While I was typing the subject line for this newsletter I accidentally typed “Newton’s First Law of Business.”
Then I was like, “Eh, let’s go with it.”
It’s really the “Newton’s First Law of Motion,” which featured prominently in some yogurt commercials a few years ago.
Here’s the law:
“A body in motion stays in motion. A body at rest stays at rest.” (Unless a force is acting upon it.)
If you want more physics, there are some links at the bottom along with additional end notes.
Newton’s First Law has been on my mind as I’ve steadfastly NOT written a newsletter for a month or more. When I stop doing something it’s really hard to re-start.
However, when I routinely do something and have been for a while, it’s equally hard for me to stop.
[Dorothy squirts oil onto the Tin Man and his arm loosens and falls]
Dorothy: Did that hurt?
Tin Man: No, it feels wonderful. I’ve held that axe up for ages.
Hot damn, in the last month, I’ve dropped a lot of axes:
- Payroll
- Scheduling
- Jumping in to fix every small error a team member makes
- Explaining absolutely everything to death
- Being in every single client meeting
- Micromanaging everything to the last period and last penny
- Fridays
I didn’t do it without help, though.
Remember Newton’s First Law of Business: A business in motion stays in motion — that is, unless an external force acts upon it.
My external force is my team. Steph is the chief oil can holder. But they’re all excellent mechanics. Mallary stopped scheduling Friday meetings. Vi said, “So, we’re gonna handle XYZ now.” Steph said, “And you’re going to be on vacation for a week and a half and leave us alone.”
Stop, in the name of love
(Inertia, property of a body by virtue of which it opposes any agency that attempts to put it in motion or, if it is moving, to change the magnitude or direction of its velocity.)
Businessy talk focuses a lot on starting. “Well begun is half done” is a favorite phrase of my Dad, Mary Poppins, and me.
However, stopping or slowing down is equally as important in business.
As my friend and colleague Ken said to me the other day, “Driving over a speed bump at 90 miles an hour will flip you over.”
If starting feels like it will require too much energy, try stopping.
And if you’re not sure how to do it, or you need a little lube on the hinges, find some people to help.
Say, “Oil can” enough, and the right person will hear.
(Shout out to Nan for hearing me screeching “oil can” yesterday and giving me a call. You’re the best.)
Referenced in Today’s Newsletter
A couple of other nifty links
Looking for a great summer read? I just finished this book and, wow, it’s gonna stay with me for a long time.
The Eisenhower Matrix Not sure what to stop or start? Start with this matrix
Upcoming Talks
Find me at Cultivte ’21 in Columbus, Ohio, July 10-July 13.
We’re in person this year! (WOO HOO!) But I will be bringing along “real world” examples, videos, and the same interactivity that’s become a hallmark of my virtual talks. It’ll be the best of both worlds, plus you’ll get to meet and mingle with others in the same boat!
Help! I Need Somebody: How to Hire & Effectively Manage Remote E-commerce & Admin Staff
Sunday, July 11 • 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Expand your Market: Retail Ecommerce Opportunities for Wholesale Growers
Monday, July 12 • 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Go Small – Gain Big: Micro-Marketing Strategies to Increase Revenue Monday, July 12 • 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
I’ll also be doing a virtual session on Hiring and Managing Remote Contractors (admin, website management, social media, etc.) for GardenCOMM, and registration is open to everyone! Learn more here.
Have a great week!
P.S. Need some oil? Maybe we can help. Or if we don’t, I can almost guarantee you we know someone who can. Let’s chat!
