When you’re trying to decide to grow citrus or peaches, strawberries or blueberries, you need to carefully consider information from various sources. In my professional experience, as business owners there are many decisions we are faced with daily, and sometimes it is easy to overlook some of the variables. In other words, wearing blinders is a common business mistake. [emember_protected custom_msg=”Click here and register now to read the rest of the article!”]
Let’s face it. You probably have some experts you usually rely on when you’re planning the future of your farm or ranch business. They’ve gained your ear – and your trust. But the truth is, it’s easy to give their opinion too much weight.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) officials say businesses often err by relying too much on experts, authorities, parents, and others with credibility. At the same time, they may discount the opinion of young people, old people, homemakers, blue-collar workers, artists, and those from outside groups. Business owners may even discount their own opinions, believing that an expert knows more than they do!
When you are discounting someone’s input, it’s a good idea to ask why. Make sure you are not just seeing what you want to see. And, while you are at it, make sure you think through your gut feelings on the topic. Even if we can’t explain our emotions, our instincts may be processing relevant information and leading us to the best conclusion.
CREDITS
column by Baxter Troutman
BIO: Baxter Troutman is founder and chief executive officer of Labor Solutions, a staffing company with offices in Bartow, Winter Haven, Lake Wales, and Arcadia. A citrus grower who served in the Florida House of Representatives, Troutman understands the challenges and concerns of today’s farmer. [/emember_protected]