For 10 years I have been visiting a local sports centre to play squash. We went to this particular centre because they had a swimming pool and sauna which you could use for free.
The only drawback was that you weren’t allowed to wear clothing in the sauna and pool. It was awkward at first but we quickly got used to being naked.
A few weeks ago I went back after a hiatus of maybe 2 months. While I was away they had changed the rules: from now on you HAD to wear swimming wear. No more nudity!
Guess how I found out. Yes, I walked into the pool area, buck naked, and only then realized that I was the only one NOT wearing swimming shorts. Can you imagine my embarrassment?
Starting a company is risky business. You have to be prepared to fail. You will have to beg for work, an investment and a chance to prove yourself and your company to investors and customers. Being cocky and arrogant won’t get you far. You will have to swallow your pride and treat customers like kings, even if deep inside you think they don’t deserve that. It can be a humiliating and sobering experience. Kinda like standing in a swimming pool naked.
The only way to deal with this is to toughen up and make sure you are not alone. The only people in the world who can understand your fears, doubts and issues are other entrepreneurs. Connect with them and share your experiences.
Find your competitors and befriend them. Sure, they are your competitors. But they will have the same challenges as you do and talking to them with make you both stronger.
Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely profession, but it doesn’t have to be.
Lets all stick together and go skinny dipping.
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