Gut Instincts and Entrepreneurship
We all know that entrepreneur’s often operate in gut instinct mode. You only get the gut instinct, so use it wisely. To use it effectively, you have to understand your inner motivations, your goals and your vision for the company.
This is not to say that you should “go with your gut” and not think logically, but it is to say that you should not allow yourself to be conned into decisions or moves that could damage the company. Gut instincts are especially important in times of crisis.
When you live by yourself, you also have no one to advise or direct you. When left to your own devices, you end up having to make all of your own decisions, which can be very overwhelming.
So, with no one else to depend on, how can you make tough business decisions while being confident that you’re on the right track? It’s often a good idea to trust your instincts because intuition is sometimes the best way to decide whether you’re on the right track. Why would you do anything if it didn’t feel right?
Of course, when you first start as a freelancer, you’ll make many mistakes, and it’s only after those mistakes that you’ll become more intuitive. Intuition, after all, is our ability to recognise patterns and perceive signals.
You will often choose a more logical decision-making approach, but you can never disregard your gut feelings as part of that process. So, when do you rely on your gut instincts in business? Here are some instances where you can trust your instincts.
The first time you meet somebody
First impressions are important, so be aware, accessible, and critical of anyone you meet. Of course, you should be wet, polite, and professional because you want people to like you right away. Paying close attention to other people’s body language and try to read between the lines of what they’re doing. There’s probably an explanation why something doesn’t feel right, and you don’t like anybody.
When you’re thinking of forming a new business relationship,
There are few people in the company you can rely on. The good people you meet in life aren’t always as plentiful as you’d like, so be cautious about who you do business with.
The best way to know for something doesn’t feel right is if it doesn’t feel right and you’ve been trying to convince yourself otherwise. Don’t hesitate if you are happy with the way things are.
When submitting work to a client for approval
If you have something to show a client for approval, such as a new website design idea or piece of copywriting, and something does not feel right, it is probably wrong. Trust your instincts and spend more time perfecting the project before seeking client input.
When a call comes into your office
Every day, a variety of people will call your office number. Always follow your instincts. What is the purpose of that person’s call? Are they genuine? And if they start asking questions, think about why they are asking them. If something does not feel right, be cautious about what you say on the call.
When you are thinking of taking on a new client,
Since you have been in the business long enough, you should choose people you work with more carefully. Steering clear of problematic people. When dealing with potential new clients, trust your intuition. The very fact that they give you negative feedback now suggests they will be a difficult client to please.
When attending a corporate meeting
Trusting your intuition will make you acutely conscious of the emotions of others. Having a good intuition will therefore give you a significant advantage when it comes to business meetings. Understanding how to communicate with others and tune into their emotions can help you become a savvy entrepreneur. After all, business is simply people collaborating, and if you are a nice person to work with, your work will be more effective.
We found ourselves in a bind. When we have to make snap decisions, do we need to make a high investment in technology or customer service? These are often the kinds of decisions that we should make intuitively.
