When pigs fly

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     You have a great idea. You want to start a small business. Or you want to go off in another direction. 

     You mention it to several people. You discuss your idea with friends and trusted acquaintances. 

     Example: Duane wanted to establish a big new website. His idea was to have a platform to sell just about anything. It would work like an auction but it would not be an auction site. His platform would act an an intermediary between sellers and buyers. Buyers would peruse the items up for auction, and then they would place their bids against a pre-set deadline. As the deadline approached, bidding would intensify. Finally, there would be a winner.

     Everyone told Duane that his idea would not work. Everyone mentioned the technical and legal problems. Everyone told him that his idea was pie-in-the-sky, doable only when pigs fly.

     Of course, eBay exploded into a formidable presence. But eBay might never have happened--had its founders thought too much about all the negative advice they must have received. 

     Example: Ella trained as a hair stylist. She worked in several salons to nail down lots of experience. Her idea was to have her own salon--one day. That day came unexpectedly when the owner of a local salon became ill and placed her salon up for sale. Ella scrambled to put together the funding. But all her friends said to wait for a better economy. They questioned her lack of experience in running a business. They advised her against the deal. Ella considered the advice, but she went ahead anyway. It was an opportunity that she felt might not come again. 

     Your friends will frequently advise you. They feel compelled to offer their advice. Listen and consider. But pigs don't fly on negative advice.

     If the opportunity is real and your gut feeling tells you to proceed, then by all means, do so. You will never know if success is around the corner unless you take the chance. 

       Before you jump, always do a business plan. The numbers will give you some confidence--or not. But the numbers are your best advice. Your pig just might fly.