Start ups and hot air balloons

I’ve been giving more thought to how easy it can be for someone starting a new venture to feel overwhelmed by what needs to happen to get the business to take off. Well, try thinking of your start up as the basket of a hot air balloon.
Every activity that you are doing, or are thinking of doing, can be categorized as either part of the balloon that is generating lift, or one of the sandbags holding you down.

* If you don’t pay attention to those things that generate lift then your business will never take off.
* Spending time on the sandbags will never get you off the ground.

Take some time out and think about what actually drives success in your business. It will probably be those activities around delivering a unique proposition that meets your customer’s needs in a profitable and cash efficient way. Or some other definition of your business vision. However you define it, you will find that the balloon part it is actually a surprisingly small list. Take some time out and work out what these items are so that you can prioritize your time.

Of course, time will have to be spent on those sandbags as they do have the ability to bring you crashing down if they are not addressed – for example taxes will have to be paid – but get those sandbags into perspective.

Also, there is a third part to any hot air balloon - the flame - which I am sure you've guessed is the passion inside you to make your venture a success. So, tend to your flame, devote all of your passion into the parts of the balloon that are generating lift, and consider outsourcing those sandbags.
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If you would like some help on sorting your balloon trip - get in touch!