Resigning from your small business may not be the answer

Yesterday's resignation of General Motors CEO, Fritz Henderson, was announced in less than a year after his hire in March 2009. Known as "Mr. Fixit," Henderson was handed a mess, offered government loans of close to 7 billion dollars to clean it up, and failed to close the big deals to insure the company's future.

If Mr. Fixit can't do it, how can I?

Small business leaders often want to resign, even when no one's asking. The workload, skill-sets required, constant learning, hassles with HR, and taxed family relationships are only the start of the small business woes.

Failure, or the perception of failure in your venture, is a hit to any ego and can turn the edifice of self-confidence to dusting powder in short order. Failure however, is a necessary component of business success and is highly referenced by many successful small and big business celebrities.

Before you quit, think about Babe

You know the story. Babe Ruth struck out more than he landed a homer. You don't need to hit a winner everyday; you need consistent behaviors that create the winners on occasion. Consider the following hot list before you kick the entrepreneurial bucket:

• Ever heard of the retail giant Macy's in the US? R.H. Macy failed 7 times before his store in New York City was successful.
• Jerry Seinfeld was heckled off the stage of his debut comedy act in less than 2 minutes.
• Bell telephone, a business infant, was denied their selling price of $100,000 by the Western Union who claimed; they had no use for an "electrical toy."
• Lucille Ball, one the last centuries "funniest women," was turned down flat by her first director, saying she was simply too "shy" to make it on stage.
• Walt Disney was fired as a journalist for lack of ingenuity and creative thought.
• With 2 business failures and 8 failed elections, one might not have voted for Abraham Lincoln

While Henderson may not have a choice in the matter, most likely you do. Before you scribble your "I am outta here" note to yourself and leave it on your desk for the "boss" to see in the morning, step back and get a different perspective.

Your home run hit may be the next ball you stand up and swing at.

UPDATE: Check out What does Tiger Woods have to do with your business?

To our Success,

Harmony Thiessen

Here is food for inspiration: Failure the road to your success!