This Is The House That Jack Built

This is the house that Jack built.  Well, actually, no, but this definitely a work in progress.  It’s gonna take some time.  And yet, we forget the important of building; really taking the time to lay down a strong foundation, making sure we have blueprints and plans to guide us.  And an idea of where things need to go and how they should work.  We’ve become so accustomed to getting just about anything we want at a drive-thru pace we forget some things take time.  Some things need time, especially those of quality and those that need to be self-sustained.  Take this house, for instance (sorry, don’t know if a Jack owns or is building it).  How many of us would move into this house knowing it took 3 days to build?  The notion might be nice, but how safe would we feel not knowing if at anytime to roof might collapse of the floor might cave in?  Houses don’t normally take 3 days to build.  Especially not in California with earthquake codes must be followed.

Think about your business.  Think about the first time you had the idea of going into business for yourself.  Were you thrilled, excited, nervous, nauseous?  From the time you had thought about starting your business to actually launching it, how long did it take you?  3 days?   A bit longer?  Or did you have to make plans accordingly, jot down some ideas down, research the market and competitors before you actually started your business? Did you have to lay down a foundation for your business?

We want so much from our companies in such a relatively short amount of time because we hear the few dozen success stories thinking that could be us too someday soon not realizing it’s all about building.  Timing helps too, but if there’s nothing rooted there for your business to take off, it doesn’t matter if you were in the right place at the right time.  Nothing at the end of the day is still nothing.  But a foundation is something.  A business plan is something.  A website is something.  A name or two in your rolodex is something.  Organizing your business structure is something.  Focus on the ‘somethings’ that will help you build a solid business for the someday.   Take time out everyday to focus on building your business.  It doesn’t necessarily have to be a huge chunk in the to-do list, but is should help you get closer to building the business you’ve always wanted.

Forget the farmer sowing his corn, that kept the cock that crowed in the morn, that waked the priest all shaven and shorn, that married the man all tattered and torn, that kissed the maiden all forlorn, that milked the cow with the crumpled horn, that tossed the dog, that worried the cat, that killed the rat, that ate the malt, that lay in the house that Jack built.  

Lay a strong a foundation.