Entrepreneurs must expect the unexpected. In fact, if you own a business you would be wise to assume that your plans will regularly be disrupted and you will be confronted with surprise situations that require you be flexible and creative.
The only thing we know for sure is that change happens. As humans we love to create a false sense of security by creating plans and structures and outlines and routines. The reality is that in a moment, it can all shift when the unexpected occurs. This is not to say that we leave our success completely up to fate and the winds of change. Instead we must build our authentic business structure as a strong foundation, solid in values and intention and clear in messaging and impact. Our foundation is then able to withstand shifting winds and unexpected occurrences.
From a psychological perspective, when we prepare the foundations of our business in such a manner and prepare in our minds for the reality of the unexpected, we are not as easily thrown off course or rattled emotionally. Setting up an expectation of the unexpected and trusting deep within your core that you can “always figure it out”, brings a great sense of comfort to your business and your life in general.
Last week my husband and I decided to pull our 13 year old child out of school for 3/5 of the school week. Thus she is now attending school only two days per week and is home schooling with me for the other three days. This unexpected shift in our family arrangements came at a time that I had set aside in my mind as a solid, uninterrupted two months of intense production within my business, prior to summer vacation. Now it is a completely different structure. What Now?
Foundations in Business to Support the Unexpected
Suffice it to say that we are figuring it out.
Know that I’ve had to rethink the flow and energy of my entire week – moment by moment and day by day.
My foundation is solid. I know my core values, my expertise, the problems I solve for others and the unique nature of the solutions I provide. I’m aware of my passions and my focus on Time-By-Design and Impact for others. From this launch point I can weather this massive shift in our family life and in my business life too (since the time I now have available for my work has changed dramatically).
Because of the strength of my foundation, I have already found blessings within the change rather than being knocked completely off my center. My focused time must be more succinct, efficient and effective. Networking and joint venture creation has to be highly targeted with pin pointed goals and objectives. For the first time in a long time, I have to outline my own production schedule to align with our home schooling time, rather than the more free form way I prefer to do things.
In a recent speech at Westminster College – Gore School of Business – I mentioned that Moms make great entrepreneurs because they are skilled at expecting the unexpected and punting whenever necessary. All entrepreneurs must expect the unexpected and be able to develop their responses to it from the launch point of a their solid business foundation.
Coaching both privately and in groups, Deborah is also a speaker, author, event leader and consultant. Creator of the Foundation and Framework Intensive, Question Master and Leader of the Entrepreneur Business Success Club, Deborah has been called an “Architect of Magical Business and Soul Structure”by her clients because she has a powerful ability to perform alchemy, changing passions and dreams into money and time by design.
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Deborah,
What a beautifully written post about a topic we all know too well. The false sense of security I have obtained from thinking I have things under control has gotten me into trouble more than once! I now know to plan within a reasonable structure, but to leave plenty of room for the unexpected. It never really gets easier, but that’s life. Thanks for reminding me that I’m not alone!
That false sense of security is so crucial to recognize Dina, aren’t they?!!
Thanks for stopping by with your wise thoughts!
Warmly,
Deborah
Deborah Tutnauer recently posted…Coaching for Women Business Owners – The Feminine Way to Success
Hi Deborah,
I’m all too familiar with the unexpected!!!! It definitely makes for an exciting and challenging life. I think anyone who is open minded and loves diversity will readily accept the changes and figure out how to make things work.
I have a great friend who is a routine monster, lol… If you disturb that routine there is great uncomfort and unease. I almost feel for him at times, but in my own flexibility I just roll with it, lol…
I’m looking forward to learning how you navigate these waters. If anyone can do it, you can!!!
I hope you have a great week Deborah!
~ Don Purdum
Don Purdum recently posted…How I Gain Clarity in My Business and Why I Changed My Website
Thanks Don!
I am the opposite of your friend the “routine monster”.. I prefer every day to be different – yet to also have some sense of structure so I can outline appointments and specific work. I don’t mind a disturbed routing, but when it’s not a temporary thing, and rather a new plan going forward – I require a little time to settle in and discover how to make it work.
I have no doubt I’ll navigate these waters Don. In fact, I usually assume that a shift that is unexpected and not of my ideal planning holds gifts within it that I am destined to discover!
Deborah Tutnauer recently posted…Coaching for Women Business Owners – The Feminine Way to Success