Foundation Mindset (Field Notes #1)

Nothing, and I mean nothing can be started or successful without a strong foundation. Whether found in business planning books, self-help coaches-courses or even the Bible, a solid | sturdy | 'rock' | on which to build is a constant and a necessity. That's what we're addressing today, field notes style...

p.s. Please excuse the tardiness in posting. The first one is the foundation, get it?

The foundation for Praos Consulting has been set and 2026 is going to be the beginning of the 'framing' stage of the build and the journey, if this company was a house. As a part of that - I challenged myself to begin taking my scattered thoughts, annotated daily in a small journal I keep close, and organize them into *content *. Truthfully, I do believe there is power in putting content together, and those of you reading this that do work with us already - you know content is important to put your best message forward. But regardless, a notebook with intermittent notes from the week will become a weekly wakeup, Monday Mornings, and the goal is to teach a thing or two along the way. That's the reason for the creation of Praos Consulting's Weekly Field Notes, and Volume 1 - posted almost a full day late - is the foundation for a very exciting year.

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1) Build the Foundation:

Obviously the most important part is the start. But, Where? How? Who? Why? - All good questions to ask at the beginning. And, it is important to understand that each of those questions needs to be tackled, addressed and actioned upon. You can't build a foundation without a lot being cleared, and you have to chose that location first. Make sure there is sustenance to keep you going and access to keep you connected. What does that mean? It's about having a plan before the first step is even put in motion. Knowing that you can make a place for yourself in whatever industry you're getting into, and having the foresight to see the way your 'lot' connects you to the rest of the world...the clients. From there that plan has to include the pieces for the future on how you scale and become successful, but make sure to leave room to grow. Then address the people problem. Can you do it alone? Or, does there need to be a team in place, with the same mindset, understanding the end goal before you get started? If so - tackle it head on, get those folks in place and know that they will contribute as much as you do, if not more. And be willing to learn from what they have to say. Lastly, know your why. Do not start without it and do not be afraid to talk about it either.

2) Take The Time:

Excitement causes hurry, hurry causes worry, and worry causes breakdowns. It's important to take the time to get things right. A sense of urgency never hurt anyone, and if you're willing to push all your chips into the middle of the table, then do it! But regardless, crawl before you walk, walk before you run, and run before you sprint. I've torn enough hamstrings in my life - literally and figuratively - trust me. And this is important, especially if you are ready to push those chips in and dive head first into your company, or maybe worse, you're already there and this is do-or-die. Either way make sure you slow down, build that foundation to plan and allow yourself the time and space to get things right. A couple wise men, both from parts of the most ELITE organizations in the world once told me...Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. Give yourself the time to build the foundation.

3) Work Underground:

This is a pet peeve of mine. The announcement - celebration - 'show and tell' - or high five huddle...all before the money hits the bank account. More times than I can count, I've felt that excitement rising inside of me and all I want to do is go shout it from the rooftops. I want see people to see my success, we all do. But inevitably, the deal falls through and I am left, not upset at the outcome - I'll just pick up the phone and make the next sales call - but relieved at the fact that I don't have to go explain to everyone what happened.

Short note for this one. The foundation isn't built on the roof. Put it in place, secure the footing, then build to the sky for everyone to see.

4) Measure Twice, Cut Once:

I was no older than 8 the first time I heard this. Both of my grandfathers we're handy. On my dad's side, a retired Command Chief Master Sergeant, and every one of my 'grands' (uncles, great grandfathers, etc) on my mothers side were Eagle Scouts. In the same vein as point #3, measuring twice before you cut is important in any situation. Before I pass a pricing document to a lead on behalf of a client - I am double checking everything, to the point of bugging my client to make sure I have everything in line. Heck, before an email goes out, I am guilty of reading it out loud to myself to make sure it sounds okay. The point is, no matter what part of the foundation of your business your building. Check your work, measure twice, cut once. If Santa does it with his list - you should too. And as we jump into 2026, this is even more important with the addition of AI agents helping us on our daily tasks. In no scenario should anything written or done by AI go out of your hand before it has been reviewed for accuracy.

5) Praos' 2026 Foundation:

This is it! Field Notes, weekly talking points, ideally in a digestible format, easy to understand but helpful in some way. Often, they may be trivial or obvious, but remember - this is what comes to mind for me during the week and even if you can't take anything from it, someone may. Or it might be a good reminder. So for this week, month, or year...take the time to build your business foundation the right way. Focusing on solidifying your footing before you take that leap, whatever it may be. Get the right pieces in place, measure twice cut once, don't pop the champagne before the dotted line is signed and keep your eye on the prize.

To the clients and partners of Praos Consulting, thank you for trusting us and working alongside us every day - we're excited for what this year has to offer. And if you want to learn more. Please reach out! Have a great week everyone.