With all the rabbit paraphernalia about for Easter it got me thinking about some of our favourite rabbit characters and the things we can learn about business from them.
Some wisdom from Rabbits:
Everyone needs a friend who is all ears. We can’t always go it alone. Sometimes we need a sounding board, preferably one or more mentors/ coaches / friends who will listen to our worries and ideas and give constructive feedback. Even if they don’t offer any advice at all, sometimes saying your concerns out loud help will help you make better decisions.
Sometimes you need to be the one with big ears! Make sure you have easy ways for your customers to get in touch and give you feedback – good and bad. As they say – every customer complaint is a gift.
It’s not a race but a journey. Much like the hare in Aesop’s fable “The Hare and the Tortoise” it pays to be aware and not miss something out of ‘busyness’. While entrepreneurs can suffer somewhat from hurry sickness, it pays to be thorough.
Rabbit in Winnie the Pooh is extremely busy and self confessed as ‘very important’. He is often in a rush to get somewhere, or do something, or see a Pooh about a Piglet. With so many relatives and friends to visit, sometimes Rabbit doesn’t take care of things in his own back yard. Sometimes we need to put our own needs in front of others.
You don’t have to be big and scary to be effective. Sometimes a soft approach is most appropriate.
Go forth and multiply. Is your business resilient and ready to multiply?
In the Chinese Zodiac, the Rabbit people are the happiest, the people most certain to be happy, they are gifted, nice to be with, discreet, refined, reserved, ambitious but not too much so – and virtuous into the bargain. Nobody ignores them, for they are good company and know how to make the best of themselves. The Rabbit is not easily provoked. He is calm, placid, pacifist. First key to being a successful entrepreneur is to know thyself and play to your strengths and overcome your weaknesses.
Pet rabbits are not legal in Queensland. Know about your legal obligations in regards to your business.
Do the bunny hop. Take time to celebrate and enjoy life. When’s the last time you jumped up and down for joy??