Live, Eat, Sleep The Business.

When Robert Redford discovered that Harry had launched a successful catalog of children's items, he sought advice from Harry. In fact, Redford wanted to hire Harry, but Harry turned him down. Harry offered to write a business plan for the new business. He then told Redford that the current company did not have the right top executive in place to make the catalog a success.

Topic for Discussion: Isn't Harry being melodramatic?

Answer: No! The reason someone has to live, eat, sleep the business when it is born is the same reason a newborn baby has to watched so carefully. You can't just leave the baby for a few hours when you feel like going to a movie.

A new business is vulnerable and needs minute-by-minute leadership. Employees who work a regular schedule can run a mature business like the lodge or the film festival but a baby needs constant tender loving care.

Marty Edelston, founder of Boardroom Inc, told us the same thing. Marty found himself working into the night because he had to do his regular job from 8-5. This is run-of-the-mill for most small business owners. Long hours go hand-in-hand with owning a business. Even when there are employees, the responsibility for hundreds of details fall on the shoulders of the owner. From food preparation to cash register tape, hundreds of detail must be in place so that every customer enjoys continuity from every location.

Topic for Discussion: Why do so many people start a business knowing it will take a tremendous time commitment, especially at the beginning?

Answer: There are many reasons, but these ones tha we hear the most: 1) Many find it impossible to work in a job and be satisfied. In fact, most people who start a business don't do it for the money, they do it because they feel their talents have never been used in a single job. 2) Many simply want to be

in charge. 3) Some see that no one is filling an obvious need. 4) Many people start a business because they can't find a job. Immigrants face language and cultural problems and often start a business because that's their only choice. 5) Some even start a business, knowing it will take huge amounts of time, because they would rather work than do anything else. Work should bring pleasure and there's nothing wrong with doing what you prefer to do. The newspapers reported that prior to joining the Clinton Administration, Janet Reno kept a sleeping bag in her office for those times when she preferred to work nearly all night. 6) In today's work environment, most key employees of large organizations work long hours. So, if you're going to work 60 hours a week, why not invest your time in your own business?

You think about it: If you launched a new product or service, who in your organization would commit to sleeping at the office if that was needed to succeed?