The real truth behind “making it.”

The real truth behind “making it.”

Our last?Tactical Advance?here in Jackson Hole confirmed what I’ve known to be true about you badass small business owners:

  • You are some of the most resourceful leaders on the planet.
  • You are also some of the most stubborn.

When you first started your company, you did all the things and earned every badge—sales, accountant, producer, marketer, customer service, leader.?

While some of that is solopreneur grit is necessary in the beginning, at some point you have to ask yourself, "Do I really want to keep all of this up?"

I sure as hell hope not.?

Because you going at it alone is not a business. It's a death sentence.?

That's not hyperbole. You don't have to die to end your life—especially if you lose, destroy, miss, or break the very best parts of it.?

We’ve all been there (or are there currently). We do everything we can to keep from losing clients, even the ones that aren’t a great fit. We think we can’t afford to miss opportunities to make one more sale. We think if we work more hours, that's less we have to pay someone else.

I've been there, trust me. And I lost, missed, and paid dearly. Just ask my children and ex-wife.

And since then, I've learned to do what most driven, successful, and?happy business owners (eventually) do.?

  • I made real plans.?I wrote down what I wanted, what it would take to get there, and when I expected to see it come together. I started with a?One Page Business Plan, then I finished a?One Page Personal Plan. And so learned to hold myself accountable executing a strategic plan at work—and away from work.?
  • I made a team. Big dreams are better shared—and it takes an A-Player team to pull things along. I hired the best people I could afford—and then learned to stay out of their way.
  • I made a sounding board. I surrounded myself with?badass peers I could vent to—and would listen to. People who could speak to what I was going through rather than be threatened, frightened, or worried by it. People who made me better and faster by osmosis. And I stopped tripping myself up.
  • I made hard calls. I said NO so I could protect my Hell Yes assets.?And this was all the easier because I made sure I never forgot what those were (and how much they were worth.
  • I made progress.?Every day was a step in the direction of the life and business I wanted (and deserved) and the person I wanted to become.

This is what it means to “make it.”

What are you making?

P.S.?

We’re here to support your acceleration, no matter what gear you start in.

Fast:?Early-revenue Startup Entrepreneur??Hit the ground running with a Courses of Action Membership.?Unlimited tools and training, plus weekly live (virtual) coaching, connection, and support.?Click here to kickstart your growth.

Faster:?Growth-revenue Small Business owner??Explore our Cohort.?A veteran-focused mastermind on jet fuel, the Cohort offers powerful tools, training, networking, and dedicated support for every single Member.

Fastest: Firing on all cylinders in your business and want even more??Become a TLP VIP to get Cohort PLUS acceleration on your terms.? DM me and ask me about our VIP memberships and coaching packages. And buckle up.

George Belsky

Leadership Instructor/ATF Special Agent in Charge (ret)

3 年

Some real truth here. A wise old cop told me a long time ago, "This job you love is never gonna love you back."

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Christopher LO (勞榮华)

President @ West Point Society of Singapore | Leadership, Entrepreneurship

3 年

Bill Watkins #badass ... you the man!

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Regina Koetters

Helping build better places to live and work.

3 年

I learned this the hard way, too. In the fall of 2015, one of my customers--a savvy, seasoned business person who'd built several companies of his own--who had been witnessing my self-destruction for nearly 3 years pulled me aside and asked if he could offer me some advice. I can still hear it in my ears. "No business is worth your life, Regina." Thanks to him--and thanks to you, Bill, for making sure more business owners get to hear it!

Robert Haines

Professional Pilot | Business Strategist

3 年

One of your best posts yet Bill. This one made me sit back in my chair and ask myself, "what am I doing?" I look forward to our next conversation.

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