Tag Archive for: Entrepreneurial Mountain

Teaming up with a Sherpa to Climb the Entrepreneurial Mountain

Do you have a Sherpa in your life?

In other words, a trusted guide to help you conquer the extreme challenges that you face.

This is especially important for business owners and entrepreneurs.

As an entrepreneur since 1990 (which just means I am extremely old), I can attest that climbing the entrepreneurial mountain certainly requires a tremendous amount of guidance and support.

In a recent blog, I reviewed the outstanding book authored by Alison Levine, “On the Edge: Leadership Lessons from Mount Everest and Other Extreme Environments“.

Alison Levine survived climbing Mount Everest. Twice!

To survive climbing Mount Everest, Alison explains that climbers commonly find success by teaming up with a Sherpa.

While researching the Sherpa community, I stumbled on this fascinating article from the NY Times: “Deliverance From 27,000 Feet”.

This article piqued (or should I say peaked) my interest on the incredible courage and fearlessness of a Sherpa.

Also, the shear danger that they face while assisting those on a quest to conquer Mt. Everest.

Check out this video below:

Can You Climb it Alone? 

What was the tallest mountain before Mount Everest was discovered? The answer: Mount Everest. It just wasn’t discovered yet. My daughter loves to tell that joke.

Is climbing Mount Everest comparable to running a business? Or vice versa?

Both are thrilling adventures. Each offers a strong sense of accomplishment.

Once you reach the summit, you can celebrate. A life’s dream achieved. Jubilation!

Yet, once you reach the top, how on earth do you get back to the bottom? Hmmm…..

It takes tremendous skill, determination, guts, courage, as well as a bit of insanity. Probably, lots of insanity.

So yes, running a business must be just like climbing Mount Everest. Lots of insanity, right?

Of course, this is coming from a guy who has never actually climbed a mountain. Ever. For that matter, I even struggle climbing up a ladder.

Anyway, for a select elite few, climbing Mount Everest is a major “bucket list” achievement. A chance of a lifetime. Major bragging rights. Thrill seekers reaching for the ultimate high.

It doesn’t get any higher than Mount Everest.

Can a westerner accomplish this massive feat on their own?

A crucial component for the western adventurer to successfully reach the Mount Everest Summit is partnering with a highly experienced Sherpa.

Sherpas are commonly referenced as mountain guides who help climbers navigate the brutal terrain while reaching their goal.

However, you might find this interesting, the definition of a Sherpa according to LiveScience.com actually states:

It’s worth noting that the term “Sherpa” does not actually mean “mountain guide,” as many people believe, but instead refers to an ancient ethnic community of some 154,000 members.

Who Is Your Sherpa?

So, who helps you navigate the treacherous terrain with running your business?

Do you have a Sherpa in your life? Someone who has climbed the path prior to you? A person who knows and understands the dangers ahead?

Westerners may want or try to rush to the top of Mt. Everest.

However, a good Sherpa certainly wants the climber to reach the top as well.

Yet, more importantly, they want a safe return which is the primary goal.

Especially since an expedition up Mount Everest can turn deadly on a moments notice. Even for the most experienced and trained Sherpa.

The Sherpa culture is synonymous with mountain guides due to living in the mountains of Nepal and the Everest region.

A  Sherpa helps carry necessary equipment, fix ropes. Despite hazards and risks, a Sherpa provides guidance to ensure a safe climb and descent.

Check out this cool article: “The World’s Most Renowned Sherpa Talks Mt. Everest”

A successful climb involves years of preparation and planning. Studying weather patterns.

Plotting out the safest route to success.

Just like running a business.

So who helps plot your route?

Additionally, who plays a critical role in your success?

In other words, who provides the necessary guidance for you to reach your summit and achieve a safe descent?

A coach. Teacher. Mentor. Business partner. A boss. An ex-colleague. Significant other. Parent.

Do you rely on business partner? A key employee. Your accountant. Attorney. A vendor. Business consultant.

Sources to Connect with Your Next Sherpa

Aligning yourself with seasoned experts who know the terrain offers the opportunity to reach your peak much quicker.

