Real Change Takes Effort

This is the fourth in a series of blogs on Rosenbaum’s model of resourcefulness as it applies to entrepreneurship. In previous installments, we looked at the importance of positive self-statements, applying a repertoire of problem-solving strategies and maintaining focus by setting meaningful rewards. In this blog we explore Rosenbaum’s final point in his model, that positive change requires effort.  When applied to entrepreneurship, effort can include taking the time to plan, strategize, and execute/oversee a well thought out systematic, focused success-oriented initiative. In other words, it takes effort to make positive change in how your business functions.

This is not a ground-breaking concept.  But I would argue that the notion of effort needs to be seen more as a balance point between two extreme approaches to running a business. At one end of the continuum is the entrepreneurial desire to set up a business that essentially runs itself. This is where you as the owner have set things up so that revenue flows with little to no effort or oversight.  At the other extreme, are ambitious business initiatives that require a massive amount of attention.  These types of businesses are usually associated with enormous workload, plenty of crisis management and stress. High profile, fast growing, cutting edge and highly competitive businesses often fall into this category.  Generally, the greater effort you put into a business, the higher probability it will result in a positive impact.  Finding the right effort balance point (aka, the sweet spot) is a matter of personal preference based on your circumstances, priorities and values. 

I have encountered many people whose entrepreneurial focus is to find some sort of product, service or system that has extraordinary appeal and demand so great that all you need to do is build it then sit back and presto, the revenue will just flow in. The AI lure greatly feeds into this mind-set.  As it is seen as being able to create automated products and systems with mind boggling speed and precision with very little effort or technical background.  There are plenty of stories/lore out there that propagate this type of scenario with the underlying message that you are a sucker if you are grinding it out. I would say as appealing as this objective might be, in the vast majority of cases, the achievability is quite rare.

Developing a business model that provides a product or service of value, that is delivered in an automated fashion is certainly a goal worthy of pursuing.  But it is unrealistic to think that it can be created without extensive research, planning and preparation, not to mention strategic oversight once in operation. Building a business that operates in a semi autonomous manner, or one that can be easily scaled upwards usually requires an enormous front-end effort to create the foundation to successfully support day to day operations, anticipate risks, rare or changing circumstances. AI tools can certainly help to speed up aspects of your business development.

AI provides elements of service development/delivery that were previously out of the reach of small or micro businesses. It is, however, important to recognize that most businesses have access to the same AI tools. So, what will set you apart from your competition is how you uniquely customize use of these tools. Putting in the effort to understand their value and limitations as it applies to your business is essential. Thinking critically and creatively to figure out how they can be applied to address your needs in a unique, effective and efficient manner, could be a major factor in the success of your business. Once again, the time and effort that you’re willing to put into your initiative is key.

That is not to say that you must put in the maximum effort in whatever you do, that in fact, that is a recipe for stagnation. Putting in a strong effort, that produces solid outcomes while not jeopardizing a healthy work life balance is a goal worth striving for.

It stands to reason that the more ambitious the idea that you are executing, the greater the effort that is necessary to do it right. Turning big ideas into reality, requires a leader who can stay on top of a fast-moving organization which often has multiple diverse components simultaneously requiring attention and most importantly, informed decision-making. I had the opportunity to chat with an individual who many years ago had been involved in a cutting-edge business that required him to literally jet around the world, meet highly influential people, and make significant/oversee numerous high-profile business decisions.  He stated that the pace of the work was so demanding, that he recognized the speed of burn out would be incredibly fast.  He did not stay in the role long. The experience was one that he was glad he had done.  He gained valuable insight and perspective that he still applies today. But it did take an emotional and personal toll on him that he continues to live with.

For myself, I built up a unique business system that reflected my experiences, educational background and a delivery model that uniquely met the needs of my clients.  Over time this system received acquisition interest by a large player in the industry. This should have been a pinnacle moment in my career, and all I had to do was play it in a certain way to reap maximum reward. But an assessment of what it would have entailed, the risks that were involved, the sacrifices that would need to be made to ensure success were too great at that stage of my career. I chose a path that was not as lucrative but was personally best for me.

From the perspective of Rosenbaum’s model, knowing the effort that you’re able to commit then matching it to the resources that you have available to you, suggests that there is a feedback loop between applying the repertoire of tools at your disposal to come up with the right level and approach that is best for you.

It is important to put in the effort, to pursue a journey that leads to success.  But success does not necessarily mean conquering the world and being the best of the best.  Success is a rewarding pathway, that brings a healthy balance to your life. What that balance is, changes depending upon the stage of life that you are in. The key is to make the effort to recognize what truly is important to you by putting into perspective the benefits and sacrifices that is associated with every major business decision you make. With that in place it should lead to approaching the challenge that you choose for yourself with a positive perspective and the motivation to remain focused to successfully meet the challenge you have set for yourself.