Stepping out of your comfort zone can be quite intimidating to the small business owner. How much debt is too much to take on vs. the ROI you would get in return? What if you hire someone and they mess up your business? How risky is it to confront that client who is walking all over you?
In my latest blog post, I go over some of the risks and rewards of growing outside your comfort zone. Check it out and let me know a time where stepping out of your comfort zone has benefited you! https://beyondthechaos.biz/stepping-out-of-your-comfort-zone/
Oh my gosh, the best things that have ever happened to our business came out of getting out of my comfort zone! Hiring employee #1 was the biggest risk we every took and I don’t regret it at all. After that employee’s 2 and 3 weren’t so hard to do. Firing people stinks no matter what but we’ve done that with a handful of developers that weren’t a good fit with us (we always do a 3 month contract to hire). The hardest one was one developer that we couldn’t afford to keep on because expected business didn’t develop (but our reference helped him get the next job and he’s still there!).
I can’t imagine NOT having at least one or two developers on staff. Everyone has a different perspective on things and have different strengths. I want developers that are smarter than me (honestly not that tough) but I had feedback from other Xojo consultants on ‘why I am I training my future competitors?’ The answer is I’m not because having a business is hard and if they had that mentality they’d already be a competitor.
We’ve had to fire a couple of clients over the years. It’s never fun and usually it means losing money that they owe us. But if you’re at that point the relationship is probably too toxic to continue anyway. Rip the bandage off and get it over with and move on to the next client (that you get along with).
Speaking at XDC: the first couple of times are nerve wracking but after that it’s mostly talking to your friends.
Xojo training videos: Does anyone really want to hear me drone on for 200+ videos? The answer is yes and my knowledge of Xojo is now bigger and many people in the community have benefited. It also helps the consulting side in various and important ways.
I did a 10 day Xojo training gig in Lagos, Nigeria. Stepping WAY outside the comfort zone on that one for many reasons. But it was a great experience and would do it again with the right company.
I could come up with more examples. But I’ve generally found that stepping out of your comfort zone lets you grow both personally and business wise.
Couldn’t agree more, Bob! The first time is the hardest, but after you experience success, it’s easier to take a risk again. I love hearing how your company has grown and how much you had to risk to get there.
@Christian Schmidt - my comment was mostly tongue-in-cheek, but I appreciate the offer to apply to speak! Sadly, I can’t make a trip to Europe this fall. Of course, if you were paying for the whole thing, we could talk.