Sometimes simply learning what NOT to do plays as much importance as what TO do.

Having a trusted confidant in your corner is truly a gift which is absolutely priceless when making tough business decisions.

If you lack a solid guide or Sherpa at this stage, there is no better time than the present to team up with an experienced source.

As the saying goes, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.

Below includes several resources to consider when seeking your Sherpa.

LinkedIn

 

For starters, LinkedIn, of course, serves as an amazing resource for finding business coaches and advisors eagerly willing to help guide you.

Just look around. Connect. Engage. Express your thoughts. Share your expertise.

Join a LinkedIn Group within your industry.

Follow LinkedIn Influencers who deliver valuable information and engage vibrant conversations. This is an excellent way to find and connect with like minded individuals.

Post questions that negatively impact your business. LinkedIn users love answering questions that displays their talents and experiences while solving problems.

Podcasts

 

Another excellent resource to find a coach or guide: podcasts. It is amazing the number of podcast available.

Again, LinkedIn plays an excellent resource to locate high level podcasts covering any imaginable business topic.

Lately, I have become a podcast junkie while walking the dog, at the gym, or mowing the lawn.

The incredible value is truly priceless. Every episode offers tips, advice or inspiration.

Below includes a number of podcasts that I find extremely helpful & inspirational:

The Small Business Development Center

 

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC): The SBDC is an amazing resource to consider when seeking guidance and advice for your business.

SBDC’s are located on college campus’s throughout the U.S. Being in an academic setting promotes educational resources for entrepreneurs.

As an SBDC advisor for four years, serving entrepreneurs was an absolutely amazing experience.

The SBDC offers one-on-one counseling services, workshops on a wide range of topics as well as provides business tools and resources to help you succeed.

Best of all, SBDC advising services are completely free. Click on this link to find the nearest SBDC.

Chamber of Commerce

 

As a volunteer board member of my local Chamber of Commerce over the past six years, it truly blows me away with the rock solid relationships created by networking at the Chamber. Become a member of your local Chamber and get involved.

A Chamber of Commerce will offer business workshops on hot topics. In addition, networking events where you can discuss issues that impact your business. Connecting with fellow business owners in your area offers wonderful potential to find mentors and trusting friendships that help you tackle day to day concerns.

Additional Resources to Find a Sherpa

Additional resources when seeking business guidance include:

  • CPA – Every entrepreneur needs a rock solid accountant or CPA. Finding one that you trust plays a critical role in your success. Here is a link that connects those searching for a CPA.
  • Trade Associations – Involve yourself in trade associations. Networking with others within your industry offers tremendous opportunity. Finding like minded individuals who speak your language and share your passion is extremely beneficial.
  • Business Networking Group – Check out local Business Networking Groups in your area. If you struggle to find a helpful group, maybe this is your opportunity to start one yourself. Here is a link the BNI which is a popular Business Networking Group.
  • The Friends & Family Plan – Of course, don’t neglect the friends and family plan. These folks know and love you more than most. Sometimes confiding in someone outside of the business world you knows you intimately on a deep personal level can share insight from a unique perspective.

Wrapping It Up

In conclusion, if you are considering entrepreneurship for the first time – Go For It!

Entrepreneurship can be the most thrilling adventure that you will ever encounter.

Yet, a startup needs guidance and advice just as much as the most seasoned veteran entrepreneur.

So regardless of what stage you are at, team up with a top notch Sherpa.

Then go out and conquer that entrepreneurial mountain like there is no tomorrow.

Most importantly, enjoy the trip.

 

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“I’M DIVERSIFIED!” No, Actually You’re Doing Five Things Horribly

Are you Diversified? 

Hopefully, you are a much better multitasker than I am. 

Diversification does not agree with me at all. 

Case in hand, walking and chewing gum at the same time is a huge challenge for me: 

Well, I have a funny story to share with you on my disastrous plan of being “DIVERSIFIED” where being told how “Horrible” I was turned into brilliant advice. 

