It is greener on the other side
Tweek as I was going through my usual podcasts, I observed something very profound and sadly it has been a while since I had noted such a habit. Such took my thoughts back. I thought about my business and considered the last few years. As some of you, I have also built my business from nothing and humble beginnings. I have nursed this baby from infancy to toddlerhood now. As I was cooking in the kitchen over the weekend, while watching the Lion’s Den podcast, it showcased budding entrepreneurs pitch their ideas and businesses to a panel of accomplished investors. Indeed, this podcast was extremely educational and informative. But I noticed one common thread throughout the pitches. Each entrepreneur spoke of so much passion about their enterprise. Being so emotionally invested, it sometimes made some of them seem ignorant to the hard truth.
It made them lose sight of the numbers and the reality of the status of their businesses. They spoke with so much passion of what they had started from nothing and honestly that should be commended. But the experienced investors would regularly interrogate them and ask them all those uncomfortable questions most of us shy away from. I could totally relate, and some of their pitches made me think about my own business and my inability to sometimes think objectively about it.
IHIS REALITY
once read a saying in the Times of Eswatini which changed my mindset about the future. ‘It is greener on the other side’ ...wow!
And I was like what’s the author talking about, which greener side? I realised later on that the writer was actually describing the picturesque, amazing scenery, flora of the future.
I smiled as I closed my eyes imagining my breath taking destination.
PEACEFUL
I know that one day we all wish to utter that “I finally made it to my peaceful home.” Celebrating the victory; the fruits of our labour; the juice of our sweats.
It all a dream which one day will lead to a destination_ what a blissful feeling that is! COVID-19
When COVID-19 took its course, it was the beginning of lockdown and a radical shift in the way we were suddenly living our lives.
Working from home, remote learning, social distancing were unfamiliar concepts.
Through it all, we were all filled
This then brought the thought of how you and I would present ourselves had it been us. And again, from this, reality struck me as I suddenly began to analyse how as a matter of fact people get into business.
And I surely picked up several factors and probable situations stated below, and even more,
The educated professionals who grew bored and tired of the corporate world and decided to make a drastic change and start a business. They are extremely calculated in their approach. These ones usually get into the business space very cautious and are calculative in every step of the way.
The self-starter, who began as a youth and has run several businesses through the years. He/she knows how to make money and is open to risk-taking. Surely, I relate so much to this type since I have in my entire life sold almost
i) ii) SITUATIONS
with fear of losing ourselves along the journey. Through this pandemic, we shared a tear, smelt success.
We must all admit that it a milestone for us to achieve greater things under this wave hanging upon us but with the zeast we can acquire what ours.
When the world is gray and lifeless, the thought of being that someone whom those around you never thought you will be is appealing more than ever.
As we all embark on towards the new year, I believe in making our dreams come true. Nothing is much more peaceful than scoring a better future knowing it was your own day and night struggle.
SELF-ESTEEM
As for me, if someone months back had told me that I would be a psychological writer by this time, I would’ve laughed and told that person that he was mad or crazy.
I’m saying this because few months back I was shuttered and my self-esteem was deprived to a low background but that’s a testimony after all. Indeed time and focus changes everything.
It an important truth that those who don’t study history are doomed to repeat it.
Every action of yours will one day turn to history and only the smart folks will be able to study anything that I saw an opportunity to sell. And when you speak our risk-taking, you are speaking my language.
I am such a risk taker and fearless individual, I often amaze myself too. I am sure there are too many of ‘ME’ out there. And yes, the world needs more of us.
The delusional entrepreneur who has an idea or business but did not think it through thoroughly. He/she has idealistic views on the world.
The part-time entrepreneur who does not yet have the guts or means to quit and run their business full-time. This could be off-putting to investors who require hundred percent commitment from the owner to make the business work and show return on their investment.
The extremely gifted entrepreneur who has a great idea or existing business and ticks all the
iii) iv) v) FEARLESS
their it.
Some people are stuck in their history, feeling they’re entitled to but less do they know that they’re entitled to moving on but not repeat the same mistake.
Scientists allude that the world literally is round but psychologists alludes that the world is round by it’s actions because what you have done yesterday will eventually catch up with you tomorrow. So, pay attention to whatever you do in life because history has this tendency of repeating itself.
Actually, you shouldn’t history and never repeat be boxes. His/her business shows profit and potential to grow and they just require investment to scale and further grow the business.
The entrepreneurs who were possibly pressured to start a business to make ends meet. They do not have any business experience and learn as they go.
They have heart and show commitment, but because of lack of resources, they are growing at a very slow pace and the enterprise shows potential but is not yet profitable. It was quite sad to see many of these budding entrepreneurs leave the den empty-handed, without investment and possible shattered dreams. Well, some go back and make the changes as advised by the investors. Some ignore their advice, and still make a success through other interventions.
Then there are those who
vi) vii) PRESSURED
locked up in your past the theme is ‘tomorrow’.
In all the trials of securing a better future, don’t lose yourself.
True that we are all fighting tooth and nail to fulfill the wishes of our hearts but some tribulations can entirely change a person.
I mean hunger for success can make one have a look down attitude towards some people.
I believe that not everyone wants to hurt you. Outshining is a gesture we all wish. I always look up to success because according to the world it everything. Some people leave a leave satisfied and accomplished as they were able to secure the investment through their brilliant pitches and knowledge of the industries. But it is quite clear that many entrepreneurs have an idealised view of their business, which might cloud their perspective of reality. Some of us have so much conviction that our businesses will succeed, and rightly so. We pour our hearts and souls into it, and in many instances our families feel the brunt with us, as we grind to make it a success. But sometimes our enterprises need urgent intervention. Sometimes it might just need a cash injection, other times it might require a pivot, and in some instances, after all has been tried, we might have to close doors. I think it can be quite traumatic to navigate and face these tough realities. Then on the flip side, through the right breakthrough or big deal, our ideas and businesses might just be the next big thing and bring us much success.
The point I am trying to make is that we shouldn’t be afraid to interrogate ourselves and our business concepts. After reading through some of my examples, which one do you relate to? What is the status of your business? Are you willing to put away the emotions and face the realities of the position of your enterprise as much as it might shatter your ambitions or prosper it?
ADVOCATE
And just because I am an advocate for women, I will throw word of advise to them: Woman, stop being emotional about your business! If you are a woman in business, you might feel offended by this! How can you say that Nonto, Well, as tough as it is to say, it’s time to put the emotions away. And believe me, I am preaching to myself !
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relationship in the case of feeling they’re hindered by their partners to become successful. Whom one associates with is much important as it determines your future.
Surround yourself with those minds that are in search of a better fate.
They say great minds think alike so choose people whom you are climbing the same ladder and those who are determined. Change your circle if need be. Either pimp a situation or be a victim of it. Kindly send through comments to