Plants are unique. There are a variety of different species within one family. Each species has different needs and requirements. Some like full sun, others like semi-sun, semi-shade, shade, dappled sun. Some want lots of water, while others are water-wise, and others will die if you give them too much water.
A case in point: I have tried to propagate a certain succulent plant for the past week. I have followed the instructions of tearing off the leaf, placing it on potting soil so that it makes contact with the soil and watered it well. I have placed it in an area that has good light, not in the harsh sun. And now I wait, but nothing has happened for a week. Other plants I have planted from seed, have shown a budding green something pushing through the ground by now.
And small business owners are similar. We germinate in our own way and at our own pace, and need different kinds of support. Some enjoy a quick pace of getting things done, whereas others prefer to gather all the information before acting. Some can be exposed to many things at the same time and they enjoy the complexity of the environment whereas others prefer incremental exposure to a variety of things.
Plants thrive when they have the right amount of sun, water, good soil, compost, fertiliser and protection against pests such as snails. Small business owners thrive when they have the right systems and people in place. Others enjoy the support of mentors and coaches.
I have often marvelled at the strength of small plants who are able to survive the heaviest of storms. People are often thrown off their feet in a typical Cape Town storm but if you look at the shrubs and many low growing plants, they are able to survive. Root system. They must have a very strong root system. What are the root systems like for small business owners? Is it about having built the business on sound business principles? Having employed competent and team-oriented people? Or is it about leadership style? What is your root system like? What anchors you and your business in place when the storms play havoc with your business?