# Businesses that Last By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2022-12-27 To build something that lasts, it must be self-sustaining in some way. Otherwise, it will eventually fall apart. Most entrepreneurs get this wrong right out of the gate. They build a business fueled not by profits but by endless debt and delusions. They are not creating a lasting business but one that fuels their own ego. While the beginning often calls for investments and risk, the goal should be to generate sustainable profits as soon as possible. It's not glorious, but it also means less pain and stress as you constantly try to figure out how you will keep fueling the beast. Gambling is addictive, and if you aren't building toward sustainability, gambling is what you are doing. The house always wins. This also applies to nonprofits and charitable organizations, which are really just IRS tax code designations. So, step one towards sustainability is to ensure you make more money than you spend. Step two is to find ways for your organization to benefit from disorder and randomness. Instead of falling apart when times get tough, your organization actually grows and strengthens. What does this look like? Intelligent hedging, not growing when it is easy, investing in the best people possible, building complex adaptive operating systems and principles, and emphasizing development as a top priority. #### Related Items [[Business]] [[Management]] [[Antifragile]] [[Sustainable]]