One day not too long ago, I watched a squirrel climbing a branch on a very tall tree, wind blowing, branch swaying, and squirrel hanging on for dear life. The squirrel had a mission. There was a bird feeder filled with sunflower seeds not too far away from the tree, and it was tempting the squirrel to enjoy the bounty, so he (or she) was determined to achieve that goal … no matter how precarious the ride on the branch.
That dedication to hanging on, no matter how hard the wind whipped that branch, reminded me of some entrepreneurs I know who have not been afraid go out on a limb, betting that the leap will propel them to more growth and success. The squirrel had an advantage that entrepreneurs don’t have: It could see exactly how far it had to leap before getting the prize.
Even during challenging economic times, some people don’t hesitate when opportunity knocks. They do their homework to make sure each risk has merit, and after getting satisfactory feedback, they jump on the limb and work to make the jump pay off. They risk capital on business ventures, but they gather all the information necessary before taking a chance on questionable ventures. These business wizards have a special thinking process that includes:
- Looking for opportunities. While some were mourning the decline in business during the past few years, the stars were looking at their businesses with new eyes and inventing ways to reach new markets with their products and services. Those who go out on a limb usually keep an open mind and welcome and consider all new ideas.
- Welcoming change. Any change, good or bad, can bring opportunities for better results.
- Looking at failure as education. Thomas Edison admitted that he failed hundreds of times as part of learning how to invent the light bulb. Entrepreneurs don’t waste time worrying about yesterday’s mistakes. They just change their plan for the way they tackle the next opportunity.
- Dreaming big. Walt Disney said, “If you can dream it, you can do it!”
- Getting more education. Most risk-takers are lovers of learning.
- Playing. Entrepreneurs love to play with, and experiment with, new things. Most risk-takers think there’s a better way to do something.
- Thinking optimistically and positively! They have great belief in their ability to make things happen. They are full of confidence and determined to succeed. They also have fun in the process.
- Having enthusiasm for, and the courage to take, risks – to go out on a limb even when the outcome is uncertain.
- Never allowing others to discourage or dissuade them from going for the gold. They don’t wait for approval.
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Entrepreneurs seize opportunities to make things happen. They wake up excited about what they can do each day. They’re like the Energizer Bunny, and their energy is contagious. Most are very outgoing – and willing to share their knowledge and excitement about risk-taking. They all seem to thrive on discovering new ideas, and new projects, to work on.
Entrepreneurs are a lot like the squirrel I watched outside the window. It was totally turned on to the idea of making that leap … staying out on that limb … until the goal was accomplished and it had its bounty. It hung on in the wind, waiting patiently for the opportunity to take the leap to the moving target that was holding its treasure. It was clever, digging its paws into the branch and riding out the experience. Like that squirrel, businesses sometimes have to hang on and ride out the challenges to reap the rewards. Going out on a limb can be dangerous, but it can also be fun!
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