.  I mean, what are the three terrors of the Fire Swamp?  One, the flame spurt – no problem.  There’s a popping sound preceding each; we can avoid that.  Two, the lightning sand, which you were clever enough to discover what that looks like, so in the future we can avoid that too.

Just don’t be cocky in thinking the 3rd Terror doesn’t exist.  In business, there’s always something to surprise us. Yet, we can learn from others and their experience to know the landscape and avoid a lot of those surprises too.  Find the beauty in every ‘Fire Swamp” business may take you through.

The Take-Away

Here are the 3 things I hope you take away from this article:

#3.  If you’re getting bogged down, think critically.

Being self aware is a really good thing.  If you can take a few minutes in each planning session and ask yourself,  “Am I getting bogged down in anything?”  or,  “Is there anything that is consuming more time, energy or money than it’s worth?”  These questions, and the contemplative answers, will serve as a shield against the sand pits.  Identifying a problem is the first, and arguably most important step to solving it.  Stay aware of what’s happening in your business.

#2. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.  Get on it!

Go back and read the Planning section of this article every once in a while.  The old saying about failing to plan is more true than we may want to admit — especially when we’re running full speed with all the tasks and pressures a business brings.  Just do it.  Take time, as the other quote says, to sharpen your saw and make sure you’re busy with the right things.

#1. Ask, Ask, Ask.

There are lots of people that can, and are very willing to help you see more clearly.  Ask!  Ask several people, then compile all the advice, synthesize it to your specific needs, then keep moving.  Build relationships that will propel you forward, and make sure those relationships are symbotic.

– And I might add:  Give, Give, Give.

Because  . . .  With all things in life, what comes around goes around.
As you learn, there will be opportunities also to share.  Take the time.  Sharing is what fuels us all in pulling together for success.

Pulling Together, We Can All Stay Out Of The Sand !!

Thank you for visiting.  If you find any of this information valuable, please share it.  Your friends and associates may also find a nuget or two of value.  Thanks.