In former communities I was somewhat a big deal. I was the guy on the pirate ship that yelled land ho! By no means was I a Captain and if you were another pirate you really did not give a darn. On my ship or community I had a place, purpose, and passion. Then once I started my business I was promoted to Captain. I did not get the message in the bottle that told me I needed to be on the hunt. I was the one responsible for everything most of all finding the buried treasure.
I did a report on Sir Frances Drake as kid and learned about what it takes to be a real pirate. The duality of Sir Francis Drake was that to the English he was a hero and to the Spaniards he was a dirty ole pirate. His grandeur is determined by the frame of reference. Why the detour into history you ask. I thought being an entrepreneur would make a hero. To those on my ship or community I am well on my way to being successful. When I hit the pirate convention or public at large I feel like they see me as a dirty ole pirate. This is not a commentary on me personally, but more so the impression entrepreneurs have.
My pirate heart sings, “I am trying my darndest matee”. That heart fuels the drive to hunt for treasure; therefore, I must strive for hero status and admit my limits. As a Captain you have two responsibilities. One is for the people on the ship and two should failure occur you must go down with the ship. No matter the difficulty or the quest the Captain must never abdicate his responsibility.
My businesses have definitely had their ups and downs. And even though the ship felt like it was taking on water each time we pushed through the storm only to have a more sea worthy vessel. Those of you who see entrepreneurs as pirates I have a few things to say. When I wake up in the morning the elements are already in play and I must bring my “A game”. So why do people project there ill will on entrepreneurs? I only have so much tolerance for ill will until in pure pirate form I go ARGHHH! My businesses and I are persevering through the worst economic conditions in last 70 years. I got into the financial services management and entrepreneurship industry to help people not to make tons money. Lately, doing both has been harder and harder. Of course my mommy still loves me and my cat thinks I am the best bed ever. How come customers don’t feel the same way.
Actually, they do. The time, money, and energy, etc. I have saved clients has put me in a good position for future success. Yet now more than ever I must stay on the hunt or at least the lookout. No one can care more about the ship than the Captain. I have had to let people move on to better opportunities, end business relationships, and make the tough choices. Unfortunately, I can’t go back to just being a big deal by yelling land ho! That job would be a breeze and I do miss it some days.
The reason for this post: On some level we are all Captains. I can beg till I am blue in the face and still not make everyone see the benefits of my services. However, as Captains we must be willing to take our ships through anything and know 100% without a shadow of doubt we will have success. If you have a better map then share it. If you know an island with better living conditions then tell me. And if you do it for the love of the hunt then please share your enthusiasm. I am officially hanging up my peg leg and removing the eye patch. I am doing it for the love of the hunt. Of course I must deliver profit to my stakeholders, but from there the journey is mine to decide. So to all you Captains out there lets have some grog and share some sea tales because it does not get any better than this.
-Alvion Harris
Picture Credit: http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/pirate-9.jpg
Technorati Tags: entrepreneurship
Possibly Related Posts:
- The most annoying question ever in the history of the world.
- The game is to be sold not told.
- Long-term Decisions deserve some thought.
- Making a Google Splash
- EasiestPayrollService.com Website Review
