In the small business space, there have been three distinct characters that I’ve noticed most small business owners fall into. With the lightening speed changes that have been taken place in the online space for last few years, you can’t blame the real small business world “warriors” from gravitating to one of these traits. Most of the times, it is fueled by unexplainable emotion and instinctive reactions. Like most small business owners, you are fully vested with only a Plan A.The livelihood of you families and future are counterbalanced by fear and frustration. This is the real world and there isn’t three doors to choose from with Drew Carey asking if you want what’s behind door #1, 2 or 3. At least when a contestant on the Price is Right chooses the worst door, they walk away with a memorable experience, their dignity and a dinner for two.The definition of an entrepreneur is a person who organizes and operates a business, taking on greater financial risks to do so. Think of that definition for a minute or two. Entrepreneurs are cut from a different cloth. We are not told by our parents growing up, little Johnnie you should take extreme risks when you’re older. Start your own business, take on the financial responsibilities and roll the dice! Not at all. We’re told throughout our lives, get a stable job that offers full benefits, opportunity to move up in the company and a retirement plan.So let’s cover the three distinctive characters.
INNOVATOR
When I think about the innovators of the world, the Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg and the Bill Gates of the world. How did these three ordinary men turn an idea and vision into a deep burning passion? Against what most think, these men were ordinary men taking extraordinary steps in accomplishing their goals no matter what the risks are. They weren’t afraid, yet they welcomed failure. They understood like Thomas Edison said, “It’s not that I failed 10,000 times, I just found 10,000 ways that did not work.” It takes someone who can block out doubt, skepticism and other people’s opinions and focus all their energy towards seeing their vision come to fruition.These same rules apply to small business owners who are innovators. Innovators are flexible, adapt before adapting is required and when everyone is turning left, you are going right. When the masses are being safe to what their definition of safe is, you are failing forward. Innovators not only learn from the mistakes they make but they also observe the mistakes and successes from those around them. They crave knowledge and insight from others, never too proud to learn yet they take what they learn and apply it hundreds of different ways. These are the rare breeds of business owners who don’t see the cup as half empty or half full. They see the cup half filled and they fill it!
IMITATORS
Having spent 20 years of my professional career in the small business world and 16 years of those were in marketing and advertising, I’ve worked with thousands of business owners with their marketing strategies. The biggest frustration at times was dealing with decision makers or business owners who made decisions solely off other’s experiences, opinions and uneducated advise. It was a bit like playing the “copy cat” game or “Keeping Up With The Joneses” but only is a business standpoint. I get it but when you are visiting your doctor and he gives you his professional medical opinion or advise, you wouldn’t tell him, “I don’t believe what you’re saying. My best friends mom, who works at Walmart said it was just a cold and it will pass. How ridiculous does that sound? So, why would someone go against my professional advise when it comes to marketing?What I noticed is that these types of business owners are Imitators. They tend to go with the flow of everyone else around them because there’s comfort in numbers. They tend to lack confidence and initiative to take massive action due to the possibility of experiencing unwelcomed and unexpected results. Imitators relinquish control, take minimal risks and prefer to play follow the leader. They want to experience some success without having to create it therefore they hang on the coat tails of someone else. Now, some of you may be saying, “Why recreate the wheel?” and this does hold some truth to it but understand that every business is different. Their business, audience, market and goals are unique.Am I saying, if there is a someone who is successful and it’s working for them, that you shouldn’t do what they’re doing? Exactly. That’s exactly what I’m saying. You can customize, piece together, and put your own personal spin on a system by using the knowledge you’ve acquired but in today’s market, it’s all about standing out, building a brand that is recognizable and attracting your targeted audience. Don’t be afraid to stir the pot, step outside of your comfort zone and fail forward. You took a chance when you decided to start your own business in the beginning. You are an Entrepreneur!
SPECTATORS
You have to love the spectators. Just like watching a UFC fight and seeing a guy catch a heel kick to his temple and drop to the floor, this is the guy who sits on the couch drinking a beer and telling everyone what he should have changed in his defense, stance and fight style. If you have all the answers…strap on the 4 oz. gloves and step in the ring. In the business world ” Spectators” are watching every move everyone else is making, talking a good talk but never taking action. These are also the late adopters, the just by chancers and those who are content where the market takes them. They are blown in every direction on their makeshift raft, drifting further from land. Unfortunately, these are the same people you throw the rope to in order to save them but all they do is look at the rope wondering what to do with it.
Spectators live in the past and exist in today’s market. They live on borrowed time, staying afloat hoping they will continue to have referrals trickle in so they can keep the lights on. While new businesses in their same industries are coming out of the woodwork with a fresh perspective and strategies, they will bully the spectators out of the market by gobbling up a majority of the market. While spectators fight for scraps, everyone else is sitting at the table having a steak dinner.
The reality is if you are a business owner, you need to make yourself relevant and you need to ensure your existence today and in the future. What you do today will position you in a favorable spot tomorrow and everyday that passes is like a month online. The time is now! The market needs new innovators to keep it thriving and evolving. Just like the poem by Linda Ellis, the only thing that matters is how you live your dash. The beginning and end are a given but what’s in between is what you control.
For more information on how to take your business to new heights visit our website
