Perhaps it’s always been this vibrant – I’m not sure.  The point is that I’m seeing a lot of them because I’m out there networking, promoting my own business.

In a matter of just a few minutes’ conversation, I tend to classify each person as serious about their business, or not so much.

I’m not talking about whether they’re GOOD at their business – we all make plenty of mistakes when we first start out.  I’m noticing whether they’re DEDICATED to their venture.

There’s a particular franchise that’s become quite popular of late, and I’ve run across a bunch of people who have signed up as one-person franchisees.  When I talk to the 10% who are serious, they:

• Know their products very well
• Are actively seeking customers every day who would like to work with them
• Know exactly how their business is doing
• Envision a future with the company, and are doing things to build it

The other 90% are less serious, it’s clear that they’re just dabbling and hoping for some income until a “real job” comes along.  But they’re sabotaging their business success:  Nobody but their current family and friends is ever going to become a customer.

Yes, I think the ratio is roughly 90/10.  I’ve seen this pattern enough times now, and have tested my theory with others.

Why do you suppose that the most successful franchises have such high fees?  A compelling reason is to weed out the 90%, so the 10% who are serious can join and build a robust business.  And the 90% aren’t out there damaging the quality of the brand.

Perhaps you’re not out there starting up your next career.  But the same logic applies to the rest of your life as well.  Certainly you should dedicate your energies to having your best possible life – if you don’t, what’s the point?

Nobody else is going to be as impassioned about your life as you are.  Stop waiting for them.

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