There’s something grimly compelling about failure, and for that reason, I expect Simon Jameson’s book to be a big success.
Jameson has started and failed in 10 businesses, and has now decided to turn these failures into an asset. His new book, Badpreneur, chronicles the story of his business downfalls. It isn’t all bad news though. Some of his businesses did make some money, but he lost it all again on the next venture!
Although the book is about failure, the underlying message is a positive one – don’t give up. As Thomas Edison once famously said – “I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
Wouldn’t it be the ultimate irony if the one way that really works for Simon Jameson, is a book about business failure!
Motivational Quote Of The Day
“The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.”
Confucious
Alternative Quote Of The Day
“I’m not saying my wife’s a bad cook, but she uses a smoke alarm as a timer.”
Bob Monkhouse
Dragons Slayed
Watch a few episodes of Dragons Den and it’s easy to become convinced that the Dragons are infallible. I’ve never held that view (I’ll tell you why in a moment) and the case of Jacqueline Williams seems to prove it.
Jacqueline went on the show to get investment for her Basket Geni invention, a device which prevents hanging baskets being stolen or blown off their hooks in the wind. Despite some encouraging comments, she failed to get any investment.
Undeterred, she pressed on alone and has signed a deal with one of the UK’s leading garden centre distributors, who supply the likes of Homebase and B&Q. The initial order is for 20,000 units with high hopes for massive expansion both in the UK and overseas.
So the Dragons were wrong not to invest? Perhaps. You see, there are many different types of business, and just because you know how to build and run a high street retail chain, or an international company, doesn’t mean you have what it takes to judge whether a new invention is likely to take off, or whether a start-up idea has potential.
This is always worth bearing in mind when receiving advice and opinions about your idea. The person advising you may be successful, but is he or she successful in your specific field? And is their definition of success the same as yours?
That’s the other thing with those Dragon’s you see; where a business bringing in £100,000 a year profit might be Nirvana for you, it’s probably not worth the bother for them. Maybe the Dragons were right not to invest in Jacqueline’s business after all. Their finite time and resources could be better spent elsewhere.
The lesson here I think, is to seek out investment, support advice and partnership from people who understand and are motivated by, the level at which you hope and expect to operate in your business. Aiming for the top isn’t always the best strategy.
Today’s National Day
NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOUR DAY!
PUBLISHERS NOTICE
“No Gym, No Problem!”
Hello.
Now Gyms Have Been Closed Temporarily You Might Be Wondering…
What To Do Instead?
Well if you’re anything like me, the answer isn’t ‘nothing’!
Over a decade ago now we were introduced to an intriguing and unique home exercise programme. We decided to publish it in limited numbers and it created something of a sensation, with many of our customers saying it’s the most effective thing they’ve ever tried…
And It Takes Just 7 Minutes A Day!
This isn’t just a ‘make do’ programme because your gym is closed. It’s a programme which you can use for life, no matter where you are without special equipment, and achieve spectacular results.
You can find out all about it and hear from some of the people using it to transform their fitness and their appearance HERE.
These are difficult times, but it doesn’t mean we have to give in.
With this programme, I believe it’s possible for you to come out of this fitter and healthier than you went in.
Take a look CLICK HERE and see what you think.
Kind Regards
John Harrison
