What Would You Do If You Weren't Afraid

There is nothing about being an entrepreneur that screams rainbows and unicorns. There are many more bad days than good, but honestly, the good ones make up for the bad.

When I get super frustrated I always think, Who the Hell Moved my Damn Cheese.  Then after the sulking is over I think, What would I do if I wasn't afraid. There's a few great lines in the book Who Moved My Cheese.  It talks about two mice who found cheese, but one day it's gone.  One mouse keeps going back to the very same place every day, is angry it's still not there and keeps hoping it changes.  The other mouse writes on the wall "What Would You Do If You Weren't Afraid", and sets out to find new cheese.

Last week, I had a call with someone who has the potential to take Scalisi Skincare into soaring new heights - the problem - it's just not the right time.  I believe them and before we hung up, I had a call scheduled to revisit it in a few months. So, how do you take a blow like that and 1) respond 2) learn from it and 3) turn it around.  How can you be Sniff and not Scurry and certainly not Hem and Haw... Here's what I did/am doing.

1. Listen.  What exactly did they say both positive and negative.  Sometimes we only hear the negative - so rehear the positive.
2. Ask.  "What can I do to get you to say yes."  Many times the conversation can be turned around because the person on the other end will tell you what they need; or what they are looking for; or what you actually can do to get them to say yes.  This time it didn't work because it really is timing.
3. Think.  What are they up against, should you drop it or continue. Sometimes persistence pays off and sometimes it's just not worth your time, so, if it's time to move on, move on.
4. Game Plan.  Create a game plan to reemphasize the positives you have, support and strengthen your weaknesses.  Put yourself in their shoes (what are they concerned about and what are their risks) solve or minimize their risks so you make it impossible for them to say no.
5. Pivot. if it isn't working, fail fast and change direction.  Lean Start Up is all about learning to pivot, fast.

"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result."  ~ Albert Einstein