Business Ideas Are Cheap—Wisdom Is Priceless

Godfrey, a good friend of mine, reached out early this month of August with a simple question that many people quietly wrestle with: “I was thinking about a laundry business plan, what do you advise?”

Now, I could’ve just thrown back some quick ideas or Googled stats, but that wouldn’t have helped him — not really. So I responded with what I truly believe: “Look for someone with experience in that business to advise, sebo.” Because truth be told, that’s how it works. You can’t ask a single man for marriage advice. The same logic applies to business — you don’t ask a poultry farmer how to raise goats when all he knows are chickens. It might sound like a joke, but it’s a principle that many ignore.

Business, like life, has nuance. There are technical details, industry patterns, hidden risks, and market behaviors that only someone who’s lived through it can fully grasp. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” If you’re serious about starting something — whether it’s laundry, a bakery, a transport service, or even tech — your first investment should be in knowledge and mentorship. Not machines. Not rent. Not logos. Knowledge.

Later that evening, I added another thought. “But don’t invest your money in a business you are not going to monitor closely. It will fail.” And that’s not being negative. That’s just experience talking. I’ve seen too many good people lose money not because the idea was bad, but because they were absent landlords. Business doesn’t run on auto-pilot, especially in its early stages. It needs eyes, hands, and commitment.

And if you’re not ready? If you’re too busy or uncertain? Then save that money. Fix it in a bank account. Let it sit. Don’t let pressure from peers or social media trick you into rushing. There’s wisdom in waiting. In Luke 14:28, Jesus asked, “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?” That’s not just about towers. That’s business. That’s life. No one is chasing you. Take your time. It’s your money, your energy, your name on the line. Do your research. Study. Talk to real people. Visit those who have failed and succeeded in the same line. Learn the terrain before you take the journey.

Godfrey laughed at my example — and I’m glad it landed. Because sometimes we need reminders dressed in humor to shake us out of assumptions. So whether you’re dreaming of starting a laundry, a salon, a printing shop, or something “big” like real estate, the principle remains: slow down, seek wisdom, and only commit when you’re ready to monitor what you’ve planted.

In business, what you don’t know will cost you — more than what you think you’re saving by rushing.

Wow, thank you so much for this, my brother. Honestly, I didn’t expect such a deep and thoughtful response when I threw that question at you but I’m glad I did. You didn’t just give me advice, you gave me perspective.

You’re right. Sometimes we get excited by an idea and want to jump in immediately, especially when we see others doing the same. But truthfully, I hadn’t thought deeply about mentorship or the day-to-day demands of the business. I was already pricing washing machines and scouting small rental spaces, yet I hadn’t spoken to a single person running a laundry.

That scripture from Proverbs 15:22 really hit home “Plans fail for lack of counsel…” I see now that the wisest first investment is not money but understanding. I’ve started identifying a few laundry business owners I can talk to in the area, just to get a feel of the real terrain, the challenges, and the things people don’t post online.

Your analogy about not asking a single man for marriage advice made me laugh but the truth in it stings a bit. Because that’s exactly what I was doing: rushing with little counsel. And you’re absolutely right about not starting a business you can’t monitor. I’ve seen that happen to people too starting strong, then losing everything simply because they weren’t there when it mattered most.

Also, thank you for reminding me that it’s okay to wait. That I don’t have to prove anything to anyone. I’ll take Luke 14:28 seriously to count the cost first before I start building.

Man, I appreciate you for not just answering me, but teaching me. That’s real friendship. I’m now shifting my approach: I’ll do the groundwork, talk to experienced people, and when the time feels right I’ll step in ready.

Asante sebo 🙏🏾. Keep speaking that truth — it might save more of us than you know.

Ssekandi Godfrey

August 5, 2025 at 7:13 am