IttyBizzy Let’s Get Dizzy - Insanity in Home Business
This is a guest post by the charming and handsome Nick Cernis. He forms the lesser-hinged half of Goburo. He writes at Put Things Off, the laid-back productivity blog.
“You’re fucking mental.”
I’ve just told my best friend that I’m quitting my cushy day job to start a home business, pimping me and my partner out as a graphic design and web development duo. My partner’s ditching her job too.
“You’re both fucking mental.”
I inhale the vapour from my bittersweet hot chocolate and seek solace in the silky oblivion where full-fat cream and rich, Venezuelan Cacao become one with the crushed chilli I’ve laced into the devilish mixture.
Two thoughts slap me harder than a fat balding man with a cold wet fish:
1) I dearly love my friend
2) She’s absolutely right
So I’m crazy. I couldn’t wish for a more wonderful compliment. You see, when your loved ones tell you that you’re madder than a sack full of badgers for going it alone, what they never follow up with is this:
In home business, insanity is your biggest asset.
From this day forth, let your craziness be your secret weapon. Not only does it give you the impetus to take that swan dive into the unknown, but it insulates you from criticism, allows you to see problems differently, and helps you to gain insight into people and markets that others lack.
If you’re not convinced, don’t panic. Perhaps you’re still wondering if your friends are right to mentally bind you in a straight jacket, cast worrying glances, and tootle their horns of concern (“so, how’s business?”). Relax. You’ll be fine. Insanity always trumps normality in the end. It’s why the brilliant people in life float to the top.
One day your home business will make you rich. Or incarcerated.
Let’s not get too silly here. We’re not playing games with our mental welfare. There’s a fine line between courting entrepreneurial brilliance and finding yourself on a date with Billy Bonkers in his tree-top crazy house.
The difference is this: if you know you’re insane, chances are high that you’re not. You’re probably a WOMBLE instead:
1) Wonderfully brave
2) Outrageously smart
3) Marvelously inventive
4) Brilliantly ambitious
5) Lucky as hell
6) Egotistical (Sometimes it’s just best to be honest.)
A nutter’s guide to silencing the voices
So why do your friends call you crazy instead of one of the more ego-stroking adjectives? Naomi has a list of good reasons your loved ones want your home business to fail. Another one is this: your mates probably wish they were as brave, smart, inventive, ambitious or lucky as you are. Secretly, they want to be Wombles too.
So what do you do? How do you crush those negative vibes? When struggling to convince friends and family about your new raison d’être, consider these tips:
1) Shut up about it.
I’m an ideas person. For almost five years I waffled on about my many schemes. The problem wasn’t that I had lots of them. It was that I never committed to one. My reward? A reputation for being a dreamer and not a doer. My business practically was the beer mat.
It took me five years. Don’t make the same mistake. These days, we never commit to a new business idea if it can’t be launched in one month. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it has to be out there, testing the market and ringing the till.
Your goal should be the same: shut up about it and just launch something one month from now. (Editor’s Note: Very Exciting And Top Secret Stuff from IttyBiz to help, coming soon.) Then you’ll have a live project to talk about, results you can demonstrate and, if you’re lucky, some cash in the bank to silence the naysayers. It also makes it easier to leave your current job faster, if that’s something that appeals.
2) Have an answer for everything.
Your goal should be to launch soon, but you need a skeleton plan. It’s not rocket surgery. (Rocket science? Brain surgery?) You can write one in 10 minutes. It won’t win you venture capital funding, but that’s not your goal — the goal is to answer all the hard questions your mates ask like “How will you get the word out?” and “Who the hell’s going to buy that?”
If you’ve already launched your business without a 10 minute plan and you’re still meeting with resistance from friends or family (and even if you’re not), just sit down and draft one today. It’s no fun flying blind, and you’ll start winning those arguments.
3) Use the Puppy Dog Close.
My favorite sales technique, the Puppy Dog Close offers a way to reverse a decision that few will ultimately take: “Why not take the puppy home? You can always bring him back if you change your mind.“
Of course, few are cruel enough to return the puppy, regardless of how often it craps on their new carpets. This works with any argument. In your situation you might say “Why don’t we just go for it? If we’re struggling with the bills in 12 months we can always get jobs again.” That’s what I did. Two years later, we’ve still got the puppy.
