20/05/2026
" I got a "not yet" today, and it was one of the best meetings I’ve had all year.
I sat down with a local restaurant owner yesterday to talk about systems, operations, and the grind of running a business.
He’s four weeks into his journey, having recently made a major career pivot from the corporate world to the kitchen. We talked about the pressure, the late nights, and that feeling of trying to figure everything out while the clock is ticking.
I pitched him on my systems work. He looked at me, smiled, and said, "It’s a great idea. Honestly, it’s exactly what this industry needs."
But then he did something I didn't expect. He didn't just give me a "yes" or "no." He gave me a masterclass in market pricing. We sat there, tweaked my proposal together, and he showed me exactly how to make it fit for the local market reality.
He said he’s not ready to pull the trigger today—he’s still stabilizing the ship—but he told me, "I’m proud of you. You’re young, you’re putting in the work, and you’re spending your time on something that actually creates value."
That hit home.
In a world where everyone is trying to look perfect on social media, I’m here to tell you: I’m not there yet. I’m figuring it out, one meeting at a time. I’m learning that the "no" isn't a dead end—it’s just the start of a relationship.
To the restaurant owner I met yesterday: Thank you for the honesty and the advice. I’m taking notes, I’m adjusting, and I’m keeping at it.
Who else is in the "figuring it out" phase? Let’s connect in the comments.
