Maybe I’m Being Sarcastic

There is a lot of talk about the proper way to build your paint contracting business. All kinds of advice is offered regarding creating systems, proper accounting procedures, how to effectively market, etc. This is a bunch of bunk.

It really doesn’t matter what you do, your business will probably fail. Statistics show that 90% of small businesses fail within 5 years. So the chances are very high that your business will fail.

It’s nice to talk about systems and procedures. But why spend all of that time and effort when your business will likely close its doors? Why not just take it easy and wait for the inevitable? Think of the trees you will save by not using all that paper. Think of all the time you will have to spend with your family.

You might think you are different. You might think you have a solid plan for success. Who are you fooling? Statistics say that you have a 1 in 10 chance to last 5 years. Those aren’t very good odds. You might do better playing the lottery.

I know this sounds cynical, but I’m just being realistic. I think that each business is predestined to succeed or fail, and it doesn’t matter how much planning, systematizing, coaching, or anything elsing that the owner does. Either the stars line up for you or they don’t.

So instead of getting up early each morning to get ready for the day’s activities, sleep in a bit. You could probably use the rest. Instead of working on estimates after the kids go to bed, plop down in your Lazy Boy and watch television. Instead of developing systems and procedures, take your kids to the park. Instead of getting your books in order and setting up a proper accounting system, just hope you can pay this week’s bills. You’ll save yourself a lot of stress.

I know I’ve talked a lot about systems and procedures, but I’ve concluded that they are just a waste of time. Of course, I could be wrong about this new realization. Or maybe I’m being sarcastic. Maybe it really does matter what actions you take.

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