What to take away from this madness
When someone you love and respect tells you you’re bonkers, for goodness sake, smile and thank them for the compliment. Unless, of course, you’ve just announced your plan for a solo transatlantic water crossing in a cuckoo clock made of cheese.
Like I said, it’s a fine line.
Photo credit: I’m Your Pusher
Next Post: The Rich Jerk Review: The Worst Book I’ve Ever Read
Excellent! Only those who are willing to push the boundaries make progress. I know of no really successful people who aren’t nuts - and not just a little nut, I am talking totally mental!
Great post. You had me smiling throughout at both the obvious the humor and the wisdom of your words, and I laughed out loud when I got to “cuckoo clock made of cheese.” A key to success in an advertising agency is, “have no fear.” It appears that it’s equally true for an entrepreneur. Good luck on your adventure.
Love. This.
Everything I need and want to be reading these days seems to be showing up. Funny how that works.
It’s the universe telling me I’m on the right track, to keep on going and take action. I am and I will. I too have many ideas floating in my brain right now. Just pick one (for now) and do it already!
(…the word ‘nutter’ makes me giggle)
Charming AND handsome? Obviously I am going to chime in.
This is very timely. I’ve been dealing with some negativity issues. I like the “have an answer for everything” approach. I’m on it. :)
Awesome article. and I’m the same way, I’m a dreamer. I talk about at LEAST one new idea each day with my girlfriend and lately I see that it’s been straining my “believability” more and more. I guess I need to take the “Just Shut Up” advice :)
I just told my family about my business a few days ago.
It’s refreshing when people think you are crazy, it gives you a lot of freedom to try things others wouldn’t. I’ve always rebelled. It’s in my nature.
I haven’t experienced a lot of resistance yet, but if I do, I’ll be prepared. Thanks for the great advice.
Nick,
Excellent post, glad to hear about it from the perspective of a fellow nutter.
Crazy is good. I had a long chat with my brother-in-law last week, and one of the main conclusions was that neither of us trusts anyone who isn’t certifiably crazy.
Goburo looks GREAT.
You are going to do very well with that. Thank you for the continued inspiration.
-Brett
Great post! Your first point, though all of them were great, was the most relevant to me. I was only starting to realize it on my own and then you said it best: JUST SHUT IT. There are so many reasons why that’s hit home for me. This post was perfectly timed. Thanks!
Alright, why are you posting at IttyBiz and not Men with Pens? I want to complain to management!
I have one thing to say: People are always telling me, “You’re crazy!”
Yes. Yes I am. And I have a successful business that runs like a well-oiled machine. I couldn’t be happier.
Nick: you’re only 25?! Kudos, man! I checked out your sites and I’m very impressed! Great designs, and your writing is not only humorous and entertaining but helpful.
Do you seriously live in a castle?
Our kind of crazy is really the most sane. So I say.
@Steph,
Agreed. When everyone is a little bit crazy, what is “normal” anyway?
Hi Nick,
Your post just made me realize that I can happily admit to being a WOMBLE. Yes, finally there is solitude in the knowledge that I’m raving mad.
Loved your post, read your book too and now I look forward to your grandstand launch next month. It better be really good. :-)
I love the puppy dog close — it works soooo well!
I think that every business should offer it: look how well it works for Zappos!
[...] IttyBizzy Let’s Get Dizzy - Insanity in home businessNaomi has a list of good reasons your loved ones want your home business to fail. Another one is this: your mates probably wish they were as brave, smart, inventive, ambitious or lucky as you are. Secretly, they want to be Wombles too. . [...]
Shut up about it! Point number 1 in my book as well. The trigger phrase, that sets me off every time is when I hear someone say; “You know, I really should…” OR! “You know, you should…”. If you’re not willing to do it, don’t talk about it.
I too left FT employment 26 months ago knowing I could always pick up a job again if necessary. That’s NOT going to happen anytime soon, I’m thrilled to say! Thanks for this post.
Funny stuff. I agree there is definitely a level of insanity involved. That and having big cojones. I’m pretty sure my friends and family think I’m nutters and have been in some kind of weird stage for the last 10 years or so, if that’s even possible.
