What I really want to say is ‘kill your business baby’.
There I said it.
Cuz for those who have built their first business to success
and then cut it loose…
It feels like death.
And the grieving will follow.
I can guarantee it.
I completed this entrepreneurial season
so very, very wrong.
BTW, by success I mean profitable.
Here’s what I’d do so very, very differently.
Cuz hindsight is truly 20/20…
and I want you to be the beneficiary.
Do not be attached to the outcome.
You’ve started your own business —
You’ve hustled…
Put in blood, sweat and tears
to the level only a few people really understand —
and I am one of them.
You bet it all on yourself…
very few believed…
but they cheered you on when success arrived —
years later —
and now you want to trade it all in {again}.
Sigh.
Now all those cheerleaders
are back telling you how you’re on the crazy train —
but that’s not my point…
my point here is that you are attached to how the transition needs to be…
what the next logical step is for your business…baby.
I know you. I’ve done the same thing.
I built a 1350 square foot holistic health clinic —
from nothing.
I found the space, planned the build out,
negotiated the lease terms when they said no to me as a new biz owner…
I found a way —
with no financials.
I broke even out of the gate.
And when I wanted to cash it all in to take my expertise online —
full time —
after building a team…
winning awards…
and being recognized in major publications…
I was convinced there was a buyer.
Cuz who wouldn’t want to purchase a profitable business?
Boy was I wrong.
I could barely give it away.
So after one year of courting prospective buyers
I killed my business baby.
Confession time — it almost killed me too.
My hubby spoke about this from his point of view on my podcast.
And when I stopped pushing…
the Universe delivered ease and flow.
I sold all the furniture and equipment in record time…
bringing in more money than the low ball offer I laughed at —
and of course declined.
Do not be attached to the how.
Seems like a lesson I continue to learn and teach.
I’m reminded of my favorite book from 2017
by Mike Dooley, Playing the Matrix.
Definitely a not to miss read.
Here’s my main takeaway…
Be clear, yes.
Take action towards, yes.
Do not be attached to how it is delivered.
The 20/20 Recap
Get clear on where you want to go next.
Decide on how you will exit your current business.
Develop the plan.
Set a timeline, a date where you will make the cut. Transition full time.
Do not be attached to the how.
Never sacrifice YOU in the process, let go of the attachment as best you can…
One more thing…
Have you sold a business?
Closed a business?
Maybe you’re on the fence about ‘killing’ your business baby?
Maybe your business is currently ‘killing’ you?
I’d love to hear in the comments!
Originally published at medium.com