Sustaining The Grind

Building a business is really, really…really hard.

And it takes a long time.

These 7 strategies have helped me sustain my almost 7 year journey on Veth Group:

• Act out a mission that is bigger than business: I don't mean write a great mission statement. I mean live out an actual mission that transcends money or profit or Inc. 5000 awards. This might look like a certain % of profit being given away. It might look like paying employees more than the industry average. It might be giving free work away to non-profits.(For me, it’s serving God by how I love teammates, customers, and community…. and doing so without being shy about my faith).You need to decide for you! And write it down.
• Take time for sleep and recovery: the ups and downs are inevitable.When you’re feeling “up”…work like crazy. These days are the most fun.But, when you’re feeling “down” (or exhausted)…get extra sleep and take time away. It helps.
• Find credible mentors to encourage you: the best mentors have already survived the same journey you’ve set out on.For example, as we look to scale from $4 MM to $10 MM…it’s helpful for me to talk to people who have already gotten to $10 MM.Their stories (and success) make it easier for me to believe that we can get there.
• Outwork the storms: one habit that has really helped me when things are down is pulling 20 hour workdays.Because: when you’re the only one going at 2am…it’s impossible not to feel confident that EVENTUALLY you will figure SOMETHING out.This might fly in the face of Suggestion No. 2 (“sleep”)…but, in moderation, these deep work blitzes are awesome.(My secret weapon/vice on these: Red Bull)
• Find an entrepreneurial accountant: mine is Rex Biggs, CPA from Rektio Accounting, and he is phenomenal.He’s not your typical bean counter…And constantly infuses me with belief, optimism, and (a little bit) of bravado that I’ve found immensely helpful. You don’t need someone to tell you how bad your numbers are. You need someone to tell you how good they can be if you follow a better plan.
• Keep your calendar full: whether this is with prospects, customers, partners, teammates…keep your calendar full.Good things happen when you talk to the market!!
• Involve your spouse in the journey: this might be a controversial one. But, I’ve found it really helpful to involve Savannah in the details of the business: the numbers, the HR questions, the customer challenges…It helps, 24 hours a day, to have someone you can lean on so you aren’t alone when making big decisions.She has saved me from plenty of bad ones this last few years! I hope you find even one of these helpful…Until Next Time, Miles