There are some things in life that seem like they are really ‘complicated’ or ‘risky’; being a parent, investing in the stock market and running a business of your own for instance.
When you look more closely though, you find that nothing could be further from the truth. These are all pretty simple, straight forward pursuits. So why do people get ‘stopped’ by the illusion of complexity and risk?
UNCERTAINTY.
Yup, when it really comes down to it, it is not complexity and risk that stops you. It is uncertainty.
You may be uncertain about the best school for your children or what interests you should encourage them to pursue.
You may be uncertain about which company, mutual fund, or real estate deal to invest in.
You may be uncertain about how to best go about building and growing your business (especially during challenging economic times).
You interpret the uncertainty – the unknown – as complexity and risk, so it stops you from making the decisions and taking the action necessary to get the results you want.
In my advisory role working with venture capital investors I’ve witnessed this hundreds of times throughout my career. Often when I was asked to evaluate an ailing company’s success potential, I would find that the business was stagnant or in slow growth because the owners were frozen by uncertainty. They had given up trying to innovate and improve because uncertainty had made everything appear too complicated and risky. It was like they thought they needed to be an industrial Einstein of some sort to invent a radical new way of doing business.
I see the same thing today with many would-be and existing home-based or small business owners. Uncertainty freezes people and every new idea is deemed to be too difficult and challenging or too risky to undertake. When in truth many of them are totally viable and often extremely simple innovations to make.
For example: A husband and wife team building a general contracting firm were stuck. They had been doing business for some time but had lost some key projects, felt they were slipping behind and did not know what to do differently. Uncertainty froze them in place and the longer they remained stuck there, the greater the risk they perceived. They would discuss the business and what to do about it constantly yet every idea was dismissed as too risky or difficult to pursue. I spent the morning with them and had them show me around the business. That afternoon I separated them and had each write a detailed description of exactly what they each wanted from the business in the next 12 months.
Guess what? The two visions were completely different. He had visions of personally managing expansive crews of workers on an ever growing number of larger and larger projects. In her mind they would grow the business by hiring good project managers and leverage themselves out of that project role and instead invest their time in managing the business. Because they each had very different views for the successes of the business, they were always uncertain about how one idea or another would serve his or her vision. The uncertainty showed up as complexity and risk. Once we combined these views and created a common set of success goals uncertainty vanished, sales increased, the business rebounded nicely and most importantly they are both thrilled with the business they are building.
In another case, a Chiropractic practice I worked with was struggling to grow as planned. Health professionals tend to think that they should not have to “sell” their services and skills; people should just discover them. The office had established a good network for referrals and they had a healthy number of first-time clients coming in regularly. However, once the client was out of the crisis of pain and discomfort he or she would stop their regular treatments. They were uncertain about how to address the problem and as a result, much like with my previous example, dismissed many creative ideas from employees and others as too risky or complicated.
After a day of observation, I wrote a simple script for them to use to explain to the patients why it is in their best interests to come back regularly for treatment. Up until then they would just say ‘thanks for coming I’ll see you next time’. This alone increased the number of patient visits from 150 per week to around 220…almost a 50% increase in business. Once they had broken the death grip of uncertainty they were open to lots of innovative ideas and with the addition of a few simple and relevant products for their patients to buy, this business expanded by nearly 90% in 6 months without implementing anything truly complex or risky.
There are many more examples of this sort. The message is clear. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to make money in business. Unfortunately most owners are so personally invested and close to the business that they cannot see the opportunities which will make the difference. Since nobody is an expert at everything, uncertainty sets in and the business freezes in place.
Take a minute and think about areas you are uncertain.
Do you see uncertainty as complexity or risk? Is it stopping you?
Is it stopping the flow of innovative new approaches to achieving the success you want?
What would it take to eliminate that uncertainty?
One of the principle components of ThePerfectBizFinder Program is platinum level access to ThePerfectBizBuilder Members Area. You’ll get direct access to me personally as well as hundreds of other business building members and endless volumes of additional training and information.
We all literally partner up with you, leverage the vast resources of this community and help you break-through uncertainty and reveal the simplicity of success in your business to propel it to entirely new levels of growth and profitability. Whether you’re a novice or a veteran, ThePerfectBizFinder Program and the extraordinary value available to you through this amazing community WILL make the difference for you.
ThePerfectBizFinder Program is one-of-a-kind. It is the culmination of over 40 years of personal success experience distilled into a proven step-by-step method.
