Forge Ahead

If being great in business were a sport, maybe it would be golf: the game, by many accounts, is mostly mental and, notably, success one day or even on one hole, has little say on success on the next hole or the next day. Get a hole in one? Cheers galore. Then there’s the next hole, where you can shoot two over par.

That’s sometimes the way it is for entrepreneurs — success in one area, or one year, or with one product, doesn’t necessarily beget triumphs in any other area, year or product. An outstanding entrepreneur always has to work for it, from industry disruption to an unexpected innovation. Surprise early. Delight often. Create raving fans. When he or she does that part right, it’s a hole in one. Anything less, and competitors can pass them on the leader board.