Ten things business owners don't say (and ten things they do)

This is a followup to a previous post where I talked about the difference between business owners and people who are simply their own boss. There IS a difference, and you can often tell which type of person you are dealing with just by listening to the language they use. If you hear any of these comments there's a good chance you're not dealing with a true business owner or entrepreneur. Your simply talking to someone who doesn't want to be told what to do.

Top ten things business owners DON"T say. 

1. That's too much work. True entrepreneurs aren't afraid of work. They understand that a great deal of success comes from outworking the competition. Work smarter definitely, but if you think neurons are a substitute for muscle you're kidding yourself.


2. We can't afford it. Entrepreneurs are keenly aware of the numbers and return on investment, but price is not the deal breaker. If a given investments results in an acceptable ROI they will find a way to beg, barter or steal to get that ROI. "Can't afford it" means someone else took it out of their reach and that just doesn't happen with true business owners.


3. That's not my problem. The buck stops somewhere and true entrepreneurs know that even though it may not have been their fault it definitely IS their problem.


4. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Good business owners listen. If you run into someone who has a talking problem I'll bet good money that person isn't as successful as they want you to believe.


5. Why did you do that? Have you ever asked a three year old why they wet the bed? What a stupid question. It's much better to ask "What do you think you can do so you don't wet the bed tonight?" Asking people WHY they made mistakes focuses on the past, not WHAT can be done to correct it in the future.


6. I don't want to hear it. How many times have you seen an impetuous boss or supervisor blow off employees trying to explain something? If you have this type of attitude it just encourages employees to treat you like the small minded person you are.


7. What if it doesn't work? Entrepreneurs know that it may not work, but they also know that if they spend too much time obsessing over the consequences of failure they may never act. Further, they understand the importance of leaders who focus on potential success, not the likelihood of failure.


8. It may turn around. Entrepreneurs know the difference between persistence and blind hope. They plan for contingencies and make sure that future success isn't determined by the whims of the market. They're more likely to say something like "If it doesn't turn around by next quarter we're moving on."


9. Maybe. Indecision is a killer in small business. You're better off making a call and reversing course if things don't work out. Standing around is death.


10. That's not fair. Life isn't fair. Sometimes there's no good reason why things happen. Get over it. While you're looking for meaning in the world the true leaders are analyzing the situation, making plans and taking action. Don't get caught up in what's fair or unfair.