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Packing Diligence and Passion onto Your Business Flight

A. Wright

Marketing Assistant

Each of the four seasons influences ambitious thinkers.  Summer and spring’s warm arrival may give entrepreneurs an optimistic feeling for new growth and expansion. Autumn may suggest a proper time for seeds of innovation seeds to be planted. Winter can provide a time of reflection for entrepreneurs to analyze and sharpen their business ideas.  However, there is at lease one additional “season” that the business world may not have noticed, but it should embrace.

February is a season of passion and history, both of which are assets for any pursuit of success. The traditional celebrations during this month, however,  have allowed us to overlook the inspiration that can be gleaned from Valentine’s Day and Black History Month.

Although Valentine's Day is popularly embraced as a passionate time for couples, it also reserves a special spot for those seeking the American Dream. History reveals that passion can be a dominant force in directing one’s life purpose and business pursuits. Author Richard Nelson Bolles also believes it provides a competitive edge to business owners.“When you're passionate about what you do, [prospective clients] would rather give their business to you than to your competitor,” he writes in best selling book, What Color is Your Parachute?

Renowned Success Coach and author Jack Canfield further elaborates on this notion: “One of the things that may get in the way of people being lifelong learners is that they’re not in touch with their passion. If you’re passionate about what it is you do, then you’re going to be looking for everything you can to get better at it."

February also evokes a spirit of overcoming hardships as reflected in the progressive path of African Americans celebrated as Black History Month.  Diligence combined with passion is timeless, rich with stories of men and women who have overcome.  In 19th century Los Angeles, there was Bridget “Biddy” Mason, a freed slave who became a land owner, commercial real estate developer and a pillar in the community. Today, there is a downtown park named after her. Successful Entrepreneur, Madam C.J Walker made her first million dollars with a line of hair care products targeting African American Women.  Jan Ernst Matzeliger invented a shoemaking machine that exponentially increased shoemaking speed and revolutionized the shoemaking industry.  According to the church bulletin of The First Church of Christ, it was "the most important invention for New England" and "the greatest forward step in the shoe industry."  Although a climate of oppression for African Americans presented hardships, their passion and diligence allowed them to thrive.

Such strides embody the spirit of 1000+ minority entrepreneur success stories aired on our small business television show, Making It!  which tells stories of overcoming adversities that all successful entrepreneurs encounter. Passion and diligence are the dynamic duo that can pave the pathway to success. Thus, it is important we allow this spirit in February to bring inspiration to our individual business pursuits.