Most people expect business to be linear growth.
$10k ➡️ $15k ➡️ $20k ➡️ $25k
Reality looks different:
$3k ➡️ $12k ➡️ $7k ➡️ $18k ➡️ $13k ➡️ $40k
The peaks get higher. The valleys get shorter. But it’s never smooth.
Every successful business owner goes through this roller coaster.
( BTW I hate roller coasters ❌ 🎢 )
You win the game business by staying in the game as long as possible.
- Year 1: Survival mode. Focus on cash in the bank
- Year 2: Things start clicking. Revenue keeps growing.
- Year 3: You’ve built something that works without you.
Too many people quit right before they break through.
Right before everything starts working.
Why?
The initial excitement wears off.
You realize this is harder than you thought.
Your friends start asking uncomfortable questions about how it’s going.
The businesses that survive this period have three things in common:
- Track the right metrics
- Focus on the fundamentals every day
- Make decisions based on data, not emotions
I’ve seen owners go from “I’m thinking about selling” to hitting record-setting months if they stay in the game.
What does “stay in the game” actually mean?
Cut everything that doesn’t directly generate revenue.
Double down on what’s working, even if it’s small.
Talk to successful franchisees in the system weekly.
Keep your overhead as low as possible without sacrificing quality.
Most importantly, stay positive.
Negative thoughts are a disease. Hard to get rid of them once they start spreading.
You’re not trying to build the perfect business in the beginning.
You’re trying to build a business that survives to the 2nd year.
Everything else is noise.
Cheers!
Brian
P.S. The hardest part about business ownership isn’t the work, it’s doing it alone.
If you want to join my community of driven franchisees where I help you navigate the tough decisions and celebrate the wins alongside other owners who get it, reply “COMMUNITY” and I’ll send you the details.
