Twins can teach us a lot about running a business
Yesterday, I was watching my twin toddler girls play together.
The one thing I kept noticing is that, like all individuals, one is better at a particular skill than the other.
For example, Lyra is a whiz a popping off even the most firmly stuck marker caps. (Don’t worry folks, those markers are the washable kind!) Sasha is just not that dexterous. Sasha, on the other hand, is much more able to keep those markers put away when not in use. (Yes, I have a neat freak on my hands!)
My little upstarts got me thinking of one of the best skills a startup owner can have: identifying what your good at, then surrounding yourself with others who are better at the things you’re less skilled a
I recently did this when it comes to SEO. I found a mastermind partner, Rebecca Murtagh, who compensates for my weakness in the whole SEO world. Her approach to marketing is quite different than mine, and it’s helped me really focus and balance.
There’s a lot of research lately going on about catering to our strengths. Some of it says to focus on using our natural strengths and not worry about our weaknesses. It’s tough advice to follow, though. Because once we know our weaknesses, they become a source of embarrassment and we want to fix them.
But I suggest not focusing on fixing them, but finding a partner who can compensating with their strengths.
(Photo courtesy of Shannon Cherry of BeHeardSolutions.com)
Tags: collaboration, small-business, startup, startups, strengths, twins, Upstarts, weaknessesPOSTED IN: Business, Entrepreneurship
7 opinions for Twins can teach us a lot about running a business
Christophe
Apr 3, 2008 at 4:22 am
I had a lot of thinking about this issue, and I keep thinking that it’s very very important to not forget that you are alone.
Even if you’ve got someone, or a lot of people who can compensate your weakness with their strengths, you are still alone.
If you forget that, you will probably lower your guard someday on some issue, thinking your partner will handle it and then discover that, no, (s)he just doesn’t want to handle it.
all i want to say is, “don’t forget you’re alone, it’s important”.
(except if you’re starting your company with your twin, obviously :-))
Annette
Apr 3, 2008 at 5:15 am
Great post and adorable picture! :-)
Jessica
Apr 3, 2008 at 7:56 pm
I have always loved that photo of the girls. And I couldn’t agree with you more. This post really resonates with me Shannon. Thanks for sharing these thoughts with us! And thanks to the girls for providing the inspiration and prompt! :)
Karl Goldfield
Apr 6, 2008 at 8:06 pm
My oldest is named Sasha! It is gret to be able to see the different strengths of each of your children. Nice post Shannon…keep ‘em coming.
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