Your Baby's Ugly and You've Got Bad Breath

Let’s Get Real About Business Survival

Okay, here's the thing—starting a business is brave. Running it is even braver. But staying objective about it? That's the ultimate power move most people skip.

You’ve poured your heart into your business—your baby. And like any proud parent, it’s tough to admit your baby might be a little… well, ugly. Or that your breath (ahem—your leadership style) might be turning people away. But hey, don’t take it personally. This isn’t about your character. It’s about your survival.

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The Two Big Problems—Your Product and You

Yep, it’s that blunt. Most struggling businesses fail because of two things:

• The product isn’t good enough or doesn't meet a real need.
• The leadership is too close to the problem to see the cracks.

Let’s break these down in plain talk:

1. Get Over Yourself (Seriously)

You're talented. You're visionary. You started something from nothing. That’s amazing. But here's the reality check: You’re not the smartest person in every room. And that’s okay.

Sometimes, your belief in your idea becomes a blinder. Don’t let your pride get in the way of growth. Let people challenge you. That’s where the magic happens.

2. Listen for Real

Quick question—when’s the last time you truly listened during a meeting? Not waited for your turn to speak, but actually listened? Big difference, right?

You hired your team for a reason. Let them use their brains. Ask for opinions. Ask again. Then—here’s the key—use their input.

3. Your Product Isn’t That Special (Yet)

Hate to break it to you, but nobody outside your circle cares how clever your product is—unless it solves a real problem for them. You think it’s the greatest thing since smartphones, but customers? They need proof.

People don’t buy features. They buy benefits. Think about it: Are you selling a function or a feeling? Comfort? Time-saving? Simplicity? That’s what people pay for.

4. Don’t Treat Marketing Like a Side Hustle

This part stings: Your tech might be genius, but if you don’t know how to market it, it’s just an expensive paperweight. Great ideas don’t sell themselves. Stories do.

Your marketing plan? It’s not optional. It’s the hero of your business tale. Make sure the world knows not just what your product does—but why it matters to them.

5. Take a Giant Step Back

Here’s the truth: Your competition isn’t full of fools. They also think their babies are beautiful. They also have stories to tell. And some might be telling better ones.

So, step back. I mean, really step back. Look at your business like someone who doesn’t care. Because honestly, most people don’t—until you give them a reason to.

Ask yourself: Why should anyone care about what I’m selling? What makes it different? Why now?

Don’t Be the 80%

Let’s get brutally honest—80% of new businesses don’t survive five years. That's not a scare tactic. It’s just the scoreboard.

But here’s the cool part—you don’t have to be part of that stat. The best leaders aren’t the ones who know everything. They’re the ones who admit what they don’t know… and find people who do.

Surround yourself with truth-tellers. Embrace feedback. Take a few ego bruises along the way—it means you’re growing. And guess what? That makes your baby (and your breath) a whole lot prettier.

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Final Thoughts

So friend, what do you think? Is your business really as pretty as you believe—or could it use a little grooming?

If any part of this hits home, don’t worry. You’re not alone. You’re just in the middle of the real work—the messy, brave, unfiltered part of entrepreneurship that separates the doers from the dreamers.

And if you’re reading this, chances are you’re ready to be a doer. So go on—dust off your baby, check your breath, and build something even better.

I'm rooting for you. Always.

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