Nowadays, you can’t turn the TV on without hearing some business reality TV contestant talking about how passionate they are about whatever business endeavour they’re promoting…

I appreciate that I might be a dinosaur, but phrases like “I’m so passionate”, “I deserve”, and “I’ve worked so hard!” are met by a “Yes, so?” from me because simply put, that is the basic requirement. It’s nothing special, and certainly no guarantee of success!

Ok, I get it, I’m not super compassionate. But, I am a realist and am driven by success. Simply, I do not do failure well, and I don’t see why anyone should!

When I say “Don’t let your business fall victim to a crime of passion”, it’s because too many business owners and managers fall in love with the idea of the business to such an extent that they don’t see its imperfections, its failures, and ultimately, its potential downfall. They’re seduced by the original flavour, without seeing that change is required.

Being successful involves honesty, a good strong look in the mirror, and the strength of character to admit that not everything is beautiful! 

Hey, if after that honesty we are still on track and everything is looking good, great! We move on… Until tomorrow, when we do the same thing.

The trick to running a successful business is a blend of great ideas, sold into a market that wants that great idea, at a price the market can afford, and delivered on time at a high standard. With loads of hard work, honesty, teamwork, and luck! 

This all sounds great, but practically, what does it mean?

1. The idea… That’s all you! It could come from experience, it could come like a bolt of lightning… It doesn’t matter. But, just because it feels good and you’re “passionate” about it, that doesn’t actually mean you can practically turn it into a successful business.
2. Seek out other people’s opinions, and flesh out the idea. Talk to people (almost anyone), and be prepared for negativity as well as gushing enthusiasm. Take everything on board, be honest with yourself, and don’t disregard ideas that don’t agree with your own. Instead, try to understand why they are different. 
3. Do a bit of practical market research. Is the market prepared to part with hard cash?
4. Build a business model with clear and achievable goals.
5. Stress test it. Be honest, and be diss-passionate. (Not passionate!)
6. If everything adds up, you still like it, you’re prepared for the work, and just as importantly prepared to be honest… Go for it!

Now, this is where the problems can come. 

After all that investment (in time, money, work, and emotion), it may not be working the way you hoped. This can even be years after the business started. In this case, not being honest and open to the dispassionate realities and the flexibilities that success requires, is where you can become a victim of your own passion.

I suppose this ramble has a simple message: Every day, be honest.

• What could we do better?
• What do we need to change?
• Does the original, or even current, plan and model still hold true?

If you think that you are too close to the business to extract the “truth”, ask Charlie Puffin for a review of your business.

We are commercial people – we run and manage many different businesses. We can be the interpreter between your passion, the numbers, and the business. We can bring it all together, to help you see the future with clarity and honesty.

Call 020 7183 8241 to learn more about what we do.