It goes back over 20 years ago to the year 2000 (time sure flies when you’re having fun). 

Entrepreneurtude

First, what does it take to be an entrepreneur? 

You need a trait that I refer to as “ENTREPRENEURTUDE.” 

As an entrepreneur, you need a determined and relentless attitude.

Tenacity! Thus, ENTREPRENEURTUDE. 

Unstoppable confidence, right? 

Unfortunately, that confidence can sometimes lead to trouble. 

Overconfidence creates delusion. Cloudy decision making. 

Well, I am a recovering delusional entrepreneur (probably not fully recovered). 

“I’m DIVERSIFIED” = Train Wreck 

Diversified

As an entrepreneur in 2000, truth be told, I was an absolute train wreck. 

I was decent at growing sales……unprofitably though.

My running joke looking back, no one sold a dollar for $.97 better than me (do the math on that one).

Unless you sold your dollar for $.96, no one was going to beat me at $.97.

Impressive, right? 

I found out the hard way that there is no guarantee of scaling your way to profitability. 

However, I had a DIVERSIFIED business.

I had developed 5 separate sections of the business. 

In 2000, I owned a wholesale business (with 2 separate product lines), that was trying to become an eCommerce business while trying to get into manufacturing as well as also attempting to become a drop shipper. Say that five times fast. 

My logic was to reduce vulnerability. 

Create a diversified business where if one area went down, the others would hold up the business. 

In reality, I created a scattered mess. 

Sales were climbing quickly but losses were mounting.

So I finally conceded I needed help. 

I reluctantly brought in a consultant to analyze the business to help identify challenges and to discover the culprit causing the losses.

DIVERSIFIED = Doing Five Things Horribly 

Once the consultant arrives, we get past introductions and she immediately requests, “tell me about your business.”

I proudly declare, “I’m DIVERSIFIED!” (Remember, I had Entrepreneurtude!).

I explain that If one area suffered or went south, I had four others backing it up to strengthen the business.

She was certainly going to be incredibly impressed, right? (Wrong!)

She then asked if I could explain each area of the business. Provide the details on why and how I had chosen these 5 areas to pursue.

She continued by asking what competitive advantages did the company possess for each area. 

When I was done explaining everything (rambling), she quickly made her assessment and offered a statement that completely changed my life. 

Said looked at me as said:

“Well, I know what your problem is. You are too diversified. Actually, you are doing five things horribly instead of one or two things exceptionally.”  

Are you familiar with the expression, “When the student is ready the teacher appears”? 

Well, my teacher appeared. 

What Are You Absolutely Best At?

She continued on with this question, “What are you absolutely best at”?

Well, truth be told, we weren’t really good at anything at that point.

She was looking for our core which was hollow at that time.

Ouch! That was a tough pill to swallow. 

We had explosive sales that were unprofitable. The business was sinking quickly.

Then she asked, “What do you feel is the future of the company? Where are the profitable growth opportunities?”

My answer: eCommerce.

This seems completely obvious writing this in 2019.

However, declaring this in 2000 was a huge risk.

The dotcom bubble was bursting and eCommerce companies were failing fast.

The business was floundering by pursuing areas where we had no competitive advantage.

I was exhausting time and energy by spreading company resources too thin. 

Give It Everything You’ve Got 

She once again looked at me and said, “Drop each area immediately that are draining your resources where you just explained that you have no competitive advantage.”

She then dropped another bomb, “Since you feel the future is in eCommerce, GIVE IT EVERYTHING YOU’VE GOT!” 

Placing a laser focus on a specific area became essential.

Unfortunately, many business owners foolishly pursue weaknesses. I certainly did. 

Additionally, I lacked the resources, expertise, knowledge or finances to overcome those weaknesses. 

Trying to be everything to everyone leads to being nothing to no one and I was guilty as charged! 

Jack of all trades, master of none. 

A common reason for a restaurant failing is the menu simply being too large. Too diversified.

Creativity is a blessing and a curse for many entrepreneurs. 

Narrowing a focus when a ton of revenue ideas and possibilities dangle in front of you is tough. Extremely tough.

