Want Investors? Be in the Ted Lasso Business
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Want Investors? Be in the Ted Lasso Business
Research has shown that a newly-high number of business ventures that emphasize social impact seem to be getting funded right now. This shift towards socially-aware entrepreneurship has been driven by regulation and investor demand, as well as the values and priorities of founders, consumers and VC employees.
And that’s a good thing.
The world has changed a lot since the pandemic. Sure, we’ve been dealing with economic and health challenges, but we’ve also started to think a lot more about how we can help each other in our communities, and in the workplace.
There are some conventional rules for building a social venture organization, such as triple-bottom-line accounting. Equity. Justice. Those are all necessary parts of the equation. Even so, choosing to make a social impact doesn’t have to be confined to B Corps.
Making the world just that little bit better is something every entrepreneur can do, unconventionally.
Social impact starts with passion.
Let’s take soccer, or football if you will, for example.
Ted Lasso, which just launched its third season on Apple TV, is a series about an American football coach working in the UK who has an unstoppable passion for the game. Ted’s passion isn’t just football itself, but coaching: helping others become the best at what they do.
Ted is also surrounded by people who love what he loves. When it comes to football, any job related to that beautiful game is likely infused by passion. Whether someone is on the team, setting up the stadium, running the plays, or selling swag in the aisles, they want to be near the action. It feels good to be a part of the football community.
And Ted? His passion is making the game that little bit better every day by building his team’s self-esteem, their dedication, and their essential magic. He does this by authentically caring about the people around him. Doing so opens a door so that people care for him in return, and, over time, he’s found a community of people by his side, winning the game.
If you’re not a part of an authentic community, or you aren’t being honest with yourself about how you want to spend your time, then are you really going to make an impact?
You have to be authentically yourself in order to put all of who you are into your work. If you love football but you’re working in a bank or on a farm or a restaurant, are you really going to succeed? You have to let go of your assumptions about success, and let go of your expectations about what it means to work for a living. Instead, you’re allowed to be the best version of yourself that you can be, no matter what field you want to play on.
Same goes for businesses.
What’s the number-one thing that I tell entrepreneurs and business leaders when they ask how to rapidly grow their business?
Build an authentic community.
Any organization can have a social impact when there’s an authentic intention to building something bigger than themselves. That authenticity, that collective passion? It builds momentum behind products, services, and lifestyles.
I'm a big believer in trade shows and industry associations and conferences. I care about connecting with people who share my unique interests and passion in life. I show up and, right away, I’m face-to-face with people I want to know. I shake people's hands. I learn about them and I care about them.
And that’s key: Caring. Authentically.
Actually care about your customers. Care about your team. Care about your vendors. Care about your investors. Care about your industry peers.
Why?
People show up because they feel like they’re a part of something.
You need to show up to make that possible. You need to show up, first, for yourself and your ideas. Then, you need to show up for everyone else. Care about them, understand them, believe in them, spend time with them. Listen to what they have to tell you. Use your gift of human connection to build your community, one person at a time.
Most of all, don’t hesitate at making unconventional choices. Carve out your place. Know yourself. Be passionate every day.
If every one of us could commit to being our best selves with each other, doing whatever we do best in the work we choose to do, the world would be a better place.
I hope you enjoyed the read and are ready to make your passion your lifestyle.
Until next time.
Let’s Grow!
Here are 4 other ways I can help you grow:
Get my new book GROW: 12 Unconventional Lessons for Becoming an Unstoppable Entrepreneur
Work with me 1:1 to grow your business.
Listen to my Founder to Mentor podcast. (new episodes weekly)
Get my free mentorship growth tools at www.fatafleishman.org.
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