Stuck Entrepreneurs

A Quicksand Avoidance Technique

Let’s have a look at a real-world test case involving a belligerent and obstinate past client. A self-made entrepreneur running a profitable business. Good for them! Someone who also relished the status quo in a changing market where the state of play was shifting. Bad for them!

The following represents an almost verbatim tense conversation I had with him. This typifies one of many. He was a slow learner.

Let’s call him “Acme” and call me “Me.” (Not very imaginative, I know, but this makes life easier for the representation below.)

Me: How is business?

Acme: Business is great. We are making terrific profits.

Me: Are your margins holding up?

Acme: Competition and foreign imports are biting into our margins, but, ...