Why Are We Entrepreneurs?
I want to talk about something that’s been on my mind recently: the price you’re paying as an entrepreneur and whether it’s truly worth it.
I used to be mentored by Bill McGrath, the former CEO of Wickes, who shared a profound thought that resonates deeply: “Why are we entrepreneurs? Is it to work 80 hours a week for half the money that we could earn working 40 hours for someone else?”
Many of you may relate to this. You put in long hours, often with your head in your hands after a tough day or working through weekends. You might find yourself asking, "Is it all worth it? Should I consider that dreaded job instead?"
You love what you do, but perhaps you’re feeling stuck. Let me remind you: if you genuinely believe in your mission to serve your clients and make a difference, then keep pushing forward. I’m not talking about overcharging or taking clients for granted. I mean providing a genuine service that adds real value.
Stick At It
So, stay committed.
- Get clear in your mind.
- Define your strategy.
- Execute effectively.
Focus on actionable steps to drive your business forward.
Keep At It
If you need extra motivation, consider this: recently, I recently watched The Avengers: Infinity War at the cinema. Back in the '90s, Sony had the chance to buy Marvel for around £20 million but turned it down because they only wanted Spider-Man, dismissing the rest of the catalogue as unworthy.
Marvel faced some tough times, much like Pixar, which Ed Catmull discussed at Inbound 17. Despite these challenges, Marvel persevered.
Fast forward to today, and Infinity War has grossed approximately $1.8 billion from a budget of about $350-400 million. This is a classic example of how potential can flourish with the right vision and perseverance.
Success, However Small or Large, Is Still Success
Almost every Pixar film is a box office success, and it’s hard to recall the last Marvel film that didn’t break records or dominate social media conversations.
So, if you believe in your abilities, keep pushing through.
Dig deep and aim for your own significant returns, however you define success. Even if your budget is modest, like £35,000 or £350,000, remember that substantial profits can come from dedicated effort and strategic planning.
As always, if you’re looking for high-growth strategies and ways to position your business effectively with a Non Executive Director, don’t hesitate to reach out.
