The Gut Check Business

Posted by Jordan Dessauer on May 23, 2022

Originally posted on June 27, 2011 by John Dessauer

I read one of my favorite blogs (Red Head Writing – She is a hilarious!) this week and it got me to think about its topic. Gut Feel. This is a natural instinct that everyone has, but hardly anyone uses consistently. In business, it is your best weapon.

In my entrepreneurial career, I have created and continue to create many companies. Some have worked out great, others have struggled, and some are just so-so. I believe it is your gut feel that not only creates a good business, but also its level of so-called success. Deals and businesses sometimes are too good to be true.

Donald Trump said, “Experience taught me a few things. One is to listen to your gut, no matter how good something sounds on paper. The second is that you’re generally better off sticking with what you know. And the third is that sometimes your best investments are the ones you don’t make.” To me that means three things. 1) Listen to your gut. 2) Stick with what you know. If you don’t know it, learn it before making a decision. 3) Its o.k. to say no in business (and in life).

I have had a gut feel about people I have gone into business with and every time it turns out to be the correct feeling (good and bad). It’s how you communicate with your gut that makes the most difference. It’s actually when you ignore that gut feeling, is when you should be relying on it most.

When we ignore our gut feelings we ignore the primal instincts that we have as a species. Think about your history with gut feelings. Gut feelings about a job, partner (personal and business), or a business idea. You were usually right. I am learning to use my gut feel more. Here is what I would suggest:

Remove your head and heart when making decisions in business. I went to a pretty good business school for college. They would have never said not to use your head when making decisions. In the real world however, your gut instincts have more power than you think. They will not only keep you safe, but also make you money. Go with Your Gut and your head and heart will follow!

Your truest gut feel comes to you among tranquility. If you need to discover your gut feel about something in business, go to a quiet space. I love to go to my quiet space to think clearly. I also think that meditation brings out the best in gut feels. Learn to recognize the gut feel as your inner voice.

Always pay homage to your bad decisions. When you make a bad decision, you always say things like “I knew it!” or “I had a bad feeling about this!” Try to review all of the bad business decisions you have made and how you communicated to yourself afterward. That communication should echo how important it is to listen to your gut in business.

You already have this business skill. Great news! You already possess the skills necessary for this. You do not have to invest in any products or schools. This is something that we have been evolving with since we started to exist on the planet. Use it!

If you start to implement these ideas in your business, you can have an instant mentor that looks out for your every move. It may take some practice, but in time you can get pretty good at not only making decisions, but also making them on the fly. This can be critical to your success!

“Remember, wealth has nothing to do with money, success has everything to do with failure, and life is as simple as you make it!”

– John Dessauer