What Would You Do For A Million Dollars?
We’ve all played some version of the game, “What would you do for a million dollars?” Would you jump out of a plane, run naked through the mall, break into song on the subway? It’s a fun game, mostly because we assume that unless we make it on to a reality show, we’ll never actually be presented with the opportunity to do something wild or scary in exchange for a huge pile of cash.
The truth is, if you’re an entrepreneur, you ARE being asked to do something wild and scary for a huge pile of cash. Just by choosing the entrepreneur’s life, you are asking YOURSELF to make your dreams of success come true, to take risks, to go outside of your comfort zone, to believe in the impossible.
The thought that you could make something out of nothing and launch your business is pretty daring in and of itself, yet so many entrepreneurs aren’t willing to do the really scary stuff to pull off the big win—the stuff that challenges you to overcome insecurities, set your inhibitions aside and face total failure and humiliation.
So many success stories are about people who did the thing they feared the most. You know this is true. You’ve heard this a thousand times. So why aren’t you acting on it? What’s holding you back?
If you really, REALLY want to make it, you’re going to have to ask yourself, “What am I willing to do?” Because success does not hinge on your ability, or knowledge, or experience. Success comes down to willingness—YOUR willingness—to do the wild, scary thing that’s going to put your company on the path to greatness.
While it’s unlikely that you’ll be asked to bungee jump for venture capital or eat a bucket of spiders in exchange for 20,000 devoted customers, you are going to have to figure out what you would be willing to do, try, and ask for in order to get what you need. You might surprise yourself. At the very least, you’ll come up with inventive ways to get the results you want.
So, what are you willing to do to take your business to the next level? Share your thoughts below (unless you’re too scared, of course).
By Mike Michalowicz, Author of The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur
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Tags: Entrepreneur, entrepreneurs, for a million dollars, mike michalowicz, toilet paper, what would you do
November 16th, 2009
“To be successful,you must decide exactly what you want to accomplish,then resolve to pay the price to get it.”
- Bunker Hunt
Years ago, I had allowed myself to be persuaded that I was a “numbers guy” a “technician” and that although I was very interactive with people, my focus should be on executing – not on selling and relationship development.
Of course, this was absolutely wrong. Eventually, I realized that I needed to chart my own course (this included a break with a business partner, unfortunately)and get involved in bringing in clients in order to bring my business to the next level.
My point is not the willingness to step outside my comfort zone and become a “salesperson” (though that was important) but that you need to be willing to take full stock of your business model, relationship and advisors – and then build a plan to go forward. You need to be willing to change the status quo and push your comfort zone in many directions in order to bring your company to the next level.
November 16th, 2009
What are you willing to do? This question opens the floodgates of our imagination and our fears. One of my favorite questions for my clients is “would you REALLY do _______?”
For me, right now, I feel a little like I’m riding a roller coaster. Some things work great and some do not but it will be just fine in the end.
All of us as entrepreneurs have the capacity to scare ourselves silly. We imagine, along with other thoughts, that we will become someone else or that we can’t limit the demands made on us as we go forward. At the end of the day, it is our business and we can consciously say yes or no to any opportunity that comes our way.
November 16th, 2009
Hmmmm…what am I willing to do?!? I work PT, have 2 kids, and a home career. I am going to do whatever it takes to be successful in that home career so I can some day not have a J.O.B.!!
A little something each day to grow our businesses is sometimes all we can do, but staying consistent, persistent, and POSITIVE is the way to go!
What are YOU going to do today to see growth?!?!
Oh, and always remember to have FUN:)
November 16th, 2009
@Seth – thanks so much for sharing that story. I have boxed myself in too. I absolutely stun myself at times. I get a label or take one on, and then I become it. Not cart before the horse stuff, but simply when I have been labeled (good or bad) I have taken it on. The lesson here is to be VERY selective of the labels we take on.
- Mike
November 16th, 2009
@Elli – Thank you… you nailed it with “At the end of the day, it is our business and we can consciously say yes or no to any opportunity that comes our way.”
@Jocelyn – I heard a story about a stone carver. These folks strike a stone hundreds of times with no noticeable progress, then on the hundredth plus hit, the rock splits. It can never be done with one strike, we just need to keep hitting the rock.
And thanks for the reminder to have FUN.
- Mike
November 16th, 2009
Oh man, my list goes on! but tonight, I am cleaning a friends kitchen and 2.5 baths…. For somebody who hates cleaning… this is doing ANYTHING for a million dollars.
You do whatever it takes to move forward.
I agree with Jocelyn, stay consistent, persistent and positive!
Take it day by day, breath by breath.
February 7th, 2010
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