Cultivating Your Roots of Power: A Readiness Self-Assessment

For Small Business Owners, business readiness is more than a financial metric—it is a holistic ecosystem of resilience. We call this the "Roots of Power." Our community often faces systemic headwind, which makes internal strength the non-negotiable foundation for external success. Financial and sales power are not coincidences; they are the fruit produced by deep roots in people-centered leadership and radical self-discipline. Before you ask a bank for capital, you must ask yourself if your internal infrastructure can handle the weight of that growth.

To move from "thinking about it" to "being about it," use this diagnostic self-assessment. Be honest with yourself—your legacy depends on it.

The Readiness Checklist

  • I have at least six months of personal savings to support my household before I draw a single dollar from the business.

  • I can explain my business model and value proposition in a 30-second "elevator pitch" to any stakeholder.

  • I have the discipline to set monthly sales targets and meet them, even when it requires working seven days a week.

  • I am willing to delegate tasks I enjoy to others so I can focus on high-level strategic decision-making.

  • I have researched my specific industry's licensing and bonding requirements and am prepared to stay compliant.

  • I can analyze my own credit report and explain any blemishes to a future lender.

The "So What?" Layer: We need to debunk the "Super-Founder" myth immediately. One of the most dangerous lies in entrepreneurship is that successful owners do it all themselves. In reality, the "do-it-all" approach is a recipe for founder burnout and stagnation. Strategic scaling requires moving from a "jack-of-all-trades" mindset to that of a CEO who utilizes expert advisors and a capable team. If you can’t trust others to help carry the vision, you aren't building a business—you’re building a cage. Once you have assessed your internal readiness, the next strategic step is formalizing your relationship with external financial power.


Carlos Gladden