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We did it!
After all the preparation, we hiked
the French Alps – from Megève, near Switzerland, to Menton, on the French
Riviera. During The Hike, I had many hours for
'daily contemplation.' I noticed how much hiking is like building a business.
I'd like to share a few of those thoughts with you.
Aim
high/dream big! When I set The Hike as
my goal, I was reaching well beyond my comfort zone and boundaries. But with
the right plan, the right guide, and the right equipment, anything is
possible. Then, to execute it's just one foot in front of the other. You can
do it, whatever 'it' is.
Have
a plan and set the right pace! If you're just
"going for a walk," you can often get by without a guide, maps, or
training. Anything else, you'll need to map out where you're going (and how).
Sit down with an expert and set a pace that won't leave you gasping for air
– yet will keep you moving toward your goals (Our new colleague, Sanford
Friedman, can help.)
Use
the best equipment possible! One of our fellow
hikers had a borrowed backpack with 2 mismatched shoulder straps, no hip belt,
etc. Within 2 hours on our first day, she was already in trouble. How about
your business? Are your contracts cobbled together from a previous employer?
If you're in it for the duration, get something that fits you right and will
last.
Get
an experienced guide! If you're just starting
out, whether mountaineering or in business, it's paramount to have the right
expert by your side. A guide will help develop your approach strategy –
corporation or LLC, brand protection, risk management, etc. Listen to and use
experts!
Have
short-term goals! Each day, we knew where we
were going, and what we might see at two hours out, at four hours, and so on.
We didn't just aim for the hut at the end of the day. It is important to have
intermediate goals to maintain a sense of accomplishment, otherwise your hike
might turn into a death march.
Anticipate
bad weather! We walked into many a fog bank
and rain on days that started sunny. Do your contracts and your business
strategy cover you in good times - and also anticipate stormy weather?
"Everyone"
can walk, so hiking should be a piece of cake - right? I have heard clients
say the same about agreements – "contracts are all alike",
"anyone" can make a contract, "we'll just write it in Plain
English", or "borrow" pieces from someone else. Often, what
"everyone knows" is just not true. If these thoughts have crossed
your mind, please do check out Contracts
101 and find out for yourself that "Plain English" is not always
what it seems.
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