Entrepreneurial Tightrope: Remember, 'success' is subjective

— -- Hi, Gladys, I am in business with a guy who doesn't understand that in order for our business to grow and flourish, we must continue working toward that end. We own a marketing research company, and for the past six years we have done exceptionally well. I am constantly trying to improve both the business and myself. With my free time I take classes in management, business development and public speaking. My business partner uses his to golf, play cards or fish. None of these activities do anything for our business. We read your columns and know you are a strong advocate of self-improvement for succeeding in business. Please help me convince my business partner that his free time should be used to do the kinds of things that enhance our business. — M. G.

It is common to feel that our ideas and philosophies are the right ones and the people in our lives would be better off if they would just adopt them.

But your business partner is doing something that enhances both himself and the business. Having hobbies that bring peace, joy and a break from daily routine is a necessity and a self-improvement.

Of course, I assume that your business partner is doing his fair share of the day-to-day responsibilities that the business requires.

Not everyone wants to work all day and then spend all of his or her free time studying and taking courses.

I read a little story once (speaking of fishing) that drives that point home:

A wealthy entrepreneur was disturbed to see a fisherman sitting idly by his boat. He asked, "Why aren't you out there fishing?"

"I've caught enough fish for today," the fisherman said.

"Why don't you catch more fish than you need?"

Reply: "What would I do with them?"

"You could earn more money and buy a larger boat and all of the things necessary to catch more fish. That would allow you to build your business into a powerhouse. You could have a fleet of boats and many people working for you. And, you would become a very rich man just like me."

"Then what would I do?" asked the fisherman.

"Why, you could sit back and enjoy life."

The fisherman said, "What do you think I'm doing now?"

Being comfortable and content in one's space is the ultimate of success. Apparently your partner is satisfied with those figurative fish he's caught during his time at work.

What is good for one is not necessarily good for another. It seems that you are interested in working long hours at self-improvement in order to grow your business and your partner has simply chosen a different path.

But both paths have their assets, and there is value in both of your viewpoints. We need people who are go-getters and have the desire to have everything. And then we need those who are content with what they have.

It actually sounds like you two have found a way to succeed . You stated that your company is successful and has been for the past six years. So, something is working.

What's most important is that both you and your partner understand and respect each other's choices in life and in business. This can best take place through communication.

See if you can get him to invite you on his next fishing trip. And while you guys are waiting for the fish to bite, talk to him and get to know some of his feelings and views, and allow him to get to know some of yours as well.

In the meantime, having fun is healthy. Give yourself the gift of a hobby or two. It will help balance out your life.

Gladys Edmunds' Entrepreneurial Tightrope column appears Wednesdays. As a single, teen-age mom, Gladys made money doing laundry, cooking dinners for taxi drivers and selling fire extinguishers and Bibles door-to-door. Today, Edmunds, founder of Edmunds Travel Consultants in Pittsburgh, is a private coach/consultant in business development and author of There's No Business Like Your Own Business, published by Viking. See an index of Edmunds' columns. Her website is www.gladysedmunds.com. You can e-mail her at gladys@gladysedmunds.com.