The Difference Between “I Would” and “I Will”

"I would" versus "I will"

I have been called an optimist on more than one occasion.  It’s true.  And while I don’t believe anyone is just one thing (as I talk about here), I do tend to see problems as solvable.  As I have said before, I see challenges as they are.  I just believe I can impact them in a positive way.  That’s what I mean by an optimist.

But there is no one more optimistic than an entrepreneur at the beginning of a venture.

When you are at the beginning of starting a new business, you have to be optimistic.  If you are not, you would not have started the journey.  You would have talked yourself out of it a long time ago.  And when you are climbing up that hill to launch your new venture, you are going to need to overcome a mountain of doubt, frustration, confusion, insecurity, and more.

You need to be optimistic to survive.

But it’s a fine line.  You need to be optimistic, but you need to be realistic with the numbers.  You need to be strong-willed, but also willing to listen to the customer.  And you need to be willing to make one very important distinction.  It’s the distinction between “I would” and “I will.”

When you are in the beginning stages of a business (or telling people about the business), you are likely to get plenty of vocal support.  Don’t get me wrong, you will likely hear a few people that question your idea, but many just want to be supportive.  They want to tell you something to make you feel good.  That’s great and it feels good.  It’s encouraging to hear people “love” your idea.  But it’s important not to get caught up in empty positive comments.

“I would love to see something like that!”

“I would be thrilled to see a sandwich shop downtown.”

“I would definitely buy your cookies!”

These folks are well-meaning.  They want to be encouraging.  And they do it by telling you that they “would” support your new venture.

Yeah.  But will you?

They might say “I would definitely buy your cookies.”  That’s great.  But if you follow up and say “I am taking pre-orders right now for a dozen.  Will you buy some?”  That is a different commitment altogether, isn’t it?

If they say “Yes…I will,” (and then they give you money) then you have a real customer.

As you begin your new venture, make sure you don’t get blinded by too many people saying “I would,” when you need to hear people say “I will.”

If you want to do Business Better, please check out Better Business University.  It’s the affordable online business education platform designed to help you level up (without breaking the bank).  Head here to learn more and sign up.

9 Years of Delivering Marketing Joy

9 Years of Delivering Marketing Joy

I did the math yesterday...and it was a bit of a milestone. Yesterday was the 9th anniversary of Delivering #MarketingJoy!  As you may (or may not) know, Delivering #MarketingJoy is my weekly interview show/podcast where I get the chance to interview experts in the...

read more
Life Is Not Fair.  So What?

Life Is Not Fair. So What?

We were all seated around a kitchen table talking.  The group was filled with men and it was designed to be a place where we could express challenges in a safe place.  We had made it around the table and the last person was sharing what a challenging year it has been...

read more
Hit The Target:  The Target Marketing Framework

Hit The Target: The Target Marketing Framework

Targeted Marketing is an essential element for any business to thrive in today’s marketplace. The success of a business depends on how effectively it reaches its TARGET audience and how it positions itself as the go-to solution for the audience’s needs. You don’t want...

read more
The Longer The Idea Sits

The Longer The Idea Sits

Each morning during the week, I walk/run for a couple of miles to get my blood flowing.  It helps with my fitness, but that was not originally the point.  The idea is to get my blood pumping and brain working.  It's been a great habit that helps me start my day on the...

read more

Let's Connect:

Get Your FREE Copy of The Give First Economy

the give first economy kirby hasseman

Better Business University

better business university

Pin It on Pinterest