What road do you pick?

The challenge is narrowing the selection and picking the profitable path.

Please Pick eCommerce!

My heart, passion and dream was eCommerce. 

A competitive advantage existed with eCommerce. 

Competition was scarce in 2000 with eCommerce. 

The benefits with eCommerce were tremendous and those benefits still exist today. 

I have made thousands of mistakes over the years but choosing the eCommerce path has been an amazing ride. 

Fortunately, years later our company ended up on the Internet Retailer Top 1000 Companies 3 years in a row. 

I owe all of the company success to my eventual business partner. 

Yet, hearing “You’re doing five things horribly instead of one or two things exceptionally” was brilliant business advice and changed my path. 

Being told how Horrible I was, turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me. 

If you find yourself struggling with your business, ask yourself the tough question: are you too diversified? 

Focus on what you are ABSOLUTELY BEST AT & GIVE IT EVERYTHING YOU’VE GOT. 

Lastly, if eCommerce is on your radar, go for it & don’t look back!! 

Wrapping It Up 

Thanks for reading this post. 

Check out these posts for additional info: 

 

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My Most Embarrassing Post: Playing “Fireman and Babysitter”

FIREMAN AND BABYSITTER, Really?!?!

First, welcome to my most embarrassing post. 

I am terribly humiliated to even share this article. 

As the story goes, 100 years ago (well not quite that long ago but it sure feels like it), I used to describe managing my business with the following description: I was a “fireman and a babysitter.” 

Actually, it was the 1990’s and I was in my early 20’s. 

My description of entrepreneurship? “Every day I was putting out fires and babysitting my employees”.

Yes, I actually said that. URGH! 

Well, guess what? I was hugely successful. At what?

Putting out all of the fires that I was creating for myself every day as well as micromanaging an amazing group of people.

I am horrified at my immaturity and arrogance that I even expressed those words, “fireman and babysitting”.

It is a true embarrassment that my management style was based on putting our fires and babysitting.

Let’s interpret what this really meant.

Related Article: “I’M DIVERSIFIED!” No, Actually You’re Doing Five Things Horribly

A Fireman? Seriously? 

Declaring myself a fireman is completely insulting and offensive to all firefighting professionals who are more courageous than I could begin to imagine.

My interpretation: 

Fireman = I have no idea what I am doing, am completely overwhelmed, cannot think past today to begin to plot out a future strategy. Let alone figure out how we are going to resolve the current firestorm in our midst.

For example:

  • Cover payroll on Thursday (and it is Tuesday night)? Who knows?
  • Dealing with customers past due by 90 days?
  • Handle an angry customer who just received the wrong product and needs it corrected NOW?
  • Handle employee issues that most likely lacked necessary training or probably should not have been hired to begin with?

Sweating the small stuff prevented facing bigger challenges. 

Especially when I was busy putting out fires that I typically created on my own. 

Related Article: Best Advice Ever from Dr. Phil: “You DON’T Want to be Successful!”

A Babysitter? Seriously?

Babysitter

Calling myself a babysitter not only insults the employees that I had the privilege of working with but also insults the millions of incredibly skilled babysitters around the country. They are also much more courageous than I could ever be.

Babysitter = I am completely insecure with myself combined with an unjustified arrogance that I need to micromanage every move of my employees.

Yet, so focused on being a HELICOPTER BOSS that I fail to allow these amazing individuals to do their jobs properly and let them do what they do best (also what they were hired to do). Combined with the fact that I was doing my own job horribly as well.

“Babysitting my employees.”

If you find yourself saying these words, it may be time to take a look in the mirror and reevaluate your approach.  

When I finally realized how immature and unprofessional my thoughts and behavior were it was finally time to get down to business.

No boss, parent, teacher, coach or instructor is perfect.

Even the most winningest coach (Ex: Bill Belichick or Nick Saban) has plenty of critics. Including their own players.

Just lose one game and find out quickly that not everyone will love you, admire you or even respect you.

As a coach or boss, every move you make is scrutinized.

You will always be called too much of something. 

