Big or Small Fish: What’s your entrepreneur growth mindset?
The “Big Fish” entrepreneur growth mindset is sabotaging more creators than you think. Here’s why the “small fish” approach unlocks real growth.
The Big Fish Mindset Trap
Someone I admire recently posted a thoughtful inquiry regarding their following’s preference on the old saying “Big fish in a small pond/Small fish in a big pond” specifically in regards to the entrepreneur growth mindset. You can find that here.
In considering this excellent prompt, I spent some time this week researching about the origin of the saying and found this short article. The article states:
“The implication behind labelling someone ‘a big fish in a small pond’ is that he/she is content to stay in that position whereas the ‘small fish’ have the chance to become ‘big fish in a big pond’.”
Conclusion: My understanding of the expression was the opposite! And, this mistake may have cost my entrepreneur growth mindset.
Why the Small Fish Mindset Wins
I always thought that being a big fish in a small pond meant someone with the desire to influence, lead, and hold space around their expertise. But we should WANT to be a small fish in a big pond… because it means having AMBITION TO GROW.
What’s amazing to me, is I already knew this in my gut: Once you hit a certain level of “bigness” you might assume you have done enough or forget to search for spaces you can grow into, and others who can help you thrive there. Being a big fish in a small pond does actually (literally) make you THE big deal, but where to next? Are you sure you want to stay comfortable and complacent?
How I See This Every Day in Education + Entrepreneurship Mindset
I observed this mindset for YEARS with HUNDREDS of individuals I worked with who initially chose pathways that seemed the easiest or would take the least amount of effort. Through encouraging each of them to leave their “small ponds” and push themselves academically, socially, and even psychologically, I supported them to move into a “small fish” mindset, and I am so proud of what they accomplished by doing so.
My business was founded to continue in this work. I was initially inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of several creators who helped me see more in myself. They are incredible mentors. However, I was surprised that the educational products and services they have been offering have room to grow. I love solving problem and immediately saw myself returning the support and inspiration back to them through my own expertise. I saw a need for ME in their journeys of success.
Now, in my work, I improve and solidify offerings to help my clients INCREASE their entrepreneur growth mindset and:
- Make more money
- Remain competitive in their fields
- Increase their brand loyalty
I will be “diving further” (see what I did there?) into each of the below through this blog, so make sure to sign up for my newsletter to get each of these directly to your inbox.
Alright enough treading water (I can’t help myself!) here we go…below are the BIG 10 BIG FISH MINDSETS I believe are the most detrimental and sabotaging to the entrepreneur growth mindset and business expansion in the educational space.
BIG 10 BIG FISH FOUNDER MINDSETS TO AVOID
- “I know everything about this subject; I can just create a course myself.”
- “Creating a course shouldn’t take more than a month.”
- “I am a great lecturer so it will be easy to create an online course on this material.”
- “All of my customers and followers will get what they need from the same course.”
- “I already know what my customers and followers want to learn from me.”
- “I will just give them more of me! Videos and lives make the biggest impact.”
- “I am so excited to launch. Then, I will finally be finished.”
- “The course I made is great, if I make another my clients will want to take it as well.”
- “To build community, my course just needs an open learning space.”
- “Of course, my clients will be eager to give me testimonials.”
Next Steps for Course Creators and Visionaries
Ready to stop swimming in circles?
I can’t wait to work alonside you!
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Until next time – keep shining for those who would otherwise remain in the dark. Be the light!
