Starting a New Business is Like Getting a New Pet

The question is, how much time are you willing toresearch online to figure out how to train him, and
spend, and how well do you want your pet tosome of the training I had to make up along the way.
perform?For example, I taught Charlie how to raise his wings in
About eight years ago I purchased a cockatiel I namedthe air and say, "Up!" (see photo at bigfishtopdogs.com)
Charlie. I had never had a bird before.- by raising my arms in the air and saying, "Up!".
I didn't tell my husband I was buying him; I figured heGoofy, I know, but the key point is, I learned as I went -
would probably tell me I was crazy (we had three catsI improvised. I did not try to figure it all out before I
at the time - that's a different story). My brother in lawbrought Charlie home.
told me I should name the bird "Lunch", very funny, myAnd, just like a good team member, Charlie added
brother in law.some new tricks on his own (unbelievable!). Your team
I'll draw some conclusions here.will do as you do. You work hard, you are dedicated,
It is not always advisable to listen to everyone whoyou follow a daily plan, and you will be amazed when
has an opinion about you starting a new business.your team acts like you!
Now, back to my first question. Do you want a petWhen starting a new business, you are the one who
that learns just the basics (a dog who will "sit"), or arehas to determine what your ultimate goal is for your
you willing to invest daily time in training your pet to bebusiness and set a daily schedule that you absolutely
extraordinary? The same is true of a business. Do youadhere to.
want meager earnings, and little pleasure - or do youAre you a part timer who is happy with a one trick
want to build a business that is extraordinary?pony? Or, are you determined to have a rich business
In my case, I now have a bird that whistles 5-8 songs,that is built slowly over time with much dedication? It is
depending on his mood, and does about a dozen tricks.possible to have a business that will give you riches
(My favorite song is, "If I Only Had a Brain" from theand pleasure beyond your wildest dreams.
Wizard of Oz... good for a laugh every time.)Some people just aren't ready for a new pet or a
This did not happen overnight. But, as a result of dailynew business - and others will find the greatest
input, I have a really, really happy bird! And, I amrewards in business and pet ownership. Which one are
constantly entertained.you?
I had never owned a bird before... it took tons of