As the year draws to a close, it’s natural to reflect on the past and plan for the future. We all crave success, and often, we want it immediately. We see companies seemingly achieve overnight success and wonder how we can capture that same momentum. While quick success is possible, most of us must earn each step of growth, experiencing a roller coaster of highs, lows, and unexpected twists.
Consider the journeys of Abe Lincoln, James Dyson, Thomas Edison, and Col. Sanders. Each faced significant struggles before achieving success. They had a vision, a plan, and an unwavering determination. In the foodservice industry, bringing products to market requires a similar mindset. Success takes time and perseverance.
I’ve witnessed promising foodservice products and concepts stall because success wasn’t achieved fast enough. When wins don’t come quickly, it can test your patience and tolerance for risk.
There are many reasons why the sales process can be slow. Much of it is in getting the buyer’s time, attention and interest. Sometimes, buyers are fearful of failure of a product or product line.
So, what does it take to succeed in this industry?
It starts with a solid plan —a roadmap. Success is a journey, and you need a clear goal and a realistic plan to reach it. Your planning and budgeting should prepare for both strong success and a slow start. It’s painful to see companies burn through cash reserves before sales take off.
Set your Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) for long-term inspiration, but don’t bet everything on achieving it quickly without proper preparation. Understand your tolerance for risk. Whether you are risk-averse or risk-tolerant, knowing your stance is crucial, especially in a team setting. How does your approach to risk influence your company and decision-making?
Throw in some passion for your mission that others can grab on to. This will propel you through the harder times.
Find joy in the journey. Years ago, I trained for half marathons. As a non-natural runner, training was challenging, but finding joy in the process made the experience worthwhile. Similarly, finding joy in your business journey can make all the difference.