I haven’t always made the best choices, but I like the idea of trying and learning new things. I’m not the type of person that wallows in misery with a victim attitude blaming everyone else or life for my problems, probably like everyone else here. If you don’t like how things are going, take a risk and change it! Even if you fail, at least you tried and had an adventure that you wouldn’t have had otherwise.
I like what Pamela says about freedom. At first people are shocked and then they get used to the idea and stop giving you such a hard time. Freedom is definitely something you have to work hard for though. It’s the opposite of taking the safe and accepted route.
Oops, I meant everyone else here must also have that same go-getter attitude or else you all wouldn’t be here. I re-read what I wrote and it sounded like I might be saying that everyone here has the victim mentality. Um, that would be really far from the truth, lol.
I am proud to be a crazy WOMBLE!!!! So happy to have found my tribe lol
I too have ALOTE of ideas and I have learned to share them with my good friend, the note book. ANd when I really need to voice my idea I am blessed with 6 kids who are always willing to help me flesh out any idea and ask great questions
Some ideas are fun to play with for a bit and then forget .
Others are meant to be explored and expanded.
I think those of us that have an abundance of ideas are blessed and those who doubt us, think we’re crazy ( and not in a good way) are frustrated because they are stuck in their mode of thinking while us WOMBLEs are free to THINK in vibrant colorful ways.
Love the flow of writting…keep of the good work
Excellent article.
And how cool is it to be a WOMBLE?!
“Underground, Overground, Wombling Free,
The Wombles of Wimbledon Common are we.
Making good use of the things that we find,
Things that the everyday folks leave behind.”
Nick has an amazing way with words. I wanted a sip of that chili-spiced hot chocolate.
I love the suggestion of only working on projects that can be launched in 1 month. Even a complex project can be broken down into a series of phases with 1 month deliverables.
Looking forward to more big things from Goburo.
Nick,
Excellent points, and as has been said, Shut It is the best one. I talk to a lot of entrepreneurs and small business owners is my own IttyBiz, and one thing many of them have in common is their ability to dream big.
The ones who feel best about themselves have the ability to be quiet about it, until they’re around folks who want to hear. Naysayers are legion, and protecting yourself from the bad karma is job #1 of the IttyMogul. So keep silent and prove something wonderful.
Great post! Thanks for having a fave writer of mine in here, Naomi!
Regards,
Kelly
“in my own…”
darn typos
You folks rock. It’s great to wake up to find positivity practically oozing from the screen. Thanks for the kind words, everyone. I’m not familiar with IttyBiz comment etiquette. Must I buy you all a drink? Shall I bring cake? Should I reply to everyone? It would be frightfully rude not to, wouldn’t it? Here goes…
@Michael — Yes. In reality, the “fine line” is rather a thick one that gets bigger over time. You have to practically take a running jump to cross back to saneville.
@James Hipkin — Don’t get me started on Advertising. Whoever thought to include the line “It’s too orangey for crows” in the Kia Ora drink advert and pitch it as an actual USP deserves some kind of award. Possibly in the form of a restraining device.
@KarenJL — I’m never too sure how my Britishisms translate on their journey across the pond. I’m glad they get a laugh if nothing else!
@Vered — There is a strange satisfaction in being able to reply to the question “Who the hell’s going to buy that?” with the answer, “In the detailed market analysis I commissioned of the [insert niche] industry amongst [choose demographic], the results were highly promising. 94% of women in [choose region] between the ages of [tight age band] said they’d be willing to kill for my [life-altering product or service], with a further 2% of respondents who actually offered to demonstrate this commitment on the spot.”
@Mike Smith — my girlfriend is a long-suffering crackpot filter for all my daft ideas too. The most dreaded 6 words in our household are now “I had another great idea today…”
@Pamela — yes, rebellion can be good. It’s far easier to ask for permission later if it becomes a problem than to seek it first!
@Brett — Nutters of the world, untie! (What more can I say?)
@Monika — Exactly. They’re just jealous because the voices only talk to us. Thanks for supporting my book. It just wouldn’t be the same if no-one read it.
