Defining a Business from the Outset

When you start out in business, it can be very tempting to just take any work that comes your way. All those who have started out without a security cushion (read: rich parents to fall back on) know the feeling of wondering if there will be enough money for food this month.

When a job comes along that doesn’t really fit in with what you want to do, you may decide to take it just to be able to keep the lights on. This can be a life saver, but it can also have negative side effects which you weren’t expecting.

I made this mistake early on in my business. While I was struggling through in the first few months, an acquaintance of mine offered me some work which was not something I had wanted to take on. But the bills needed to be paid, so I reluctantly agreed to do the job. After a few months, the job – which was paying fairly well, disappeared. Had it been something which I truly loved doing, my enthusiasm and devotion to the work would have kept it going. However, since it became just a job, it never went anywhere.

How you start off your business is how your business is perceived in the eyes of the most important people in the world – your customers. ArtScroll set itself on a path to become the largest and most successful Jewish book publisher ever, because back in 1976, when no one really seemed to care, they exerted themselves to produce a Megillas Esther of the finest quality. If they would have just taken any job to make some money, do you really think they would be where they are today?

When you take on work, ask yourself if this job is really helping you in the long run. If not, turn it down. It may seem tempting for now, but six months from now you’ll be glad you didn’t take it.

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Filed Under: Business Tips • Career Advice

Tags: business success • jobs • strategies