You’ve probably heard some version of the speech commonly called “The Man in the Arena.” Written and delivered by Theodore Roosevelt in 1910, it’s been referenced in so many movies, stories, and even TED Talks.
Perhaps the most famous part goes: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds…”
That’s true in all walks of life, in any endeavor you throw yourself into. It’s especially true for businesses right now during the pandemic.
“Who Strives Valiantly”
As of this writing, many businesses have ceased operation during the pandemic. This is terrible for so many. The businesses who shuttered quickly, however, may have done better by their employees than those who cut pay, who limped along, only to eventually fail.
Employees that were let go earlier could get on unemployment faster. By that same token, they could find new work faster.
One of the major problems is that too many business owners are in a “let’s try for a month” mode. They say something like: “well, it’s bad now, but let’s see if we can stick around for another month.” That’s no way to build a customer base. It’s certainly not a good thing to do for your employees. What kind of message does that send? “You may have a job in a month. You may not. Anyway! Work hard today.” That doesn’t inspire anyone in the slightest, whether they’re a worker, colleague, customer, client, investor, or anyone else.
You’re in the arena, or you aren’t. You’re doing everything you can to push your business, or you aren’t.
Working With Those Who Are Committed
Danny and the team here don’t work with anyone who’s doing this as a hobby, anyone whose business is in “well, let’s see how this goes” mode. If you’re committed, if this business is truly your business, then Danny is more than happy to work with you.
In fact, you can get a free book as well as a thirty minute online marketing consultation in Los Angeles at (213) 457-3250.