@James — complaint noted. Filed accordingly. I’d love to write for Men With Pens. I’m just not sure I’m cool enough. Note to self: get cooler.
@Steph — Thanks. And, yes. It has a drawbridge and everything.* And a moat. And swans. We’d spit roast them, but you get arrested for stuff like that over here. Unless you’re the Queen. (Which, sadly, I am not. Yet.)
@Carole — Indeed. My favourite sales technique: puppy dog close. My second favourite technique: puppy dog eyes. Pwease take me home! Pwetty pwease!
@Rudy — 26 months. You’re practically notching them on the wall, eh! Hooray for fierce independence!
@some other Naomi — cojones help too. The brave are often successful. It takes a special brand of madness to pull through on insanity alone.
@Brandy — the Womble tribe! Awesome. I’ll get the T-shirts printed.
@mags — I was worried that the Britishness of Wombles may be lost in translation too. For those who want to reminisce: http://youtube.com/watch?v=h4Yws7RuzxE
–
* At least, that’s the myth I’m choosing to perpetuate this week. “The Castle that Blogging Bought”. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it, Mr Starak.
@ Nick - Proper etiquette around here usually revolves around stripping naked and dancing on tables while drinking straight from the bottle. Just do it when I’m not looking, hm?
@Sterling — Absolutely right. It’s possible to conquer the world in 1 month mini campaigns. If one was that way inclined, of course. Basic hot chocolate recipe here: http://snurl.com/2b1he Experiment and have fun!
@Kelly — I agree. There is definitely a time and a place to trumpet your new pursuits, and good entrepreneurs know where and when. I’d certainly recommend that people tell everyone about their home business, but only once it’s off the ground! It’s surprising where new leads can spring from if you just take 30 minutes to phone or email everyone you know to tell them you’re up and running.
@James — Woohoo! Watch me go! Wait. Is it cold in here?
Nick,
Yes, of course shouting from the mountaintops is a required element of IttyBiz promotion. Shouting when the idea is half-baked, once too often, results in folks thinking that you are half-baked. Not good.
I really, really don’t want to think about this variety of table dancing at this hour. Nor at any other hour. Okay? Bye.
Regards,
Kelly
Awesome post, Nick. I must say, however that I became slightly suspicious when I saw this line…
“Your goal should be the same: shut up about it and just launch something one month from now.”
Have you been spying on me?
Where does the name Goburo come from?
Thanks Nick. I have been dilly-dallying on my big project and now I see that it is time to start doing instead of just planning. (Jeez, I should know that! The pefect is the enemy of the good)
So here it is. Click my name. That website launches with some cool new stuff in 6 weeks (9 July). Or else you guys will likely kick my ass.
And I am giving myself 2 extra weeks because I still have a day job that I need. For the time being.
BTW, would any of you lovely folks like to be part of the launch?? Any suggestions are welcome.
Oh, late to this party. Pretty much the most wonderfully hilarious and on target post I have read in ages!!! Love your work Nick. All best wishes for Goburo. And though it is supposed to be 90 degrees this afternoon, I am having some of that cocoa. Womble, womble , wonderful all round.
Nick, this rocks. Two things I can vouch for from my own experience: DO shut up until you’re ready and marry another WOMBLE.
@MM
Or convert the one you have. That’s what I did and he thanks me for it. We’ll live Wombley-ever-after now. :)
*sidenote*…but not married. I’m Canadian, we’ll probably just shack-up. ;)
Nick is is talented and worthy of guest posting Ittybiz. It’s clear that having a sense of humor and not taking one’s self to seriously are freelance prerequisites. The ability to cold call is a close second. Having the best mind and the greatest products isn’t good enough to succeed.
Brill!
Love, love, love the post.
I’ve been a closet crazy all along. You’ve just inspired me to really let my freak flag fly!
(Did I mention I love the post!)
@ Loraleigh — Somebody, somewhere needs a blog and that blog has to have the tagline “Let your freak flag fly!” Awesome.
[...] here, you may want to subscribe to vAS News. Thanks for visiting!Amen. A must read guest post on IttyBiz. IMHO, what makes you exceptional is your biggest asset, while insanity is having the balls to put [...]