Make It So

I have a couple of phrases that take pride of place on my workshop wall. Both mean something to me and keep me motivated on those days when motivation wants to walk off in a sulk. One of them is: "Make It So."

For those of you who are "Next Generation" Star Trekkies, you will recognize the great words often spoke by Jean Luc Picard as he leads his crew with an incredible determined confidence. I love him. Always strong in adversity and always compassionate throughout the most difficult of situations.

Jean Luc Picard is a hero for me. A kind of idol to look up at and aspire to be. I think we need idols when we're learning to wear the shoes of the small business CEO. Okay, so this television character tours the galaxy in the world of make believe science fiction and probably has many of you yawning already. But seriously... this man is the go-to-guy of my business day. So do I see my soap company as the Starship Enterprise with me sitting in the commanding chair? Hell, yeah!

"I wish I could find a few more quality craft shows to sell my products at."

Make it so.

"I wish I could get a bit of exposure for my company in the local newspaper."

Make it so.

"I wish I could have my products reviewed on a great blog."

Make it so.

"I wish I didn't have to sit at this desk pouring over paperwork. I wish I had a book-keeper."

Make it so.

"I wish I had a little bit of help. Just a couple of times a week would do."

Make it so.

It's easy to "make it so" when you are your own Jean Luc Picard. Any one of the above wishes and desires can be yours for the taking with just those three little words. Of course, Captain Picard has his own crew to "make it so" for him and many small business owners are going it alone. We are the captain of our ship, and we are the crew. But in being your own crew the skies are the limit... and there's no galaxy you can't reach for.

The next time you hear yourself making wishes for your business, step into the shoes of Captain Jean Luc Picard. Go write that email. Go pick up the phone. Make your wish list of what your small business needs to succeed... and then go "make it so." It really is a simple as making the command when you're the captain of your own Enterprise.

What will you "make so" today? Are you reaching for the stars?