It is not easy to start, grow and survive as an independent insurance agency owner. Most people either have no desire to go through the challenges that agency owners face. But some folks do want the rewards that come with ownership but are unwilling to do what it takes, and take the risks, involved.
So, as an agency owner I congratulate you on having the courage to start and operate your own business! As you grow your business, and even achieve success, there are continual challenges that you must meet to continue. This takes courage.
Where does this courage come from?
I don't think people have it innately or that it just shows up. Instead I think courage comes from a vision of the future and a commitment to get there. In between is courage.
My Strategic Coach Lee Brawer told a great story to our group a couple of weeks ago which I think illustrates this perfectly. He has a client who is a 48 year old athlete in terrific condition. This fellow likes to hike in the mountains and on a recent hike was walking strongly on a trail at 13,000 feet.
Short of oxygen this is a very strenuous thing to do! As he was hiking the fellow heard footfalls behind him, so being naturally competitive, he began to speed up. Despite this the person behind gained on him steadily until as the pursuer drew abreast of him the hiker realized that the fellow passing him was in his middle 70's!
As he was passed Lee's client reached out to the other hiker in amazement and said "how can you do this? how can you be passing me?". As the man walked on he turned his head and said:
"My vision of the future is greater than my present agony."
It takes courage to build a business and sustain the effort, over a long period of time, to do so. I hope your vision is great enough for the challenges that lay before you!
