Entrepreneur 1 says: “I have a new project that I am working on”
Non-entrepreneur hears: “lfboi bggr bgob g obgr”
Entrepreneur 1 says: “Do you want to hear about it?”
Non-entrepreneur hears: “rbgpi ubgibr gu”
(2nd Entrepreneur walks into the room)
Entrepreneur 1 says: “Hey brother, what’s new?”
2nd Entrepreneur says: “What’s happening? Good to see you!”
Non-entrepreneur hears: “jhbgoubgo oidgorb i hgwgi uiphdgphd phphpsd”
THE END
What the hell am I talking about here?
Entrepreneurs talk about things that career-focused folks don’t necessarily understand or place much value upon. There is nothing wrong with that, but I am wondering if some of you out there know what I am talking about. Does this sound like a situation that you have found yourself in once or twice?
My 11-year-old son recently began making and selling slime to the other neighborhood kids. He has now started writing his first book. His buddies cannot understand why he has cut way back on his video game adventures, but I understand it. Perhaps, I understand it a little too well. He has obviously been influenced by someone in this way. My wife and I cannot figure out who…..anyways…
It can be very frustrating when all you want to do is tell your family and friends about your new business venture, but it seems like no one is really paying attention to you. In your mind, they are going to be just as excited as you, but this seldom happens if they are not entrepreneurs themselves. They probably have the best intentions in their hearts, but they are just unaware of how to stretch their minds around what you are doing. It takes practice and a strong “why” statement to grasp and it’s okay if not everyone is ready for all of that.
My point with all of this is very simple.
You need to seek out other people who understand the language that you speak. Human beings are very social creatures and none of us were intended to go through this life alone. I really believe that and I do not take this concept lightly. I am not going down the road of romantic relationships here, but I am just talking about regular friendships. Life is more fun when you share your experiences, successes and failures with other people. Going into business for yourself is no different. It’s completely natural to want to share this adventure and all of the things that you learn along the way.
Entrepreneurship is a seriously difficult journey that most people will not understand, again, if they haven’t experienced it for themselves. Although once you begin to speak this dialect, you will find others who can relate to and understand what you are talking about. If you want to increase your vocabulary you will need to seek out more tenured entrepreneurs with more experience than you. In time, you will be able to return the favor to others and teach newcomers the same ropes.
The great thing about all of this is that anyone can take the entrepreneurial path whenever they like. Although most will fail. Just being honest here. I don’t want to waste my time (or yours) sugar coating anything. Being an entrepreneur is the “cool” thing to be right now. Social media shows us an endless supply of them. A quick conversation with someone new will let you know if they are the real deal or just an Instagram poser. This is important that you can decipher between the two. You need to spend your time building authentic relationships and partnerships of value with the right people.
What makes the language of the entrepreneur so curious?
The allure of money, control over your time and the freedom to design your own schedule. Corporate employees may wonder what “why” statements are all about, and what the all of the obsession is with personal development. For those of us who make a side or full-time income on our terms, we understand that all of this lingo just comes with the territory.
Which route makes the most sense to you? The corporate world or the world that you get to define and create? Regardless of which one you choose, I will personally understand and support you either way.