His business was going nowhere fast. In fact, it was spiralling downward at ever-increasing speed. But when I showed him proven systems and applied ideas that would turn his business around at no cost and at no risk, he refused! It made no sense. And it wasn't the first time I had encountered this situation. Why do smart people make dumb business decisions? Why do they turn a blind eye to solutions that would be obvious to any objective observer?

Ever heard someone say, "I've been in this business five years and I'm not about to throw it all away!" when he's on the road to bankruptcy? Why such an illogical choice? It's not really that complicated. People in business are not necessarily entrepreneurs to begin with - they're simply people who happen to own businesses. They know a lot about a little. And the choices they make are controlled by their conditioning, beliefs, fears and limited experience.

The biggest barrier to solid business decisions is emotions. Ego and the fear of failure, ridicule and loss make people do irrational things. We all avoid change and tend to get stuck in ruts. Our momentum propels us onward into financial difficulties. We would rather shoot the messenger than accept a solution that requires change. That's why I seldom accept consulting work anymore - it's just too frustrating. There is, however, a way to open our eyes, remove scatomas, and see the value in solutions. After all, we don't have money problems; we have thinking problems.

Here are a few suggestions: get together with people who have no vested interest in your business and are therefore objective and unattached. Mix only with people who are successful, honest and generous. Meet regularly with your Mastermind Group or Joint Venture Group and listen to what they have to say. Read the latest information. Think of your business as a Monopoly game. Get your ego in check. Ask, "What if?" more often and don't succumb to "role contamination" - thinking that you are your business, or confusing what you do with who you are. Release your business. Be prepared to walk away. Think LOGICALLY.

Robin J. Elliott

Robin J. Elliott has worked with literally thousands of businesses, in Africa, Canada and the United States since 1987 and has trained and spoken to thousands in his seminars. He has appeared on national television and radio and in national newspapers and conducts his business on an international level.

His passion and specialty is helping people to start and grow their own businesses using Joint Ventures. His mission is to share the magic and power of Joint Ventures with entrepreneurs worldwide and to facilitate meetings between like minded businesspeople through his Joint Venture Forum.

Robin J. Elliott has been officially included in the International Who's Who of Entrepreneurs in 2002 and has been nominated as a candidate for inclusion in the 2004-2005 edition of the International WHO'S WHO of Professionals. He has won international sales awards and was a Finalist in the Ernst and Young "Against All Odds National Entrepreneur Competition." Robin was an Executive Director of the South African Sales Association (STASA) and has been a Rotary International Director.

Robin's articles are published in national magazines and his regular, weekly e newsletter articles reach over 23,000 people per week.

He has written six books and has made fourteen videos and dozens of audiotapes and CD's. He is a sought-after speaker.

His training and qualifications includes Hotel management, Transactional Analysis, Organization and Methods (Work Study), Sales, Marketing, and Management, Personality Styles, Psychology, Theology and Public Speaking.

Robin has been married for 20 years to Frederika Elliott. Frederika (Rika) Elliott has degrees in education, Minimal Brain Dysfunction and more. She lectured at a Teachers Training College, taught school and has worked alongside Robin in their business since 1987. Rika owned and ran Success Consultants and has an intimate understanding of Joint Ventures.

Robin and Rika live in beautiful Vancouver, Canada. They enjoy business, downhill snow skiing, swimming, kayaking, hiking, reading and traveling.