The Entrepreneurial U

by John R. SedivycloseAuthor: John R. Sedivy Name: John R. Sedivy
Email: john@capecodbranding.com
Site: http://www.capecodbranding.com
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When Amy and I started Cape Cod Branding we would chat about “The Entrepreneurial U.” With The Entrepreneurial U our thought was when we started our business motivation was very high – we were setting out to conquer the world. This lasts for some time maybe a month or two, maybe less – but it is a consistent feeling – this is the left side of the “U.” As more time passes and the realities of day-to-day life set in, things become more difficult. You may begin to doubt your choice, you may wonder if entrepreneurship is for you, or if you selected the right business. This is what we consider sliding down the left side of the “U.”

The bottom of the “U” is when you hit rock bottom. It may appear that you have zero to few customers, and the endeavor may not appear to be worthwhile. You may feel that you are about to hit the point of no return and there is still time and you could turn back. This is where self-doubt kicks in to full force and you seriously risk losing what you have ventured. The tough part of the bottom is that you never know when you are there – only in hindsight can one truly know.

But just as all seems lost – a glimmer of hope emerges!

Something hits! Just when you thought it was over, a customer or client comes calling and is interested in purchasing your product or service. This fuels the next leg of your business in terms of badly needed cash and motivation. Then another person or business is interested, and then another – thus begins the journey up the other side of the “U.” The “Entrepreneurial Switch” literally flips – a subject which I will discuss more in a future article.

The Dip
I had meant to write this article for some time, but procrastination got the better of me. In hindsight I am glad I held off on writing this article and here’s why.

I had just finished reading “The Dip” by Seth Godin which basically describes this concept perfectly. Seth Godin had thought of “The Dip” well before I had started my business and discussed the concept of “The Entrepreneurial U” with Amy. What was refreshing about coming across this was that others had experienced “The Dip” as well. Sometimes when you go through a difficult time it is easy to feel isolated. However the isolation is generally not real, but perceived – in reality many are likely going through the same thing, or have gone through it themselves.

A Great Read
Little did I know when I thought of our combined experience was that Seth Godin had written about this phenomenon in a broader sense and titled it “The Dip.” The Dip may apply to any situation or struggle you are having, starting a business, managing your corporate career, schooling, anything.

I am glad for having read “The Dip” – first and foremost because it is an exceptional read – I highly recommend it to anyone tackling a difficult challenge who needs encouragement and a method of self-evaluation. Second, if I would have posted this article without knowing about The Dip – I would have likely received comments from others about not having done my homework. I will write more about The Dip in future articles and our personal experiences related to this book.

After reading “The Dip” and prior to writing this article I had considered abandoning “The Entrepreneurial U” concept, however I have since changed my mind while writing this article. Although as I had previously mentioned “The Dip” does perfectly describe this occurrence – it is general in nature to apply to a wide variety of circumstances. I believe there is room for something more specific to describe the experience of the entrepreneur while using The Dip as a foundation.

Are you an entrepreneur who is currently going through a Dip? Have you gone through one in the past and emerged successfully? I would be interested in your story in the form of comments! Also, drop us a comment because we will be sending one of our lucky readers their very own copy of “The Dip!” Winner will be randomly chosen on August 22, 2009 at 8:00 PM EST from the comments received on this article, so be sure to get your comment in before then!

Time’s Up! Lucky us, we didn’t even need a random picker since we only had one comment. Congrats to John, we’ll be sending him his very own copy of The Dip.

-John R. Sedivy of Cape Cod Branding

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