In football, goalkeepers often occupy a unique and solitary position, much like small business owners navigating their own entrepreneurial journeys. The 1994 documentary “L’Etranger” beautifully encapsulates this concept, highlighting the isolation and challenges faced by goalkeepers – an experience that resonates with many entrepreneurs.

Why are goalkeepers called “L’Etranger”?

The term “L’Etranger,” meaning “The Stranger” in French, reflects the goalkeeper’s role as somewhat of an outsider on the pitch.

They are the only players allowed to handle the ball within their area, often standing apart from the rest of the team. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and pressure, as their mistakes are magnified in high-stakes moments.

Similarly, small business owners frequently find themselves in a comparable situation. The entrepreneurial journey can be exhilarating but also isolating.

Here are some parallels:

🔹 Decision Fatigue: Just as goalkeepers must make split-second decisions under pressure, you face constant decision-making demands that can lead to burnout.

🔹 Isolation: Goalkeepers may feel disconnected from their teammates during a match, while you can often feel alone in that you can seem the only one pushing your idea or concept and believing in it.

🔹 Unique Skill Set: Like goalkeepers who require specialized skills, you must wear many hats – Marketeer, Accountant, Customer Relations – often without formal training in these areas.

🔹 Heightened Scrutiny: Just as a goalkeeper’s errors can lead to direct consequences for their team, you often feel the weight of every decision you make and every ball you are juggling, knowing that your choices can significantly impact your business’s success and cash flow.

Let’s remember that, while isolation can be a part of our journeys, whether on the field or in business. We don’t have to navigate it alone. Building networks and seeking support can help us overcome challenges and thrive.

Speak with your accountant and share your thoughts and feelings. We all have business training and experience with other small businesses and entrepreneurs in your situation.

We can, at the least, listen and support. More often than not, we can actively input with ideas. Sometimes, you can save things with a scorpion kick, not just your hands.