This method has turned ordinary people into wildly successful business owners of every imaginable kind – Lifestyle Guru, Growth Maven, Empire-builder and Multimillionaire.
It will do the same for you. Don’t miss out!
I’m standing for all that’s possible for you in life and business.
Sincerely,
Steve
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Steve, you hit the nail on the head again! Nothing stops me more than knowing what needs to be done, but being uncertain as to how to do it. I know how to find out ho to do it, but all too frequently I get hung up in the uncertainty about how to do it. Thanks again!
I find this post rather exciting even though I am wrestling with unpacking what underlies “uncertainty” or what “uncertainty” entails: Fear of risk –slash — lack of clarity, perhaps. In any event, you present hope that business solutions are in reach. For that I am grateful.
do you have affiliate program?
commission based…
My customers could be interested in your product.
Hi Andre,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Yes I do have an affiliate program and welcome your participation.
You can enroll through the link in the footer of this page:
http://www.theperfectbizfinder.com
I look forward to supporting you and your readers.
Sincerely,
Steve
Hi Steve,You have really got me thinking with this one.When I think of the word ‘uncertainty’ I think of and outcome that might or might not happen.The same comes to mind when I think of the word ‘Fear’ and the word ‘Risk’I used to think that those are three words that depending on whether we take the action or just keep thinking about them, results in those who succeed and those who don’t.But you have gone one step further, it is taking action with a proper plan and solution, eliminates the uncertainty,fear and risk.Have I understood you correctly?
Hi Steve, You have really got me thinking with this one. When I think of the word ‘uncertainty’ I think of and outcome that might or might not happen. The same comes to mind when I think of the word ‘Fear’ and the word ‘Risk’ I used to think that those are three words that depending on whether we take the action or just keep thinking about them, results in those who succeed and those who don’t. But you have gone one step further, it is taking action with a proper plan and solution, eliminates the uncertainty,fear and risk. Have I understood you correctly?
This is good information to digest. I will talk to you later.
Steve I love your thoughts. I love solving peoples problems, if I had your help I think I could win on this to.I think fear is my bigest problem.I have had help almost all the way then they quit that must be when fear set in. If we can get my finances set up I am READY Oliver Amesbury
Dear Steve Little, As luck would have it I am in your sphere or line of communication. For that I am grateful. Just reading about your bit on uncertainty and risk in business has set me to thinking. What should we be afraid of? Life is full of uncertainties and risks. There are no guarantees in life save what you can be most certain about, namely, you yourself, what you know about yourself, your abilities, capabilities, skills, talents, outlook, worldview, attitudes, mindset, beliefs, and faith in the goodness of our benevolent God. And most of all, after knowing all aspects about yourself, or as much as you are able to know all about yourself, you can set the ball rolling, and be ready for your roadmap for success. Yes, these thoughts arose in me when I read your bit on uncertainties or risks. You are a motivator. I am glad to have met you even if only on the Internet. I am grateful for whatever led me to you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you again and again thank you. I hope to hear from you again. I remain, (Miss) MIGEN L. OSORIO
Hi Steve,I am so happy an greatful for you and S.Pierce to connect with me in this way of positve support, as that help me to imbrace fear and uncertainty of taking the risk to respond:I thank you for your perpective which gives me another view point.I tend to make decisions whether I plan to or not because of the reality of right now .I first took a peek at uncertainty fear through the eyes of Deepak Chopra and Miguel Ruiz and became fearful of not embracing uncertainty because of my resistance before hand that had brought me results that I didn’t care for,I like your approach to dealing with being unclear and uncertain, because of being unclear about what it is that we want and I really look forward to learning morefrom you.Yours in Gratitude Allie King
Hi,i really love your analatical approach. Will you pl share your piece of mind on decision making?Thanks.
I am new to this concept Steve Willing and able to follow instructions I know I can get out of box of failureYou got me motivated and more energized as I continue to read your articles When do I start to make financial gains enough to feel I am on a road to successAre we talking about two months or more before I get moving in a positive directionTestimonials no longer appeal I am truly turned off by reading about everybody on this planet succeeding What about me
It’s not that I’m so uncertain about the business I’m in. It’s the lack of money and not having enough to keep it going. I may swing it in getting it started but keeping it going is where I’ve failed. So every business I take upon I traveled this road. Until my recent endeavor, which I feel I can do more about but maybe uncertain to as of what at this time. But I do know that It will takes money to achieve it which I don’t have.