Some will think you are too nice, too mean, too lenient, too calm, or too frantic. Not enough passion. Too passionate.

The goal is to build a healthy balance.

Maintaining a strong sense of urgency while never showing panic. Minimizing or even eliminating chaos.

Related Article: When a Mistake Occurs at Your Business, “It’s Never the Employee”

Herding Cats

Babysitter

Seems like the same could be said when people use the expression “herding cats”.

If a person describes managing people like herding cats, doesn’t it simply mean that this particular person has serious challenges with leadership or people skills?

Do you ever hear successful coaches describe leading their players as “herding cats”?

Well, I am ashamed and it was truly pathetic that I lead thinking these individuals needed “babysitting”.

No wonder I constantly struggled to make ends meet.

Helping employees to succeed and thrive should have been my primary focus. 

Additionally, I should have dedicated myself to creating a cause that they could proudly stand behind.

There is a fantastic book called “As a Man Thinketh” by James Allen.

The line in the book goes, “As a man thinketh, so shall he be.”

Well as I declared myself a “fireman and babysitter,” so shall I was.

Very impressive, right? Absolutely not! 

As I called myself a “fireman” and “babysitter”, that is exactly what I became.

I am sure you have some choice words to describe my poor business acumen and lack of leadership skills.

Related Article: The Definition of Entrepreneurtude: “Do Whatever It Takes”

Entrepreneurial Crisis

Phil Knight says that for entrepreneurs, “every day is a crisis.”

So the crises are going to happen. It is not a matter of if they will happen, just when and what magnitude. 

Therefore, since the fires ARE going to happen, every day, how you handle them is the key to success.

It doesn’t matter if you run a sole proprietorship or a multimillion-dollar company.

It is all relative. If you prepare and become proactive, great things occur. 

Welcome the mindset that these are not fires.

Each event is not a crisis but simply opportunities to grow. Learn. Expand your business.

Furthermore, the chance to separate you from the competition when challenges occur.

Gratitude

As a boss or leader, consume yourself in gratitude.

Give thanks for this amazing opportunity. For your entrepreneurial venture as well as the privilege to lead others. 

Embrace challenges as blessings to learn and grow. 

A mentor of mine used to share this fantastic quote: “The person who wins a marathon may not be the fastest runner but the person who can endure the most pain.

Your business is a marathon, not a sprint.

So, how do you endure the pain of the race? 

Can you prevent fires?

Strategically position the proper smoke alarms and fire extinguishers so when the smoke starts, you eagerly and tactically put out the burning flames as quickly as possible.

How do you put out a fire? Preparation, teamwork, a calm reserve, and a steady hand. 

Related Article: No Goal + No Direction = Where on Earth are We Going?

Babysitter? There Must Be a Better Way

Babysitter

So, what is a better description of entrepreneurship as opposed to declaring myself a “fireman” and “babysitter”?

Instead of a fireman, what if I declared entrepreneurship as a gift to create an organization that provides incredible products and services? Furthermore, offering powerful solutions that improve our customer’s ability to compete. 

What if I stated that instead of putting out fires we work on strategies that anticipate the challenges our customers face on a daily basis to make THEIR lives less stressful?

Instead of a babysitter, what if I declared my experience of entrepreneurship as being blessed to work with amazing and talented individuals? Where we strived to challenge each other to be the best.

Another thought: “As a team, we dedicate ourselves to building a sustainable business model that offers an entrepreneurial and competitive spirit.”

In spite of my “fireman and babysitter” mentality, our company experienced wonderful growth and success thanks to being blessed with an incredibly talented team. 

As the business owner, you are the boss by default.

The person who cuts the checks typically makes the rules.

Oversees the hiring (and firing) as well as make difficult decisions.

You provide employees with money, however, they grace you with their time. 

Money and jobs can be replaced. Time cannot. 

My humble suggestion: dedicate yourself to the success of each individual who decides to join your team. 

Inspire. Build their confidence. Make them feel on top of the world. Unstoppable.

