Business Lessons I Learned during Childhood
Although I didn’t always appreciate it, I learned many valuable lessons during my childhood that help me today as a small business owner. These lessons, combined with my personal values, create a solid foundation upon which I can build my business during good times and stand firm when times get tough. Below are just a few of the business lessons I learned during childhood that I would like to share with you:
“Expect a lot from yourself and stand on your own two feet.”
Growing up, my parents provided me with a great deal of support and encouragement. At the same time they made it clear that my successes, and my failures, were ultimately mine to own. They helped me to see a world of possibilities and taught me to set lofty goals and to work hard to achieve these goals. They also taught me how to stand up on my own, both literally and figuratively.
When I left a successful career in corporate America to launch my business, all the rules changed. I no longer had a boss looking over my shoulder and the path to success was no longer defined. Furthermore, I couldn’t just walk down the hall to collaborate with a colleague. It was all up to me. The childhood lesson to “expect a lot from yourself and stand on your own two feet” allowed me to hit the ground running.
“It’s okay to be scared, just keep moving forward.”
Having been a top swimmer locally since a young age, I decided to try out for an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team my freshman year in high school. I was scared to death, worrying that I wasn’t good enough and having to compete against swimmers who were ranked nationally. I was so scared that I almost backed out.
With much encouragement, I tried out and made the team. Although I never became a top regional or national swimmer, my performance improved dramatically as a result of being around and competing with outstanding athletes. When I look back on my personal and business life, some of my greatest achievements started off with me feeling scared. “It’s okay to be scared, just keep moving forward.”
“Sometimes you have to say ‘NO,’ even when you don’t want to.”
When I was about 7, two of my good friends decided to have birthday parties on the same day. I remember sitting in the kitchen fretting over what to do and asking my mother to decide. She told me, “Honey, you need to decide. Sometimes you have to say ‘no,’ even when you don’t want to.” I still remember that like it was yesterday.
I often work with clients who are overtired and overwhelmed as a result of always saying “yes.” They feel if they say “no” they will be letting people down or potentially turning away business. The truth is you can’t always say “yes” because you eventually run out of time, energy or resources. By embracing this truth, you start to become more thoughtful about when to say “yes.”
“Always be thankful and grateful. There are always those who are much worse off than you.”
This is perhaps one of the most important business lessons I learned from my childhood. Although I grew up in the middle class suburbs, my parents were always involved with families from different walks of life and financial means. As with any small business, our family business had challenging times. During these times, I was constantly reminded to be thankful and grateful for what we had, because even during these times there were other families with far greater challenges to overcome.
It has been challenging launching and growing a small business in the current economic reality. It would be very easy to focus solely on these challenges. However, when I look around I realize that I am VERY fortunate. I am fortunate to have wonderful clients, inspiring colleagues and supportive friends and family. I also know the lessons I am learning now will support me in my success going forward. LIFE IS GREAT and I am very thankful for what I have.
Scott Walkinshaw
Business Coach
South Florida
I can relate to the standing on your own two feet lesson.
I don’t really remember a specific conversation but somehow my parents impressed on me the importance of being independent and facing the consequences of decisions that I made. I remember hearing friends talking about how they would “help out” their kids with some financial aid and it never occured to me to get my parents to help. That was my job now, no one elses. As I have matured I see the value of both points of view but independence is still my reigning value.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jeanette. I agree, it is important to find a balance between being supportive and encourage independence. As with many things in life, there is no right or clear answer.