I have lots of conversations with entrepreneurs and realize the way we frame questions to ourselves determines the direction we’re heading in.

If, for example, you are asking yourself, “What’s the worst that can happen? Can I possibly end up in a double-wide?” This is the wrong direction.

It’s not IF you will succeed that should be running ramped through your brain. It’s HOW you will succeed. What do you need to do differently? Whose perspective can add clarity? How can you replicate what you’re doing right?

Entrepreneurs are problem solvers. If you focus on the solution – you are in the right direction. If you focus on the problem it’s either going to get bigger, scarier or more prevalent.

That which we focus on grows bigger. That which we take our attention away from fades. ( I’m paraphrasing here).

So your energy has to be directed toward driving you forward because if it’s driving you backwards, getting back up to zero from a negative space is exhausting.

On the flip side – seeking the answer is/can be thrilling.

Giving something a chance..just testing an idea is a private beta. You don’t have to lock it in, announce it, throw big dollars at it. You just have to envision if it is possible.

Like trying on a pair of shoes.  You try them on, you take them off.  If you like them and they work – you commit.  If you don’t, you haven’t wasted your time, you’ve spent it on discovery.

Discovery is way more fun and lucrative than inaction.  I’m not suggesting you give every hair-brained idea a try. But what happened to “No question is a stupid question” when you were little?

When I’m building, I’m looking at the whole and the pieces of the puzzle. What next piece makes sense?

Then I take those pieces to someone who thinks in a linear, strategic, sane fashion and say, “I can see that these fit together. Can you? In what order? Can we make them happen now? OR do we put these in the someday file?”

You are not alone in this brave new entrepreneurial world.  Look at Greece, America…Netflix… We are all searching to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Smart, big, small, young, old, experienced, novice..all searching, working, striving to meet the next step.

My here and your here are our creations.  When we meet in the middle we’re collaborating.

When we’re collaborating we’re helping each other.

When we’re helping each other we’re in the right direction.

Don’t let the economy get you down. Keep building upward.. and while you’re at it maybe you want to come and listen to someone who has done just that.

If you’re up for getting inspired, and hearing the unvarnished truth from Nancy Sharp who has built a company from $Zippo to $25 million in revenue.  Then join us and hear what questions she’s asked of herself or how she put the pieces of her own successful company together.

If you’d like to join us at the next Big Ooga meeting October 4th, here’s the link:

Building a Company From the Ground Up

http://tinyurl.com/3va84jx