by Yolanda Ndhlovu, founder of Essy Sandisiwe
“Noise is good if it's energising and supporting you doing your thing — if the market is cheering you on, and your voice is being heard, that's great noise. If it's music that sings it's way to your thing, that's noise you need.” — Lucy Loves Business
I once went for a team building session and we played a certain game. Individual A would narrate a story while Individual B would shout random words as A was telling the story. The trick was for A to use those random words in their story without stopping. It was a great lesson in entrepreneurship especially for creative entrepreneurs.
What really happens when you are hit by ‘noise’? When prices have gone up and supplies will not fit your budget? Noisy staff? A noisy mailbox? A noisy client? Creators block? A competitor selling a similar product or service and selling it cheaper? Increasing interest rates or changes in policies that place more red tape in how you do business?
These are a few things that could help:
Work in an environment with a risk matrix: Entrepreneurs need to be prepared for an event or noise that might affect their business. These unwanted incidences are known as risks. By using a risk matrix, a company can not only identify the size of the risk, but it can help explain whether or not the risk can be controlled. You are able to move forward accordingly
Pressure should be handled with care towards your immediate environment that is your team. Whilst playing the game, I noticed the pressure that came with trying to place a new word into the story. I realized that we do that whenever there is noise. There is a discourse that happens. Self care must be taken into account to handle pressure because the noise never leaves. Something will always come up.
Always remember that in creative businesses, doing the same thing to stay sustainable is unsustainable. Growth also requires change and adapting to new environments to stay on trend but also trying to balance with the original goal of the business. In the end, embracing the noise may look like a hindrance but it actually encourages growth.
