Concerts, parades, barbeques, and fireworks come to most peoples’ minds when they think of the Fourth of July. And we’re no different, even though we may be entrepreneurs at heart.
While we join in the celebration of our nation’s independence, we understand as well that it is for our own individual independence that we are still fighting. And we fight for it in our marketplace each and every day.
So how will you celebrate the holiday entrepreneurial style?
The Concert
A successful orchestra is made up of talented individuals, led by a conductor, each playing their vital part of a well-written score. Think of your employees as musicians. You are the conductor. And the score is your business plan.
Do your employees have the right talents? Are they hitting the right notes with the right rhythm, or do they need more practice (training) so they can play along well?
Are those with greater talent given recognition for such? Are you giving them an occasional chance to solo and take a well-deserved bow?
Are there others perhaps that just cannot gain the skills to play a polished concerto, and they need to go play elsewhere?
Does your business plan harmonize all the elements together, or is it still a bit choppy in places, requiring retuning and revision? A good business plan, like a well-written symphony, ties everything together with a recognizable and pleasing theme that attracts many listeners.
Are you, as the conductor, leading in the correct tempo, and communicating well your instructions and expectations to your orchestra? If not, believe me, the musicians and the audience (your customers) know even before you do.
The Parade
Dressed in lively costumes, marching in line, making lots of noise and impossible to ignore, your marketing campaign must be in fine shape.
Are you parading your products and services to a cheering crowd? Does the crowd like what they see, or are they perhaps focused on a more spectacular float coming down the street?
Remember, you can’t change your customers, you can only change yourself. So find out what they like, and parade it before their eyes and ears.
Barbeque
Ahhh…the sizzle of success. The sweet smell of summertime profits. What does your financial main course look like?
Are you allowing the dollars to grill for too long before you turn them? Quick-turned dollars fly out and back in quickly, plumping in the process, and definitely have the best financial flavor.
Dollars that simmer too long on the back burner tend to get burnt up when nobody wants them on their plate. Don’t let good dollars wind up in the trash. Keep turning them quickly while they’re still hot.
And don’t forget to put a few on your own plate. After all, your ARE the master chef.
Fireworks
Oh, that my life would be like a rocket, booming, soaring high above the crowds, captivating spectators with a splendid burst of vibrant colors, leaving the audience breathless in awe before the excitement fades away. That I, albeit for a brief moment, may make a positive difference in the lives of others and be forever etched in their memories….
Enjoyment. Passion. Enthusiasm. Freedom.
This is the joy of entrepreneurship. This is why we work the long days and then continue well into the night – because we believe in something worth believing in.
Our effort is fueled by our passion. Let the idle dreamers merely dream their lives away. But let we who create, create something of lasting value.
Never, never, never lose the passion that drives you. But instead enjoy, celebrate, and feed the fire within you each and every day.
Happy Independence Day!