Entrepreneurship is tough, but be patient and you will reap the rewards
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I was once driving through the Prairies, and as I saw farm after farm for sale, my mind drifted to what it would be like to be a farmer.
I imagined the rhythm of the seasons, the sense of accomplishment in seeing crops grow before my eyes, and the reaping of abundance from seeds scattered on fertile ground with the hope of a huge harvest.
I honestly don’t know much about farming or growing, except for the few grains of knowledge passed on to me from my brother-in-law, an agronomist, or my mother, who toils year after year in her garden.
However, like generations of farmers before me, I would hope I’d be successful as a farmer.
But I’m sure those happy images of success would quickly be dashed by the reality of the hard work farmers put in season after season.
As entrepreneurs, we often look at other businesses and imagine how life would be in that trade. We think that with our skills, it would be easy to be successful—without knowing much about the business model.
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We think retailers and restaurateurs are making a killing, that running a dealership, a tech company, a construction firm or a garage would be simple. We believe that if we were consultants, coaches, dentists or doctors, we’d have no worries because we’d be rich.
The reality is often so different.
As a business coach, I’m fortunate to work with passionate owners in a wide variety of industries. I support these leaders as they try to understand their mistakes, teach them how businesses work, and guide them through their trouble spots.
I’m often called on to help transition a family business from one generation to the next or prepare an owner for retirement. One day, I might assist with developing a strategy to make a business profitable and sustainable. The next, I’m mentoring a leader on how to better engage their employees.
The role of a business coach has grown even more vital in today’s complex world. Many entrepreneurs are navigating a post-pandemic landscape with new challenges, such as inflation, supply chain issues and the rapid rise of remote work. Others are trying to pivot their businesses, inspired by the explosion of side hustles that turned into full-time ventures over the last few years.
Business coaching is like farming in many ways. I help plant seeds, germinate ideas and fertilize them for growth. It might look easy from the outside, but it takes a lot of hard work and energy. Like any other business model, the success rate is sobering—most business coaches don’t make it past the first couple of years, often moving on to something else.
However, just as the land calls a farmer, a table calls a restaurateur, or a patient calls a doctor, entrepreneurs feel a similar calling. We all heed that call, plant our seeds and hope they germinate.
Too often, though, entrepreneurs fail to stay long enough to see the seeds they’ve planted come to fruition. They think the grass is greener on another field. Without fully understanding the business model, they become discouraged, change direction or fail to reap what they’ve sown just as they’re on the cusp of success.
Sometimes, if the fields are barren and fail to produce a harvest, it’s wise to move to another plot of land. If circumstances change, we may need to learn what it takes to grow a different crop. There’s no shame in realizing that farming—or entrepreneurship—isn’t for you and deciding to work for someone else.
But if it’s just a matter of hard work, a lack of understanding about how to profit from years of effort, or needing some “fertilizer” for your soil, it’s worth stepping back to rethink your strategy. Sometimes, all it takes is a new perspective or a little outside help to unlock success.
The rise of digital tools and platforms has given entrepreneurs more opportunities than ever to build sustainable businesses. Remote work has allowed people to expand their reach, connect with customers and access resources in ways that weren’t as common just a few years ago. At the same time, a growing number of business owners are recognizing the importance of mental health, seeking coaching and mentorship not only to grow their businesses but also to manage stress and maintain balance.
Like farming, business can yield great rewards if we take the time to clear the land and till the soil while staying patient as our crops mature.
David Fuller is a Commercial and Business Realtor with a strong reputation as an award-winning business coach and author. He has extensive experience helping businesses grow and succeed, providing guidance on various aspects of business management, strategy, and development. His work as a business coach and author has earned him recognition in the industry, making him a respected figure in both real estate and business coaching.
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