Secrets of Online Entrepreneurs: How Australia's Online Mavericks, Innovators and Disruptors Built Their Businesses ... And How You Can Too

CHAPTER ONE PURPOSE

One half of knowing what you want is knowing what you must give up before you get it.

Sidney Howard

What's your vision?

There was a boat docked in a tiny Greek village. A man in a business suit complimented the Greek fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them.

‘Not very long,' answered the fisherman.

‘But then, why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?' asked the businessman.

The fisherman explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.

The businessman asked, ‘But what do you do with the rest of your time?'

‘I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children and take a nap with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, have a few glasses of ouzo, sing a few songs and dance all night … I have a full life.'

The man interrupted, ‘Sir, I have an MBA and can help you. You should fish more, and with the proceeds buy a bigger boat. In no time you could have several boats and eventually you would have a fleet. Then, instead of selling your catch to the middleman, you could sell directly to the consumers. You can then leave this little village and move to Athens, London or even New York City! From there you can direct your huge enterprise'.

‘How long would that take?' asked the fisherman.

‘Twenty, perhaps 25 years,' replied the man.

‘And after that?'

‘Afterwards? That's when it gets really interesting,' answered the businessman, laughing. ‘When ...