Starting a business is exciting and ambiguous – and that’s the fun. It’s a time of possibility, experimentation, imagination, and showing the world what you can do. But, it can also feel slow, frustrating, and full of traps and distractions, leaving potential entrepreneurs to question their self-worth and to wonder why they started in the first place. As a small business coach, I’ll help you cultivate an entrepreneur’s mindset, so you can start and grow your businesses with confidence and step boldly into the role of business owner. Subscribe to get access to weekly tips, small business interviews, and more.
⚡️ Choose your Energy Wisely
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Hi Reader, Kodak once dominated photography. In the 1970s, they even invented the digital camera. But they didn’t pursue it. Why? They were confident film would always be king. That's complacency. They scoffed at new innovations, taking their success for granted. Contrast that with James Dyson. He built over 5,000 prototypes before perfecting the bagless vacuum. That’s persistence. With every failure, he stayed curious. Or Sara Blakely. She hacked a pair of pantyhose into a Spanx prototype and started testing. That's scrappiness. She moved quickly, refining it, putting a version out there. We've all likely caught ourselves in both mindsets. I know I have. But, I’m way more effective at driving results when I stay hungry, curious, and ready to adapt. The energy and mindset you bring to building your business matters. It translates into your behavior – your choices. Are things working well right now? Great – enjoy the wins, take time to recharge. But don’t let comfort turn into complacency. Stay hungry. Stay curious. Keep moving. Until next time, Michael
Michael Schefman | 321 Liftoff Copyright © 2024 by 321 Liftoff LLC |
Michel Schefman, 321 Liftoff
Starting a business is exciting and ambiguous – and that’s the fun. It’s a time of possibility, experimentation, imagination, and showing the world what you can do. But, it can also feel slow, frustrating, and full of traps and distractions, leaving potential entrepreneurs to question their self-worth and to wonder why they started in the first place. As a small business coach, I’ll help you cultivate an entrepreneur’s mindset, so you can start and grow your businesses with confidence and step boldly into the role of business owner. Subscribe to get access to weekly tips, small business interviews, and more.
Hi Reader, Over the past few years, I've been observing patterns. In my 1:1 coaching sessions and interviews with new entrepreneurs, I’ve noticed that new business owners often wrestle with the same types of challenges. On the surface their experiences are quite different – a cider orchard, a toy store, an innovative startup focused on getting communities to work, and many more. But, when you dive in, their stories are remarkably similar. If I were to group them, I’d put them into four...
Hi Reader, Starbucks started as a neighborhood coffee shop. Their story was about the café experience – a place to gather, connect, and enjoy the art of coffee (mmm, coffee ☕). Then, in the late ’90s, seeking additional growth, the brand leapt into the grocery aisle, selling coffee beans, bottled Frappuccinos, and eventually K-Cups. Starbucks wasn’t just serving regular café visitors anymore. They were reaching whole new groups of customers who might never walk into one of their stores –...
Hi Reader, I remember when Apple launched the iPod back in 2001. To casual observers, myself included at the time, it might have seemed like an odd move – here was a personal computer company suddenly releasing a music player: Why would they do that? In reality, Apple was building on what they already did best: designing user-friendly devices for creative people (their true fans). The iPod wasn’t a departure; it was an extension. For the month of September, we're focused on strengthening your...