What if you only got one cider? The high stakes of preparation in business.

Category: Entrepreneurship

Last Modified: 4/29/2025, 11:18:39 AM

Stop Overthinking, Start Doing: The Cider Principle and Business Success

Let's be blunt: You're wasting time. Overanalyzing, second-guessing, and making excuses. The real world doesn't care about your perfect plan; it rewards action. This isn't some motivational poster; it's a survival guide for the business battlefield. The 'Always get two ciders' principle isn't about alcohol; it's about preparation. It's about having a backup, a contingency, an ace up your sleeve when the inevitable curveball comes hurtling your way.

This principle applies to every facet of your business. Forget the fancy business school jargon; let's get real. Are you ready to dominate? Let's get started.

Step 1: Anticipate the Inevitable

Every business faces challenges. The question isn't if you'll face them, but when. Will your supplier fail? Will a key employee leave? Will the market shift overnight? You need to think like a chess grandmaster, several moves ahead. Brainstorm potential problems and create a list. Don’t be naive. Don't underestimate the power of Murphy's Law.

• Supplier issues: Identify alternative suppliers; build strong relationships.
• Employee turnover: Invest in employee retention; develop clear succession plans.
• Market shifts: Stay informed about industry trends; adapt your strategies.

Step 2: Develop Your Contingency Plan

This isn't about creating a 500-page document. It’s about creating clear, actionable solutions for the problems you identified. For each potential issue, develop a clear course of action. What will you do if X happens? Don't just think it through, write it down. This is your insurance policy. This is your second cider.

"A backup plan is not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of intelligence." – Unknown

Step 3: The Power of Redundancy

Redundancy isn't inefficiency; it's survival. Redundancy means having multiple ways to achieve the same goal. It's having several potential clients, not just one. It’s having different marketing channels, not just one. It’s having multiple revenue streams, not just one.

• Multiple marketing channels: Don't rely solely on one platform; diversify across social media, email marketing, and more.
• Multiple income streams: Diversify revenue sources to cushion against any potential loss in a single area.
• Strong client portfolio: Don't put all your eggs in one basket; build a diversified client base.

Step 4: Test, Adapt, Repeat

Your plans are not set in stone. The business world is dynamic. Regularly review your contingency plans and adapt them to new information and challenges. Run tests, analyze the results, and adjust your strategies accordingly. Don't get married to a plan that's not working.

Step 5: Embrace the Unexpected

The best-laid plans often go awry. Don’t let unexpected challenges derail your business. View every setback as an opportunity to learn and adapt. The ability to roll with the punches is what separates the winners from the losers.

Resources

• Business planning software
• Market research databases
• Project management tools

Conclusion

Stop waiting for the perfect moment. Stop overthinking. Stop making excuses. The time for action is now. The world is waiting for your greatness. But it's not going to hand it to you on a silver platter. You have to grab it. You have to fight for it. The only thing standing between you and success is your own inaction. Get your two ciders ready. Now go make it happen. What are you waiting for?