I like this a lot: Seth Godin on How can you do it? First he quotes a question he’s received …
“It’s like, how does anyone start their own business? How is it even possible? How do they deal with the crippling fear and harsh economic realities?”
And he answers:
The people who successfully start independent businesses (franchises, I think are a different thing) do it because we have no real choice in the matter. The voice in our heads won’t shut up until we discover if we’re right, if we can do it, if we can make something happen. This is an art, our art, and to leave it bottled up is a crime.
I guess the real question is, “How can you not do it?”
To be honest, Seth’s description doesn’t exactly match my specific experience, but it’s close; and the difference doesn’t matter. It’s a thought worth sharing.
But then I also get that other nagging thought: what about the people who have that voice, and they move ahead to discover whether or not they’re right, and then they’re wrong? Who speaks for that side of reality? Not as much fun, not nearly as inspiring, but also true.
I hate to be predictable, but: don’t trust that voice all by itself. Do a business plan first. Some of those voices are wrong, or ill-advised, or over simplifying.
Tim Berry is the founder and chairman of Palo Alto Software and Bplans.com. Follow him on Twitter @Timberry.
