Robert Parsons’ Rules for Survival
Robert Parsons of GoDaddy fame has written up a list of 16 Rules for Survival on his blog. I highly suggest that everyone read them. The rules stress going beyond your comfort zone, and not quitting.
“Robert, they can’t eat you!” My Rules for survival.
These are very important principles to consider. If there is any reason why many of us do not make it in business, it is because we do not push the envelope.
I am currently at a point in life where I need to decide whether to continue my entrepreneurial activities, or try to get what many call a “real job”. I have been trying the “real job” thing, and I only earn a tiny fraction of what I earn in my consulting business. The difference between the “real job” and the consulting is that the “real job” is stable.
My family of curse is pushing that I do things the traditional way. I am now doubting my ability to run a successful business. After reading Robert Parson’s post, I am going to keep trying to make it as an entrepreneur.
With regard to whatever worries you, not only accept the worst thing that could happen, but make it a point to quantify what the worst thing could be. Very seldom will the worst consequence be anywhere near as bad as a cloud of “undefined consequences.� My father would tell me early on, when I was struggling and losing my shirt trying to get Parsons Technology going, “Well, Robert, if it doesn’t work, they can’t eat you.�
The worst thing that can happen is that I will have to mooch of my parents a bit. This is not something that I would be proud of. It is also certainly not something that they would enjoy. This; however, would not be the end of the world.