What's the point? I mean look at this. All is not well, things are going downhill and we cannot find the motivation to go on. I mean when we started we expected things to be slow but now it seems we will not get anywhere with this. What's the point...

Well, first a little story on how seeds grow.  When seeds are planted, they first grow roots. Once these roots take hold, a small plant will begin to emerge and eventually break through the soil,it contains the food the seed needs while it is growing roots and forming into a small plant. The three things plants need to grow are light, food and water..

Now you maybe wondering what this is all about, so i will explain. You have a idea that you have to either grow, maybe diverge into a new line of business or start a new venture all together. That is your seed. You need to plant that seed by way of action. This is getting your idea going and introducing your services to the market, your soil. By marketing your brand effectively you start to get interest in your product and start growing your roots. If you are fortunate and tough enough to overcome the challenges you start getting orders on a consistent basis and like a seed (idea) that is growing you devlop into a plant or in this case have growth in your client base, business, staff and other essential resources. But then what happens when the elements that help you grow are against you?

The initial phase of any project is always the hardest. There is no time limit to how long it takes between idea and success. There are so many hurdles to overcome and patience is needed when going for your goals. If you have succeeded however, the last this you need is to have elements that affect your growth to set you back. Usually these are out of your control and can have anything to do with a nations policy, regulation, currency or instability. Your soil will react to these conditions too as well as other service providers that enable you to continue to operate. It is critical then that when you are faced with the question, what is the point, you remember the following.

Your seed- that idea that sprung forth from your mind was because you identified a need or a gap where you could fit in. That could also include your ambition or need to be the boss of you.

Your roots- Is your market being served, have you suceeded in providing a service that now has people depending and trusting you to deliver, do you want to let go now that you have established yourself and are setting a benchmark in whatever industry you have chosen?

Your soil- now this is tricky because if what is disrupting your business are elements beyond your control you might think its justified to give up, but would you not still have a market to serve, has your product suddenly lost clients that don't need it anymore? My experience shows most of the time this is not the case. ADAPT. Its a basic human condition. Set yourself up to provide the best service you can despite whatever condition you operate under. Most of the biggest companies operating today suffered recessions and wars but they still serve their target markets. A happy customer is a loyal customer nomatter the conditions. If they need it and you have it, they will come to you.

In summary the word here is PERSIST, because and i quote....... 

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent” 

Calvin Coolidge