Business Tools for Everyone

“Everyone else knows…”  One reason we started Paddling Furiously is that we heard too many sentences that started that way.  It’s yet another sign of how alone most business owners feel.  Every day is spent slogging after goals no one else understands and facing challenges no one else is talking about.  So clearly, everyone but you knows how to do this stuff.

Guess what?  They don’t.  They’re probably just as confused as you are.  That’s why we built Paddling Furiously and that’s why we launched this incubator — to give everyone tools they can use to start or grow a business.

Why an Incubator?

We could have just shared the tools.  But we think the incubator format has special value.  There are many reasons why:

  • Ask the right questions: the issue that’s bothering you may not be the real problem.  Sales slow?  The problem could be product, marketing, personnel.  Want better marketing?  What do you know about your customer, competition or value proposition?  This framework can help you pinpoint the real problem or goal.
  • Learn process and tools: businesses bring continual challenges: problems to overcome, growth opportunities to seize.  By learning various frameworks to approach a problem – and finding which works for you – you’ll have the tools to carry you forward.
  • Accountability and flexibility: by working through – or at least considering – all the steps, you’ll know you’ve really thought through the problem.  It’s not a quick fix; it’s a lasting solution.  And when the inevitable hiccups occur – you missed something, an unexpected opportunity arises – you’ll know how and why you made the decisions you did and be better prepared to course correct.

What We’ll Cover

Make it Your Own

If you’re just starting out, we recommend that you work through all the modules.  Each is designed to build on skills and knowledge developed in previous projects.  The full process will also help you build a storehouse of information you can draw on to continue to grow and innovate your business.

If you’re already in business and looking to grow or adjust strategy, you can zero in on the areas that feel most pertinent to you, knowing that the other tools are available, should you want additional support.

Take your time; space it out; really dig into the tasks that resonate most deeply – or challenge you the most.

But Don’t Go it Alone

We’re offering this process for anyone to use. But it was designed to be done in a group.  Like many things, these tools are even more effective if you tackle this as part of a community.  Working with others, you can learn from each other, pick up ideas from their thought process – and provide them with suggestions and support.

Someone who knows you but who has a little distance can provide valuable perspective.  They’re not living with these issues every day.  They bring different experiences to the question. So see if you can find others to work with.  

If you don’t know anyone in your circle to work with, we do!  Go to our Portal at https://paddlingfuriously.com/portal/.  You’ll find other business owners: some may be a bit farther down the road and can help you; others are just starting and could use your assistance.

So post your questions, talk about your progress  and provide feedback and support to other business owners.