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It is interesting to me when things I have heard before suddenly occur to me in a new way. Let me give you some context.
I am ready to grow my business, Goodburn Profit Systems, to the next stage. For that I am initiating a round of fundraising. I am looking for capital from a strategic partner who would like to help me grow an enterprise that will bring opportunities, education, and funding to entrepreneurs and their families around the globe. I know where I am going, and I can explain my vision. It has taken me some time to have the courage to ask, but I am ready now, and it has become a focus of my current business activity.
Throughout this process, I have been reflecting on several things.
Last week, a colleague said to me, “People invest in people before they invest in ideas.” I think that’s right. Expansive visions and beautiful ideas are great, but it is still the person behind the idea who will make it happen. Who that person is must be considered.
The challenge for me is this: It is easier to talk about ideas than it is to talk about myself. Entrepreneurs are visionaries, dreamers, the ones who see a different future. As such we can become a guide for others, but for any of us to follow a guide, we need time to get to know and trust the person.
As an entrepreneur, I like to get things done. I am not always patient. I can see a better future, and I want it now.
But that is not how journeys happen. We start with one step, and then another, and another. As long as I keep going, I will find the travel partners who take the time to get to know me. Some will pass on in another direction. Some will join me for a while. Others will be on the same journey, and we will arrive together. All of it takes time and patience.
That is what became clear to me in a new way this morning. The same wise colleague who I quoted above, said this: “I am winning them over with myself and what I am doing.” That speaks to me of dreams backed by action. We need to share ourselves with the world so that others can see what we are doing now. This is how we come to know and trust each other.
To do that, we each need the courage to tell our story.
I look forward to learning more about you and what you are doing as an entrepreneur. Thank you for being on this journey!