Explore, discuss and fully understand their goals, their dreams, aligning yourselves on the path to achieving great heights.

Trust me, magic happens. 

Wrapping It Up 

Thanks for reading this post. 

For additional posts, check out these links below: 

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A Day in the Life of an Entrepreneur: “Every Day is a Crisis”

According to Phil Knight, co-founder of Nike, “For an entrepreneur, every day is a crisis.”

As an entrepreneur, how do you define a crisis? 

Merriam-Webster.com defines a Crisis as follows:

  1. the turning point for better or worse in an acute disease or fever
  2. a paroxysmal attack of pain, distress, or disordered function
  3. an emotionally significant event or radical change of status in a person’s life

Some days are more challenging than others as an entrepreneur.

How do you handle really bad days?

You know the type. Days where you are thinking that you should have stayed in bed.

However, this too shall pass.

With entrepreneurship, highs are wonderful and the lows seem frequently available.

As an entrepreneur, every day has the potential for challenge, disruption, and conflict. At that exact moment, you might even call it a crisis.

Let’s take a look at a day in the life of an entrepreneur.

Related Article: The Definition of Entrepreneurtude: “Do Whatever It Takes”

A Day in the Life of an Entrepreneur: Every Day is a Crisis

This client’s business is booming. Most of the staff is working overtime. Recently several temps were hired.

To put things in perspective, those newly hired temps mean the company workforce increased by 20%.

That’s the same as a company with 1000 employees hiring 200 workers over a few weeks.

Therefore, you are extremely busy. The whole company is feeling growing pains.

It’s Friday. You walk in at 6:00 AM as the day begins.

You’ve had a decent workweek. Ready to wind it down and enjoy the weekend ahead.

When in reality your “Hell Day” is just beginning.

6:30 AM – Temp Calls In Sick

You hired a temp to replace a key employee who is out recovering from surgery.

Production is busting at the seams. You need all hands on deck. Yet, one particular temp calls in sick.

You desperately needed that employee today.

The temp agency doesn’t open until 8:30 am. Your team starts at 7:00 am (the overtime crew started at 6:30 am).

By the time a temp replacement would arrive, it might be 10:00 am. Plus they need to be trained. You decided that is not a viable option. No temp. No production on that product today.

Well, if that’s the worst thing of the day, everything will be ok.

You are hoping your key employee is recovering well from her surgery. You send her positive thoughts and give thanks for your own good health.

While digesting that situation, a new challenge presents itself.

7:30 AM – First Crisis

A top customer needs a product shipped out the door that day. No problem.

Yet, it was manufactured incorrectly. At first, you think an employee produced it wrong.

The same one who was hired on permanently after serving as a temp for 90 days.

They were a rock star as a temp and did everything asked of them and did it exceptionally well. 

You have reached a point where they are now a key member of the team. So, you hire them on full time.

All of a sudden, attendance and tardiness immediately becomes an issue. Now quality issues arise with this employee.

Time is spent trying to figure out a solution to ship the product out on time. Nothing is working correctly. There are no replacement parts in stock.

The customer counts on this item for their production. They rely on you for quality and timeliness.

What to do?

After spending an hour brainstorming with a supervisor, you finally think you have a resolution.

The customer service supervisor calls the customer to see if that solution works for them.

8:30 AM – Next Crisis

While waiting to hear back on that situation, another employee walks in to say a main piece of machinery has broken down.

It’s the third time in the past two months that the machine has stopped. Production on that line has come to a halt.

While sitting there digesting the second crisis of the day, a customer calls insisting to speak with you.

8:45 AM – Bigger Crisis

crisis

You pick up to hear a furious customer on the other end.

You produced a product for that customer. Exactly to their specifications.

Unfortunately, their engineer who engineered and ordered the item is no longer with the company.

The customer explains that their customer who they delivered this product to finds the product unworkable.

They are demanding a solution NOW. Who from your team is willing to fly across the country to fix this?

The customer’s customer is threatening them with legal action. Needless to say, they are hot. You say, “I’ll be right there”. 

9:00 AM – Meeting with Angry Customer

You leave your office to go meet with the angry customer.

