No matter how nice or hard working you are, the kind of business you run matters.

Growing up, a nice retired couple lived up the street. They were the Teefertillers. In one of those life imitates life imitates art kinds of situations, Mr. Teefertiller decided he wanted to supplement his retirement income and tilled up his back yard in order to farm worms for profit. Every blade of grass was pulled up, a raised bed was created the size of his entire back yard, and truckloads of fertile dirt were brought in. Then came the worms. I remember the day they arrived. Mr. Teefertiller glowed with excitement. He nearly rubbed his hands together with glee. Those worms represented a higher standard of living, financial freedom, the ability to take more vacations, and eat out at fancy restaurants more often. Mr. Teefertiller was going to bring home the bacon in style. 

In addition to his time and energy, Mr. Teefertiller invested money on:

• Worms
• Pricey worm farming resources
• Special worm-friendly dirt
• Hired laborers to uproot his entire backyard and create raised beds

Mr. Teefertiller probably went to bed a happy man.

He remained upbeat about his worm farming business for about the first two weeks. By then, it became clear that there was trouble in worm paradise. A creek ran behind our houses. A large creek overflowing with wildlife that attracted lots of birds. It didn’t take the birds long to notice Mr. Teefertiller’s all night worm buffet. 

Mr. Teefertiller became increasingly worried, restless, and asked all us neighborhood kids to keep an eye out for animals in his backyard, in vain hopes that this would cure his hungry bird issue. He put up scarecrows. In vain, he bought more worms, in hopes that they would out multiply the birds’ appetites. Eventually he quit talking about his worm farming business and our parents were gracious enough to stop asking about it. But at least Mr. Teefertiller had a backyard ready for landscaping!

Poor Mr. Teefertiller learned the hard way that most “get rich easy” businesses do indeed make people get rich easily. Unfortunately those people are the ones selling the “businesses!”

What kind of business do you want to build online? 

Beware of buying ready made business models. Look what people want/need and where your own experience/expertise lies. With enough research, you can absolutely find a sweet spot online where you can prosper by giving people great service.

Need help launching your business online? Work with me. I’ve got some time available during October and November and will be happy to help you to refine your focus so that you put your best foot forward online. And launch a business that lasts.

Photo credit: Bird snacking on worm

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