Max Gellert, CEO of Blush Boot Camp, shares his experience of starting a business, emphasizing that it is not easy but has been incredibly rewarding. With a background in the fitness industry, Gellert felt confident about owning his first gym in 2014, but nothing quite prepared him for the challenges of running a business. He acknowledges that the lessons learned from owning a business apply to all aspects of life, and he is grateful for the growth that it has brought him.
Delegating responsibilities as a first-time business owner can be daunting, akin to a parent leaving their child with a babysitter for the first time. Gellert highlights the importance of trusting and empowering team members to contribute their skills and insights. By allowing team members to take on tasks and responsibilities, a culture of collaboration, trust, and mutual support can be fostered, ultimately lifting the burden from the business owner and allowing for more effective teamwork.
Gellert acknowledges that every business journey involves failure, with his first year of BLUSH Fitness being no exception. Despite making every possible mistake from targeting the wrong demographic to signing a terrible lease, he emphasizes that failure is okay—it is how you deal with it that matters. Instead of giving up when faced with setbacks, Gellert encourages resilience and perseverance, reframing failure as a natural part of the business process that ultimately brings you closer to success.
Maintaining confidence in oneself is crucial for business owners, according to Gellert. He advises holding on to the unwavering belief that what you are doing will work, even when faced with challenges and adversity. Losing confidence can be detrimental to the success of a business, Gellert warns, underscoring the importance of perseverance and self-belief in the face of uncertainty and difficulties.
Adaptability is key for entrepreneurs, Gellert explains, as it involves embracing uncertainty and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles to be avoided. Cultivating a learning mindset, staying curious, and being open to new ideas are essential for navigating the ever-changing landscape of business. Gellert encourages business owners to continually ask themselves what the next step is, keeping the learning process ongoing as challenges and new questions arise.
In conclusion, Gellert emphasizes the importance of developing a vision for oneself and pursuing it relentlessly in the world of business. Rather than waiting for the “perfect time,” he advises taking action and seizing opportunities as they come. Gellert’s insights serve as a valuable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to navigate the complexities of starting and running a successful business.