Upon arrival, a couple of employees greet you and guide you to a conference room.

Discussions begin immediately to explain the situation. The conversation is cool and calm to find a quick and affordable solution.

However, that is until the president of the company storms in the room. He is furious. He is standing. Pointing. Accusing.

He points out the flaws of the product.

How on earth was this produced like this?

You respond, his engineer designed the product and the product was produced exactly to those specifications. There were actually two engineers. Unfortunately, both are no longer with the company.

Fingers are being pointed again at you. Now what?

The past is the past. So, what are our options now to resolve this crisis for your customer?

You are told we are in this together, what are you willing to do to help? You have skin in this game, how are you willing to step up?

Finally, the president calms down. Cooler heads prevail.

The president explains this customer is a corporate bully.

They have pounded them repeatedly over and over on this project.

Hammering them on flaws and deficiencies that come up after products have been installed.

They repeatedly attempt to pass along additional and unnecessary charges.

Unfortunately, the drama and accusations flow down the supply chain to you. 

The customer explains that they believe in reality it is their customer who is the problem.

Everyone now comes together as a team.

Positive options are discussed to work together for a viable solution. Everyone shakes hands and walks out.

You feel an ounce better compared to when you arrived 60 minutes earlier.

Related Article: 10 Reasons Your Biggest Customer Decides to Breakup with You

10:30 AM – Which Fire to Put Out Next?

You get back to the office. Which fire to put out next?

Your supervisor catches up with you to say they have a solution for the product produced incorrectly.

The employee actually produced it correctly. There was an error on the component from the original manufacturer.

They discovered a reasonably quick fix. You are less unhappy with the employee.

You just wish they would eliminate these attendance and tardiness issues.

Anyway, your customer service supervisor spoke with the customer.

They said everything sounds great and even offered thanks for your service and dedication.

Another crisis resolved.

11:00 AM – What’s Wrong with the Machine? 

crisis

Next fire. Let’s tackle the piece of machinery that is down.

Two hours have slipped by since you left the office to meet your angry customer.

Everything that you had planned to work on today…well…still waits.

You and an employee shut down the machine. Make sure everything is safe. Open it up. Start diagnosing where the culprit lies.

You narrow it down to a couple of potential problem areas.

Perform a few tweaks. Nothing significant stands out though.

You were hoping for a glaring blemish that you could point to and say Aha!

Unfortunately not quite that simple here. 

After a few hours, you make some progress.

Hopefully, those tweaks may have fixed the problem. 

You start back up the machine not sure if you fixed it.

The machine needs to be turned on and run to see if it works.

However, that takes up to an hour to find out.

1:30 PM – No Lunch for You

Finally, you realize that you missed lunch since it’s now 1:30.

While waiting for the machine to start up, you decide you go start working on a fix for the angry customer.

You try your first idea. Nope. Not a good option.

You move on to the second option.

After a couple of hours, this seems to be a better fix.

Yet, it needs to sit over the weekend.

Then test it again on Monday.

Hopefully, this pleases your customer. Which in turn bails them out from the customer threatening legal action.

3:45 PM – Overtime: Machine Still Not Working

You go back to the broken machine. It seems to be working. Nope. Not quite right. 

You go back and forth for the next few hours.

Your supervisor stays overtime to help make sure the machine is fixed properly to run first thing on Monday morning.

6:30 Fixed

crisis

FIXED! The machine is finally working correctly.

It is now just past 6:30 on Friday evening.

The entire day was lost. Nothing that you had planned originally was accomplished.

Finally, at 7:00 pm on Friday night you head home.

Oh yeah, it’s your wife’s birthday.

This is a true story from many years ago and my wonderful wife was completely understanding of me from being late on her birthday. We still had a great birthday weekend for her anyway. 

So that’s a snapshot of entrepreneurship from my perspective.

However, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

How about you?

crisis

Wrapping It Up 

Thanks for reading this post. Hopefully, you found this helpful with your entrepreneurial journey. 

Check out these articles below for additional info: 

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