Reason suggests that all great things start out small. Warren Buffett’s mighty Berkshire-Hathaway, Bill Gates’ Microsoft or Sam Walton’s huge Wal-Mart all had very modest beginnings. Christianity began with a handful of committed souls; today 1/3 of the world says they are Christian. The mighty oak starts out as an acorn, and so on.
That said, we all too often judge a venture or opportunity based on the size of the thing. Based on the examples we saw above, one might ask, isn’t that a bit backward? Great nations, great companies and great causes all start out small!
What does it take to start your own or grow with another person’s budding opportunity?
- Forward-looking vision, seeing what is possible (visualizing the oak in the acorn)
- Sound plan of action and ability to adjust
- Deep commitment to the cause
- A willingness to risk in exchange for the rewards
- Leaving the comfort of the known for what is hoped-for possible
- Doing whatever it takes to make the vision come to life!
When a seed is planted, at first blush, it looks a little like a burial ceremony. For days or weeks, nothing may be visible. Yet all during that time, care must be given to that buried seed: the warmth of the sun (or artificial heat source), rain or watering (irrigation), proper nutrients in the soil and so on. It takes time to see the first green sprout, then the shoot and later still, the mature plant or tree that may then later feed its planter, caregivers and others.
In like manner, a new or budding opportunity requires similar factors:
- The warmth of faith and positive action
- The nutrition and moisture needed for the cause from the work of those involved
- Adjustments as needed to respond to conditions that arise (just as weather affects plant life, so too, conditions affect the new cause; both require adjusting to meet those conditions).
There is security sitting under the shade of a cause, company or organization that is already well established. Joining McDonald’s today is different than being a worker or manager of one of their first locations! Joining today isn’t a bad thing, but joining the budding enterprise takes courage, commitment and a spirit of adventure – and the rewards for those willing to take that early leap of faith and who stick with it tend to be greater.
Starting or growing a modest venture can be transformative. Taking what is to the next level can put a spring in your step, if…
…you believe and are willing to do what it takes to make the vision become a reality.
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Written and submitted by:
L. A. ‘Tony’ Kovach
Publisher and Marketing Director
www.MHMarketingSalesManagement.com or www.MHMSM.com