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Reaching for low hanging fruit

Being realistic is not one of my strengths. I tend to be a dreamer and an optimist. The positive side to this trait is that I am always excited because I am pursuing my dreams. The down side is that I sometimes set goals that are unrealistic and unattainable. This often leads to discouragement and frustration.

A friend and business collaborator was reviewing some of our business plans and goals, and she used an expression that has stayed with me ever since. She said the first order of business is to go for the low hanging fruit. Reaching for the low hanging fruit is to target goals that are easily achievable and which do not require a lot of effort. Once you experience success in this first step it acts as a stepping stone to success in the more complex areas.

Are you trying to tackle a goal that seems a little out of reach? Why not step down and see what is already within your grasp? Success begets success no matter how small.

Here I am in the Nassarawa area of Northern Nigeria, reaching for some low hanging fruit. Mangoes are coming into season and these are just begging to be picked. In a few weeks they will be ripe and ready for picking.

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Comment by Funlayo Alabi-Shea Radiance on February 6, 2010 at 6:40pm: Hi Eugenia,

I completely agree with you

Comment by EUGENIA AKUETE on February 6, 2010 at 5:32pm: Your post is sooo true. reaching out for the low hanging fruits that easy to reach is not the easiest way to star but alo provided you with the inspiration, strength and energy to keep persevering. I am also a dreamer and tend to talk about my outcome before thinking through the process properly but with time i have learned to take the time to think about the process and to iron out the problems and challenges before coming out with my final goal! Success is one day at a time a little at a time. Just like a baby learning to walk! You fall down and get up try all over again and before you know your wobbly first steps have become firm steps ready for the next level, running a marathorn!
Eugenia Akuete
CEO, Naasakle Ltd, Ghana
Producers of Premium Quality Shea Butter and All natural African black Soap.

Comment by dM, CEO on April 27, 2009 at 4:25pm: Funlayo:

As Jenn said, awesome post. In today's Indie Business Radio Show, the guest said that, as far as his business is concerned, there are 2 types of people:

1. Those who always buy his products
2. Those who will probably buy his products if they learn about them
3. Those who will never buy his products

He said he doesn't bother at all with the third category. He invests some time in the first category -- which I would call the low hanging fruit.

He spends most of his time in the second category.

I guess if we spend most of our time in the second category, we capture the low hanging fruit (the first category) no matter what.

This logic is appealing beause it means we get the benefit of the low hanging fruit without limiting ourselves to it.

The show's only been over for a few hours so I'm still digesting this thinking.

Would love to hear your, Jenn's and others' thoughts.

Indie Love,
dM

Comment by Premium IBN Member Jenn Givler on April 24, 2009 at 7:30am: What a great reminder... I think it must be a common trait for entrepreneurs to set enormous expectations for themselves. We're naturally driven and motivated, so it stands to reason that we would have high expectations of ourselves.

Your post is such a great reminder that we can be driven, and motivated, and have big goals and big dreams... but we also need to take it step-by-step.

Love the picture of you in Northern Nigeria!

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