Working like a donkey?

Sometimes it is better to tell a story than giving a lecture. Of course it is possible lecturing about starting up small enterprises. Lots of items. The finances. The regulations. The managing. The buying and selling. The suppliers and clients. The administration. How long should such a bullet list be? How complex (dreadfull?) this lecture could be?

So, better telling a story. Especially when sharing a meeting with 150 Zambian ladies, who just started up their businesses on micro credits! So many people advising them. Telling them what to do and what to refrain from.l

Maybe starting a small business is like a grandfather with grandchild and donkey on his way from one village to the other.

After a few minutes walking the first people on the road started to whisper.
"Do you see that old man with the child and that donkey? What a cruel old man! Why can't he let the child ride on the back of the donkey. The child is far too young to walk to the next village on his own feet."

De old man heard. Intending to stop the criticism he put te child on the back of the donkey. They continued their journey.

After a couple of minutes they met new people on the road. As soon as they passed by,  these people started to make comments under their breath.
"Did you see them? Shameless boy. Letting his grandfather walk, while enjoying like a prince on a horse! . Doesn't he have any respectfor the traditions in this country?"

Sighing deeply the old man traded places with his grandson. Of course just untill the next meeting with people on the road.
"Those stupid people even don't know what a donkey is for. It is a working animal, strong enough for carrying both people!"

The old man said nothing. He climbed on the donkey behind his grandchild. They tried to continue the journey to the next village.

Then again, people on the road. Whispering,  criticising, nagging.
"Why is it that some people do not have respect for animals. Don't they realise this donkey is too old and skinny to carry two people at the same time? People having two string legs of their own?"

What do you think what the old man decided to do? What would you, in his place, decide. Which advise is okay? Which words are better to ignored?

So if you start your (entrepreneurial) journey to the next village and beyond, you will meet people on the road. It is up to you what to do. It is your expedition.

Good journey!