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Risk, Failure and Wild Success

by: Jackie Ulmer

Risk.

Just the sound of the word can conjure up feelings of nervousness.

Risk - The possibility of suffering harm or loss; danger.

A factor, element or course involving uncertain danger.

As much as we may wish to avoid it, succeeding in business, as

well as in life, will almost always involve a certain amount

of risk.

If you want to double your success rate, then double your

failure rate. This can involve some risk.

Look at the great leaders in history. At many points along

their journey to success, each one took great risks. Whether

it's a business leader such as Bill Gates of Microsoft or

investing magnet Warren Buffet; military leaders such as

General MacArthur or General Colin Powell, or religious leaders

such as Jesus Christ or the Dalai Lama.

Each of these individuals have faced tremendous challenges and

taken great risks along their journey's toward success.

Taking risks in your home business can involve deciding when to

go full time. It can be adding or reducing a product line or

service that you offer, taking out a loan to expand your business

or changing the direction of your business all together.

The biggest fear surrounding risk is that of failure. That

word, also, sounds pretty bad, doesn't it? That's because you

have been conditioned to believe that failure IS bad. But, is

that really true?

Let's turn that around a little and consider the fact that

basketball great Michael Jordan misses over 50 percent of the

shots he takes.

The best batting season in baseball's history meant that the

batter didn't even make first base 589 times out of 1000.

That's greater than 50 percent!

What about the richest people on Wall Street? They don't

always pick winning stocks. The great military leaders don't

win every battle, but they do win the war.

And, Bill Gates? Well, he's suffered his share of perceived

failures lately, but you can hardly look at him and his company

as anything but wildly successful.

So, how does this relate to you and your home business?

Quite simply, you must be willing to take a few risks,

although calculated, to experience the kind of success you most

likely want.

When is the perfect time for you to go full time in your home

based business endeavor? In my experience, there is never a

"perfect time." There is only a time that appears to be better

than other times.

What about adding or reducing a product line? Well, nothing

ventured, nothing gained.

And, if you are considering changing the direction of your

business altogether, read on.

There are numerous "house-hold name" companies that look nothing

like they did in the beginning. Two that immediately come to

mind are Hewlett Packard and Nintendo. Both of these companies

were smart enough to shift their direction as the times and

market dictated.

Nintendo originally began as a playing card manufacturer, and,

realizing that the company was actually in the entertainment

business as opposed to a playing card business, shifted the

company focus.

Today, they are one of the most successful electronic and video

game companies in the world.

Know what your focus is, not just the product and service you

are selling. Have a vision that is bigger.

Are you selling weight loss products or an enhanced self-image

and better health? Are you offering Internet Service or an

incredible system of communication, education and resources?

It's important that you are clear on what your business is

really about so that you can recognize when you may need to take

some risks.

So how do you know whether or not to take a risk? Follow these

steps to make it as calculated as you can.

1. Use your head, don't just follow your emotions. Gut feelings

are important, but you must also do your research carefully.

Find as many resources as you can for information. Talk to

people and don't be afraid to ask direct questions.

2. Write out a list of best case scenarios and worst case

scenarios. This exercise should provide you with a good

measuring tool, if you are fair, reasonable and honest with

yourself.

3. Test the waters if possible. Do a little market research.

If you're deciding whether or not to go fulltime, take a month

leave of absence and see how it goes. If you are trying out

a new product line, choose a few of your best customers and

introduce it to them and ask for feedback. And, if you are

considering changing the course of your business entirely,

begin seeking out new customers or associates for your new

endeavor.

4. Finally, have faith in yourself and your ability to make

the decision that is right for you!

Every fortune that's been made has involved some degree of

risk, as have all great inventions, business ideas or

revolutions.

At some point, assuming all else points in the right direction,

you must close your eyes, trust your instincts and take a leap

of faith!

Remember, you can't steal second with your foot on first base!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jackie Ulmer, a veteran Home Business Owner, has coached
thousands of men and women on starting a successful home
business. Her free newsletter provides ongoing tips, resources
and options for home businesses. Subscribe by email to
mailto:streetsmartwealth@quicktell.net
She can be reached through her web site at
http://www.streetsmartwealth.com/