How to grow a living system—like a business

Often in my contemplations there are both practical and ephemeral considerations. On the practical side, this image represents a critical lesson that, in my professional life, took me years and many trials to learn. It’s a lesson in strategy when trying to create a social entity such as a business or non-profit organization. Simply put the lesson learned is this: birth begins with a seed. Bottom up. I tried and was disappointed twice because my time, energy and money were invested in top down strategies, that is, developing business plans and initiatives to raise the money to purchase existing “trees” (television channels) instead of planting and nourishing seeds.

In each instance, the vision was so clear, beautiful and sound from a business perspective, I and my colleagues assumed it would be an easy sell. On paper it looked great. But no matter how grand the vision, no matter how thought out, researched and presented, if there isn’t an established track record of financial success, investors will be reluctant to take the risk. They want potential that has been demonstrated to some extent, not a vision.

Growing from a seed is a hard lesson to learn, particularly when the envisioned outcome is so obviously desirable. Those who can see it want it to become real as soon as possible. Were I to start again, my strategic model would be the oak tree. Find an acorn—a seed idea taken from an initiative that has already enjoyed sustained success, modify its purpose and design (DNA) appropriate to the vision, plant the seed by creating a start-up operation that’s as small as possible so the life force can emerge, nurture it according to its growth needs, cut out the weeds (naysayers) and let it grow. In business terms, learn through failures, establish cash flow, keep modifying the design according to what works, and expand only when necessary.

Another aspect that I think is critical when growing a collaborative enterprise that’s unique, is to constantly empower and engage the vision holder, title or no title. The Apple “tree” that Steven Jobs envisioned, birthed and continuously refreshed has been successful because his colleagues (fighting tooth and nail,)honored his vision and commitment such that they kept him in the top decision-making position. It was a rocky road, but in doing so they built a tree that’s robust and resilient.

On the more ephemeral side, this image points me to the unification of the three worlds—celestial, terrestrial and underworld—envisioned by indigenous peoples. Also, the stained glass window standing in as “roots” evokes a sense of the strength and light that are conveyed to the body of the tree. Or person.

All things must come to the soul from its roots, from where it is planted.

                         St. Teresa of Avila

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My other sites—

Love And Light greetings.com: A twice-weekly blog featuring wisdom quotes and perspectives in science and spirituality intended to inspire and empower

David L. Smith Photography Portfolio.com: Black and white and color photography

Ancient Maya Cultural Traits.com: Weekly blog featuring the traits that made this civilization unique 

smithdl@fuse.net