I saw a statistic recently that said that only 38% of all financial-related businesses are still in existence that started in 2013. Meaning about 4 out of 10 succeeded, and 6 out of 10 failed. I tried to find that same data for financial related businesses that started in 2002 (that’s when our firm was founded), but couldn’t find exact data. But what I did find was that a full 75% of American startup businesses fail during the first 15 years. That’s 3 out of 4.
As we head into our 23rd year of being in business at Hixon Zuercher Capital Management, people ask how we did it. How did my co-founder, Adam Zuercher, and I create a firm that’s lasted for 23 years and counting? And how did we stay Partners for so long and now remain friends even after Adam retired in 2023?
Certainly, our journey was seasoned with God’s favor and grace. But one thing that was a key ingredient, and the topic for today…we showed up.
Just showing up for what you’ve agreed to show up for counts for a lot. Being on your game. Being on time, being there when you’re supposed to be there. Becoming a familiar face. Building your reputation for being reliable. You’d be amazed how far just showing up can take you in business and in life.
Granted, I’m simplifying, but I’m not too far off the mark.
The frustrating part is, it doesn’t attract attention in the early days. It doesn’t grab eyeballs or make anyone’s pulse beat with excitement. It’s a slow but steady grind. Growth is hard, but once the flywheel is set in motion, growth becomes inevitable. It’s not until months, years, even decades go by that someone might notice. If you’re doing it for fanfare, likes, or accolades, it doesn’t count; you won’t be able to hold on for that long, you won’t be able to keep going.
It must be for a reason, for a deeper why. It must be a part of you, a meaning and purpose you can’t let go of, a vision you can’t shake. You show up because eventually, those who were in it for themselves will fall away and drop off, and you’ll be left with bigger opportunities once they do. Survivorship bias is a real thing. It’s a long game.
Sure, there’s a component of sprinting when the iron strikes, some things require aggressive action. But those things are rare. I’ve found that a significantly larger set of opportunities reveal themselves by simply showing up and being reliable, being there, delivering quality and results.
And, although it’s the long road, I would argue is the right road for enduring success. Instead of leaning on luck and chance, you’re relying on a comprehensive set of skills, experience and results that allow opportunities to fall in place. You will your own success into existence because you’ve showed up before, and the word is out, you’ll show up again. While many others won’t, or can’t, you’re there, every time.
In our business, the gains we made this way were stickier. Many clients have stuck with us since the very beginning, and we’re grateful. They’ve trusted and relied on us to show up time and gain…and we have…and we will continue.
In the end, no one can say we didn’t earn it. Our path blazed with being there, being consistent, being true to who we are, by showing up time and again.
So, how about you? How are you doing on the ‘showing up’ scale? Are you consistently there for your spouse, your kids, your employer? Are you renouncing an entitlement mentality in exchange for hard work and earning it?
I hope so. This one thing has led to much blessing and success. The same can be true of you.
It’s simple. Show up.
