Young entrepreneurs are interested in 'positive action' not 'politics'

Most weeks in Mozzo I get to talk to people who share many challenges and work similarities to myself. Passionate people running their own business that are simply focused on doing the best they can for the people within their business and the people immediately effected by it. Whether these people in the private sector i.e. bars, cafes or restaurants; that I meet choose to work with Mozzo or not I always admire their approach to making positive things happen for themselves, their community and their customers. 

Occasionally Mozzo leads me to be facing the challenge of presenting or meeting elements of the public sector with the end of aim being to hopefully secure work or opportunities for Mozzo.Since dealing with my local city council last year at the time of Mozzo's launch I have attempted to stay away from organisations such as City Councils. However last week I found myself observing and learning at first hand the most ridiculous level of responsibility passing and opportunity wasting I have ever seen. University does not prepare one for negotiation skills or even make one aware of skills needed when dealing with people motivated by political aims. I sat in two meetings last week with my brain on over drive... can I speak now? Should I raise this point? Should I mention my project? Should I ask for action? I even raised the issue of measurability to record progress... something that I do personally and I know that Mozzo like many other businesses and pro-active organisations do on a daily, weekly and yearly basis. No chance! A wise old gentleman at one of these meetings witnessed my obvious torment and gave me some advice... "make it happen... tell them its happening... then wait... you will soon see they want to support you."  

My lesson from last week was one of 'TIMING'. In business especially when businesses and politically driven organisations meet the timing of ones actions and words can make or break what ever goal you are working towards. I end this with a smile as tomorrow I will be in Brighton talking and working with positive people who take responsibility make good things happen. Though the challenge I face next week shifts back to developing my sales skills. Passion has been my answer so far... we will have to see how far passion can go!