Why Thinking Big Is Critical To Your Success
Warning! I’m about to make a statement that will probably offend you or contradicts everything you learned about internet businesses.
Most internet entrepreneurs are small thinkers.
Just visit a few internet business-related forums and you’ll notice that most entrepreneurs are satisfied with a financial goal of $50,000 to $100,000 a year.
Or check out the numerous products sold to internet entrepreneurs. Most of them appeal to people who want a 6-figure income.
Now to most people, maybe even you, that may seem like a lot of money.
But here’s the problem…
It’s very difficult to build a long-term sustainable business in any competitive market when you set your financial goals so low.
In other words, it’s hard to remain competitive by staying small. A business must continue to grow to remain competitive.
So when you say you’re happy with $50,000 to $100,000 a year, you’re putting an artificial ceiling to your business and this will impede your growth.
Here are two reasons why staying small makes no business sense:
1. Inflation
Most entrepreneurs ignore the fact that they are part of a macroeconomic environment. The cost of goods and services increases annually. The increase in expenses (e.g. advertising, freelancers’ fees, employee salaries, rent, etc) affects your business.
Depending on where you live, the inflation rate could be 3% to over 10%. So, if your income stays at $100,000 per annum, you’re losing money every year to inflation.
$100,000 today may be worth only $80,000 in 10 years time!
2. Competition
Nowadays, internet businesses are so cheap and easy to start that every Tom, Dick and Harry are getting into the act. So, whatever profitable niche you’re in right now will become highly crowded and competitive.
You’ll face more difficulty in getting high rankings in search engines, keeping pay-per-click ad costs low and recruiting affiliates to promote your products. You’ll also have to compete for star employees and freelancers.
Time To Adjust Your Mindset
Now that you know staying small doesn’t make any business sense, what can you do about it?
Well, the first thing you’ve got to do is to change your mindset. From now on, you’ve got to think big.
You must set at least 7-figure goals. You must think international and not just local or national. You must develop and implement big ideas.
And here are four reasons why thinking big will pay off for you:
1. You already have all the resources required to build a million dollar business.
The amount of time and money required to build a 6-figure business is exactly the same as a 7-figure business.
For example, Michael Dell started his computer business which is now worth billions of dollars for only $1000. And Michael, just like you, has only 24 hours a day.
So, if you have $1000 and 24 hours a day just like Michael Dell, why not build a multi-million dollar business?
2. It’s more profitable.
Whether your income goal is $100,000 or $1 million a year, the odds are really against you in achieving them. You may only hit 50% of your target.
Here’s how thinking big helps…
If you achieve 50% of a $100,000 a year goal, it’s $50,000. But if you achieve only 10% of a $1 million a year goal, it’s $100,000.
Therefore, even if you only achieve 10% of your big goal, it’s better than 50% of your small goal. Thinking big is simply more profitable.
3. It’s easier to secure capital.
Your business may need capital injection in the future to stay afloat or to grow. Guess what? It’s easier to secure a $1 million investment than a $10,000 bank loan.
I know it sounds completely counterintuitive but it’s true. Investors are attracted to big ideas and businesses that can grow big very quickly. A 6-figure business just doesn’t appeal to them.
4. It’s easier to attract star employees.
Star employees, like investors, are attracted to big ideas. That’s why companies like Google and Facebook attract highly talented and experienced professionals.
A business that wants to stay small doesn’t appeal to them. Stars want challenges. They want a career, not a job. They want growth, not stagnation.
So, if you want to build a long-term sustainable business, start thinking big and stop thinking small. And you’ll see the impact it has on your business once you change your mindset.
About: Jarod Lam
Jarod Lam is the founder of Startup Rebel, a company dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build businesses that last. With over 10 years experience in marketing, advertising and public relations, Jarod has written advertisements, sales letters, radio commercials, brochures and press releases for startups, mid-sized companies and public-listed corporations.Freebies
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Alice Seba
Very well said Jarod and actually something I’ve thought about recently. I think many home based entrepreneurs get stuck in thinking what kind of SALARY they might be happy with, rather than how much money their business should make.
Even if you only need 100K to live a comfortable lifestyle, your business can still build assets and have good cash flow, making it easier to do everything you’ve mentioned above.
Edward Weiss
Your example with Michael Dell is great … but what if you’re not selling something that has the potential to get that big? What if you’re selling New Age piano lessons online?
Just wondering.
Jarod Lam
Hi Alice,
Yes, you’re totally right. Many home-based entrepreneurs are still stuck in the employee mindset, i.e. doing everything themselves, maintaining status quo.
Highly successful entrepreneurs like Bill Gates and Sam Walton would never think like that.
Hi Edward,
Here’s a suggestion for you: why limit yourself to just piano lessons?
Start an online music school with a complete curriculum!
You can find music pros to teach drums, guitars, vocals, etc. Then, cross-sell your products to increase sales and repeat business.
I can tell you with absolute certainty it’s a million dollar business.
Good luck!
Regina
Twitter: reginabaker
Jarod, this is something I think about all the time. I’m constantly jotting things down on how to increase my business. This is a great reminder… thanks for sharing – great article!
Jarod Lam
Hi Regina,
Thank you for the kind words..:)
Hi Yellowhighlighterva,
I’d really like to read your post but I’m getting a blank screen on your site.
Jeff Paul
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