Why Running a Business is Like Roasting a Chicken (and How to Get It Just Right!)

Sheena Whyatt·10 April 2025

Running a business might not seem like it has much in common with roasting a chicken, but trust me, the similarities are sizzling! Both require patience, preparation, and just the right ingredients to get that mouth-watering, golden-brown result. Skip a step, and you could end up with something undercooked, burnt, or just plain disappointing. But when you get it right? Absolute perfection—and utterly delicious success!

So, let’s break it down—why is running a business like roasting a chicken?

  1. Preparation is Everything: Plan for Success

Before you even think about cranking up the oven, you need a plan. What seasonings will bring out the best flavours? What sides will complement the dish? In business, preparation is just as crucial. A solid business strategy, clear goals, and the right tools make all the difference between a half-baked idea and a winning recipe for success.

  1. You Need the Right Ingredients: Quality Matters

A quality chicken makes all the difference—just like the foundations of your business. The right products, services, team, and mindset all contribute to the final result. Skimp on quality, and you’ll end up with something unappetising (and possibly a bit chewy). The same applies to your business—invest in the best resources, and you’ll taste the rewards.

  1. Timing is Crucial: Know When to Take Action

Undercook your chicken, and you’ll send everyone running for the hills. Overcook it, and you’ll be left with something drier than last year’s tax return. Business is the same. Launch too soon without testing your market, and you might struggle. Wait too long, and you could miss your golden opportunity. The key is knowing exactly when to turn up the heat.

  1. Patience Pays Off: Build Sustainable Success

You can’t rush a good roast. It takes time for the flavours to develop, for the juices to distribute, and for everything to come together just right. Likewise, long-term business success doesn’t happen overnight. Consistency, effort, and patience are the secret ingredients to sustainable growth.

  1. Adapt to Challenges: Be Ready to Pivot

Maybe your oven runs a little hot, or your seasoning experiment didn’t quite hit the mark. In business, just like cooking, things don’t always go to plan. The best entrepreneurs know how to adjust, pivot, and adapt to unexpected challenges to keep things moving in the right direction.

  1. Rest Before Serving: Avoid Burnout

One of the biggest mistakes people make when roasting a chicken? Cutting into it too soon. Resting lets the juices settle and ensures a tender, flavourful result. The same goes for business—take time to pause, reflect, and recalibrate before rushing into the next big move. Success, like a good roast, is best served at the perfect moment.

  1. Enjoy the Process: Business Should Be Fulfilling

Roasting a chicken isn’t just about the end result—it’s about the aroma filling your kitchen, the anticipation of that first bite, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious. Running a business should be the same. Celebrate the wins, embrace the challenges, and enjoy the journey—because every step is part of your masterpiece.

Final Thought: Cook Up Business Success Like a Pro

Business, like a roast chicken, is all about balance, patience, and adaptability. Get the basics right, pay attention to the details, and don’t forget to enjoy the rewards of your hard work.

Need help perfecting your business strategy? Join IGNITE! for expert guidance, or book a Mission Strategy Call—because every great business deserves the right ingredients for success!