Finding Success Amidst Uncertainty: Lessons from Anne Till
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Entrepreneur Insight
Finding Success Amidst Uncertainty: Lessons from Anne Till, Owner of Anne Till Nutrition Group
Most definitions of entrepreneurship mention risk and many people would say that starting a business is risky. At their core, entrepreneurs are people who are willing to take on risk for financial gain.
But not all risk is treated equal. Some risk can be calculated and managed, but what about the unknown risks that are out of your control? Weather events, market changes, or supply chain shortages can happen at any time.
So, what’s their secret? How do the best business owners overcome uncertainty? Anne Till, owner of Anne Till Nutrition Group, has established and grown successful businesses in multiple countries. She has over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience and has expanded her current nutrition practice from one to three clinics in the past four years. She offers the following advice on preparing for the unknown risk of becoming a successful entrepreneur.
Don’t wait
It’s human nature to wait for ideal conditions. If unknown risk is holding you back, take steps to manage the risk that you can control. Scrutinizing costs, identifying trends early, maintaining equipment, and promoting a culture of accountability are all examples of ways you can mitigate risk. The better you are at managing your business, the less risky it becomes.
You may have more resources than you think to ensure you’re operating your business efficiently. For example, First Bank offers a suite of business products to help you manage your business. Everything from payroll and cash-flow tools to invoicing and accounting software can be managed through your First Bank business account.
Find the right people
When thinking about the people that are associated with your business, consider all of your stakeholders. In addition to your employees, a support network of suppliers, vendors, customers, and advisors that care about your business is invaluable.
Ask yourself, “If something unexpected were to happen, who can I count on to help me through?” Is your banker on that list? At First Bank, we want to be regarded as an extension of your management circle. We’re here to celebrate your wins and minimize your losses.
Keep your eye on the goal
Plan to take a step back and view the big picture on a regular basis.
If you need help with setting and keeping big picture goals, an outside perspective from an advisor like a Business Development Officer can help. Plan to meet with them regularly to check your progress towards a set of goals. If things get tough and you need to dig deep, all of the work you’ve done towards your long-term planning will help you to keep pushing through in the short-term.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution
At First Bank, we admire the similarities between the way that Anne approaches nutrition and the way that we approach banking. We believe that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. We create custom plans for each client by meeting them where they are and considering all that makes them unique.
Our banking relationship with Anne began at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. When uncertainty hit and federal funding became available to small businesses, her former bank was unresponsive and unsupportive in helping her navigate her options. When she switched to First Bank, the team at our Cary branch, led by Zinnia Hamm, immediately offered their support. We helped her secure federal funding that helped her business stay afloat throughout the pandemic. Our banking relationship has since grown and we couldn’t be happier for her entire team.
Special thanks to Anne Till for taking time to share your business advice. Congratulations on the success of your business. Visit Anne Till Nutrition Group to learn more about her approach to nutrition counseling.
