In traditional mathematics a quotient is the result of a divination. When we divide a figure with another one, the resulting number is the actual quotient. But how does this compare to business and what can we do to determine our success quotient?
Wikipedia describes the three main factor of divination as follows:
a - resembles the starting dividend
b - resembles the divisor and
c - resembles the quotient which in our example is business success.
However, if business success were as easy as mathematics, we would all roll around the floor laughing. Unfortunately it takes more to achieve success in business than doing a mere calculation.
While the pond is truly big enough for all of us, it is only a few swimmers who populate the waters when the sun is out.
The starting dividend of business
So where does it all start then? The answer is actually very straight forward if you think about it. The dividend of a in business is the idea, inspiration, the desire and the passion. These are all mere fractions of dividend a and yet play a major factor in their individual make up.
See, an idea is worthless without the drive to get going. Passion is stale if there is no purpose or intent. We need all these factors to take dividend a off to a happy start. Once we are on the go, it becomes easier the more we grow resilient against outside disturbances.
Business ideas can be received from unexpected sources. In fact, when we are trying the least we normally come up with the best ideas altogether and this is directly related to our inner child and the way we can perceive things without knowing.
Once we set the idea into fruition with the help of the other dividend factors, we often run into annoying divisors.
The divisor nasties
While I say nasties, these divisors are essential to our success quotient. For without them we would never appreciate our success and what it took to get there. While the divisor is the figure b in our mathematical example, it isn’t necessary a bad figure, but yet I see all the external influences that hinder us from getting ahead in business as divisor nasties or b.
Classic business divisor b factors are normally procrastination, setbacks, failure, mistakes and general doubt in our own abilities to succeed. A divisor b could also be a detour, you know the kind when you see somebody else being successful with something you always wanted to act on but never did.
So you drop everything you currently do and turn into the wind - head on. Big mistake! Not only will this fuel the nasties, but it will slow your current business right down and set you back months if not years.
The idea is to take these divisors and run with them, adapting, learning, observing and appreciating every single step we make in the right direction. We all do it. The key is to be smart about them and recognize them for what they are - signs to better ourselves.
Your business success quotient
Finally, the desired result. Success = c. You will get there by observing the signs and staying within the path of the calculation. If you think about it, business success really isn’t that hard. It is straight forward and includes a lot of common sense.
The thing is, most of us tend to make it complicated. But if you stay on track, like with a simple calculation you will find that all it takes is your idea, a healthy dose of passion and lots of action.
Here is to our success! Or c you there.
Monika
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Oh that’s some maths trip Monika!
I’m going to lock onto one point in this rich post which is: “observing the signs and staying within the path of the calculation”.
This is a good logical approach because, if we jump from one thing to another, we can never reliably measure what works and what doesn’t. Make the calculation and stay the path. Then learn from the outcome and modify your approach accordingly.
@ Rebecca: That will get the braincells working overtime I think. At least mine did while i wrote this post.
Your snippet certainly is one of the keys to success no doubt. It’s that swap and change that kills many budding business owners before they even tried properly.
Monika,
Your closing statement is perfect - c you there
for a flat white!
With “b”, when I used to see someone successfully doing what I wanted to do, I’d move to something else as well. Now, the way I see it - that is a sign that I’m on the right track.
The world is big - there’s got to be room for one more!
@ Brett: I knew somebody would pick up on the closing statement. I kind of liked it myself. * pats herself on the shoulder
The world is certainly big enough I totally agree with you there Brett. But what I meant with b is that we tend to get sidetracked mostly instead of keep doing what we set out to do in the first place.
Either is fine though, as long as we have purpose. Don’t you think?
@Monika,
It was pretty cool (another pat on the shoulder for you, from Canada!)
I do agree - either way of looking at it is good, as long as we have purpose we are going the right way.
(On a sort of related note, I was in contact with my consultant in Auckland again last night. Things are moving along…)
@ Brett: Hey that is so cool that your are on track with your NZ stuff. I know how much it means to you and your family and am excited with you guys.
@Monika,
Slow and steady, they say… we are thinking of another trip around February of 2009, with some luck it may be more than a vacation
ABSOLUTELY INSPIRATIONAL! You’re the best!
When you’re running a freelancing business (a.k.a. solo entrepreneur) it’s easy to lose track of how far you’ve come because you’re always striving for the next big goal you’ve set for yourself.
Posts like these are the reason your RSS feed is at the TOP of my iGoogle page! THANK YOU!
@ Kathy: wow, I’m honored by this. Thank you so much.
I think solo entrepreneurs tend to push themselves real hard most of the time, therefore it isn’t easy to actually keep track on our progress. I tend to set myself small milestones which help me to move from post to post if that makes sense.
At least this gives me a sense of accomplishment.
I know I’ve been guilty of what Rebecca has stated jumping from one thing to another and getting nowhere. I’ve decided to focus on one to two things so I can actually get something accomplished.
As for point b, I procrastinate a lot, and I think many of us suffer from IM info overload. I’ve finally listened to good advice, and reduced my subscriptions down to just a few and this has helped turn wasteful time to productive work time.
Medic
@ Medic: You know, I had the same problem about 18 months ago. I was totally overwhelmed with all the Im related information and must have bought about two hundred ebooks, been subscribed to dozens of mailing lists and tried to do everything with only half my heart.
Only when I stopped all that consciously and started to concentrate on the one thing to finally make a difference, did I experience a magical change.
I know you will feel the same, since you already started acting.
[...] Monika Mundell writes brilliantly about the role of self doubt in her post Your Business Success Quotient. [...]
Oh! I “C”!
Hate math, love the analogy.
@ Michael: Nice to C you left a comment. Glad to please your tastes with this math related post. I used to love math, was actually at the top of my class throughout my school years and now….
…by gosh, I’m lucky to be able to add figures up.