Take the leap! Discomfort is a part of growth.

 

Let’s be real—taking risks can be intimidating. The idea of stepping into the unknown, with no guarantee of success, isn’t something most of us jump at. But here’s the truth: growth almost always requires a little discomfort. At Arvo Tech, we’ve lived this truth. Our co-founder, Terracina Maxwell, puts it simply: “Stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for growth.”

This isn’t just a nice-sounding idea—it’s a fact of running a small business. Whether you’re thinking about investing in new equipment, hiring your first employee, or offering a new service, taking risks is part of the journey. And more often than not, it’s worth it.

 

Why taking risks matters

 

If you look at successful businesses, they didn’t get where they are by playing it safe. Taking risks is how they grew, solved problems, and found new opportunities.

Think about Netflix. Back in the early 2000s, they were a DVD rental company. They made the bold decision to shift to streaming, even though the technology wasn’t fully there yet. It was a risky move—people were still getting used to the internet for entertainment. But Netflix saw the potential, took the leap, and completely transformed the way we watch TV and movies.

Or take Amazon. In 2014, they launched Amazon Web Services (AWS), a cloud computing service. It wasn’t an obvious next step for an online retailer. But they took the risk, and AWS is now one of Amazon’s most profitable ventures.

The lesson? Big rewards often come from big risks. Sure, things might not go perfectly, but without taking that leap, companies like Netflix and Amazon wouldn’t be the giants they are today. The same goes for small businesses—your big leap could be the start of something amazing.

 

Shift how you think about risk

Fear of failure is natural. No one likes the idea of making mistakes or losing money, especially when it’s your own business on the line. But failure doesn’t have to be the end of the story.

Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, has a great perspective on this. She once said, “Failure is not the outcome. Failure is not trying. Don’t be afraid to fail.” Her willingness to embrace mistakes helped her turn a $5,000 idea into a billion-dollar brand.

Then there’s Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group. He famously said, “You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing and by falling over.” His career is full of risks—some successful, some not—but every misstep taught him something valuable.

The point? Risk-taking isn’t about avoiding failure; it’s about learning from it. For small business owners, that’s a game-changer. Mistakes aren’t dead ends—they’re stepping stones that help you grow stronger and smarter.

 

How to take risks without losing sleep

 

Taking risks doesn’t mean diving in blindly. You can approach risks in a way that feels manageable. Here’s how:

  1. Start small: Test the waters before diving in. Trying a smaller version of a big idea can help you gauge its potential without feeling overwhelmed.
  2. Do your homework: Understand what you’re getting into. Research reduces uncertainty and makes risks feel more calculated.
  3. Get advice: Talk to mentors, peers, or trusted friends who’ve been there. Their insights can give you clarity and confidence.
  4. Think long-term: Don’t focus only on what could go wrong today. Ask yourself if this risk will help you reach your long-term goals.

 

Why it’s worth it

 

At Arvo Tech, we know firsthand that taking risks can be nerve-wracking. When Terracina Maxwell left the stability of corporate life to co-found our company, it was a huge leap of faith. We focused on creating solutions specifically for small businesses—a group we believed was often overlooked.

It wasn’t easy. Starting out, we had to make every dollar count and hope our ideas would resonate with small business owners. But that risk paid off. Today, we’re proud to help businesses like yours succeed with tools that are simple, practical, and effective.

Terracina’s story reminds us of a simple truth: taking risks doesn’t just open doors—it builds futures. So, think about that risk you’ve been hesitating to take. Maybe it’s hiring a new team member, testing a new product, or investing in better tech. It might feel uncomfortable, but that can be where the magic happens.

Take the leap. You might be surprised by what’s waiting on the other side. And when you’re ready, Arvo Tech is here to help you make it happen.

This blog was inspired by insights shared on the Lead to Succeed podcast, hosted by Naphtali Hoff and featuring our President Terracina Maxwell, which highlights the importance of promise of risk-taking for business leaders.