Hi Dawn,
Thank you for your comment.
So what do you think is behind the repeat performance?
While the idea that it takes money to achieve success is clearly a strong belief for you, it is not really the truth. I’ve bootstrapped many businesses, some of the multimillion $ ones without two dimes to rub together. Was it fast and easy? No. But that’s not the point.
The point is that if you believe that it take money to make money…or that for some mysterious reason your businesses never seem to reach sustainable growth … or any number of other possibilities, then that is indeed what your experience will be.
The key here is that the ‘beliefs’ that source this may be subconscious and sourced by any number of experiences from the past.
They literally blind you to possibilities and opportunities that exist all around you. It’s not that they are not there. It’s not that they magically appear. It’s that you just can’t see them because they are blocked by these deep seated beliefs.
This is one of the areas I help you with in ThePerfectBizFinder Program.
The result is that you break-through these subconscious saboteurs and are able to create the growth and success you seek.
The truth is that because we are all part of our own experience breaking the pattern requires some very specific kinds of work. It’s not about ‘positive thinking’. You need to really ‘rewire’ some of the response circuits that have been established from previous experience.
Let me encourage you to purchase ThePerfectBizFinder Program and eliminate these barriers that are robbing you of what you want.
Sincerely,
Steve
ThePerfectBizFinder Program
Hi Steve,
I like so much the clarity that your distinction between “uncertainty” and “risk” brings. I keep reading your articles and for the first time I feel as if I am not alone in the area of business, someone’s taken me by the hand. I am not able to buy the perfectbizprogram right now. I thank you so much for the simple, clear, uplifting and down-to-earth material you’ve made possible for me to learn from.
Dear Steve
thankyou for sharing so many insights. I really appreciate it!You are so right about uncertainty! I now know that an order that I was fortunate to get I have been putting off because of uncertainty. I’ve had a very adventurous life, commercial fishing, building my own cabin in Alaska and for 35 years ecking out a living as a beadwork artist and raising a gorgous daughter who through a wing and a pray is going to a great university studying computer science and advertizing…she is so enthusiastic it’s refreshing. I’m wondering, my stepfather was a self made multi-millionare (aircraft parts) but he was also abusive. He would sit me down and lecture me for hours how to make money and even tried to buy some businesses for me a few times but for a long time I didn’t want anything to do with him. After I had my daughter I actually had the nerve to ask him to buy the house I was renting and was under forclosure and was I shocked he sent a man down with a briefcase full of money to get it on the county steps. That was three houses ago and he’s long gone. He did always to tell me to buy everything with cash and that good advice allowed me to own outright my present home. The Art Galleries have taken their toll this year and now I’m wondering where to go in business…could it be I have blocks about rich people being “bad” and therefore I’m self sabatoging further progress to perhaps find more ways to make money. My artwork is very time intensive and quite frankly I’d like to do something new however I’m still only 53 and not able to retire and raked up some debt and I’m freaking out. I’m living on a financial edge but I did at least donate 5 dollars to your cause. I think the encouragement you give a few folks out there is a blessing even if people think they are to strapped to buy your complete system.
thankyou
Dear steve I would dearly sign up for your system, but when I listend to an optus person about a ph plan which should be better for me, they didn,t give all the information they should have ,result a bad choice from me I owe now $600.00 on my mobile ph bill and Iam being furious that they are not even giving me incomming calls, that after being told they aperiate me being a longstanding customer ,what balony,anyway yes I will join as soon as I know how much in aussie dollars are involved having to save up for it, I bought the aff.code ,always having had the gutfeeling this its it to begin, so I downloaded them to my favorites once I wanted to accsses them I couldn,t they are on FVL,still dont know what that is halfway downloading FVL my computer told me cant do , so now I have a real good system sitting inside my computer and cant accsses it, than I emailed mj and to this day I havent been told what to do , this is not what a succssesful entrepeneur should do I actually got an email shortly after for the clickcode, and Iam ready to take risks I think I proved it, I already have clickbank and paypal so all I need is a little guidance to start this up , well I might as well try grabbing straw I have asked others in the business what to do what is fvl no answer not impressed so as soon as I can Iam on board , Iam a one on one person show me rather than read only so your offer is very much what I like its only a matter of time for me before being on board thanks steve for offering to teach me I want to succsseed and I will , I have determination in the bucketloads you bet! best regards Miko
I need to be successful in business. This information is so valuable. What you just wrote about the attitude of uncertainty has given us something to work with. THANK-YOU!
