When my daughter was 8 years old, we bought a house with a swimming pool. One day I realized if my 8 year old could swim, I had to take the big step and learn how. I didn’t take any swimming lessons. I just jumped in the deep water! It was sink or swim! Jumping into the water I found my learning curve was significantly shortened. I immediately started to paddle around and I quickly figured out how to swim! Jumping into the deep end of a swimming pool is somewhat like running a business. It’s either sink or swim for success.
As the CEO, president or owner of your business, being the leader means setting the example for everyone else in the company. It’s important to know and learn at least something about every job in the company. The only way to do that is to jump right in and be accounts receivable for a day or warehouse supervisor for a day or even the janitor for a day.
Then you’ll know what to expect from your employees. Because you’ve experienced it, you’ll know how to set appropriate business goals for performance. You’ll know better what’s possible and what’s not possible.
Jumping in also means you must be the one to abide by company rules, old and new. To move forward into new business endeavors with enthusiasm and support. If you don’t then who will?
Jumping in can also mean doing things that you really don’t like to do but are essential to the success of the business. Sometimes this can feel like jumping into the deepest water.
Many business people, including CEOs, presidents and business owners, I talk with really dislike, for example, making cold calls. Jump right in! Call someone you’ve never met but would like to do business with. See what their needs are and how your company may be of help to them. Don’t just stay behind your desk either. Go out into the hallways of your office and talk to co-workers and employees. Better yet, go ride with members of your sales team to their various appointments. Meet potential new customers, help close the deal, or visit established clients just to thank them for their business.
When running a business, it’s about taking calculated risks for continued success. In other words, it’s sink or swim. Sometimes, the best solution after thinking it through, is to just jump into the deep end and see what happens.
As a CEO, president or business owner, the more you know about your business, the more successful you’ll be.
So get the swim fins and snorkel tube out. Put the fear aside and jump into the infinite pool of business success!
To your success!
Want to improve and grow your business? Talk with Howard! – 888-738-1855 – Howard Lewinter guides – focues – advises CEOs, presidents and business owners to MORE success – MORE profit – less stress.