Hi Steve!
I don’t mean to be critical…just wanted to tell you that the word “business” is mispelled on the video.
Thanks!
Steve,
The uncertainty comes with unstable economic forces. Finding good reliable help. Having confidence to rebuild after devastating 2009, Back and working great in 2010. But could be a lot bigger. Just uncertain of future events or finding a foothold after your bank took their balls and ran and nowyou have to operate on cashflow.Makes for a slow grow. Need to find banks with cajones again. I sure cant seem to find mine. Thanks , I find all your articles very refreshing and informative. Very positive outlook.
Dear Steve,
I have many ideas and many projects, somes are almost ready to launched, somes are in file and somes are on a piece of paper. I know that many of those ideas can give me a very good income and make my life so much easy. I never bring any of my projects till the end, to scared and alone ! This morning it come to my mind, from nowhere: ok today i will do something that i never do, writing on paper each things i will change and how, when i will be rich !!
I read your text now and i feel lucky to having good connection with “Who know”. Thank you !
Yes Steve, thank you for the above. It even had an example relevant to me. I guess in the example, the script you gave the chiropractic eliminated the uncertainty of patient visits which equals cash flow, nowadays it is almost a must to include value added options in addition to patient care. However, that doctor was already seeing 150 p.v.’s per week. My question, what if your looking at increasing cash flows without the extra physical wear and tear of seeing an additional 70 p.v.s/week. What about healthcare changes occuring now and how should we interpret this looking ahead
From what I’ve learned it’s easier to be successful than the alternative. I mean it’s so easy to buy a business that’s established. It’s easy to buy a franchise. You can acquire several franchises and work hard for ten years and sell them with 5 million in your pocket or just let the idiots keep running them and you count the money. I have owned a seafood business. It was the easiest work and the most money I ever made. When I worked for other people it was the least amout I made and the hardest work. It’s easy to have money. You just have to do what rich peopel do and that is OWN a business and it’s easy to do that.
What’s hard is getting up early in the morning and working for someone else living paycheck to paycheck. Once you’ve got a business making money you just have to go fishing.
So people make it hard on themselves by not doing what rich people do. Nobody ever got rich workigng for someone else unless they were a CEO.
We’ve evolved over millions of years and you would think everyone would know this by now. I’ve seen people who had a business making millions and didn’t have sense to pour piss out of a boot.
I know several businesses right now that want me to sell their stuff and mark it up double. How hard is that? Get a product and mark it up double and wait for customers to walk in.
In fact I think suicides would go up ten fold if people who worked all their lives and then were dirt poor after all that work and couldn’t afford to even leave the house, while other peole had vacation homes and yachts and never worked.
Smart men find women who are divorced and marry money. It’s easy to fiure out. Stupid people work for other people. Smart people treat these stupid people decent enough so they won’t quit.
When you work for someone else they pay you just enough to keep you from quitting and you do just enough to keep from getting fired. This is so true.
When I was 19 I ran a seafood cary out business that would clear about $60,000 a year. All I had to do was cook seafood and customers come to me.
This was in 1981, but isntead I went to work for other people and never made this amount of money against except one year I made $60,000. The next year I went to work in a Blacksmith shop for $150 a week. So I could have stood there and make $60,000 selling seafood. Instead I went to work welding and actually getting dirty for 1/10th the money.
I know someone who had a convenience store. They bought it for 1.5 million, Now this is a convenience store in a small town. This woman bought this store and six months later sold it for 2 million. She made in six months what some people work for 25 years. I mean how easy can it get?
In fact many business people aren’t super smart. Many are just lazy and won’t work and just know if you get idiots to work for you they can make you money while you fish, sleep and have sex. That’s why people buy plants.
There are many idiots to ahve made untold millions on the Internet. They get up and mess with the computer for an hour or so and make $5,000 a day. Then they sit around and do nothing. Poor idiots actually work and make peanuts.
does, this perfect biz finder program make changes to your daily routines and personal development and help you to manage your time successfully also while determining which business is right for me.
I was once paralyzed by doubt and uncertainty in my own biz, but once I decided to commit long term and give it my all, everything started falling into place.