This summer we’re celebrating 10 years in business at P4P! I was going to write about 10 lessons I learned after 10 years in business. But then I found a great book at my sister’s lake house and wanted to tell you about it. It’s called The Runner’s Guide to the Meaning of Life, written by Amby Burfoot. It’s an easy and insightful read. While running (of course), I thought about what running and being an entrepreneur have in common.
"This book was written on the run, of course. That’s when the best thoughts always bubble to the surface.” So was this post! I framed out the general points here while running. I’ve sometimes wished that I ran with a notepad or recorder. I have some great ideas while running but sometimes forget them by the time I’m done! I dreamed up the name of my company on a run in June 2014.
Amby had 15 lessons in his book. I’m going to talk about a few that I think apply to both running and running a business. (The lesson number in Amby’s book is noted after the first sentence of each.)
1. Why I am doing this? (Lesson 1) Who hasn’t thought of that question during a race or during a bad day as the CEO? “We feel like quitting but we don’t. Runners don’t quit. We fade. We hit the wall, we’re sometimes reduced to a walk. But we keep on.” That’s what every entrepreneur feels like as well. We all have our own “why” and you just need to keep that in front of you every day. I am passionate about helping people find the help they need and the job they love. What’s your why?
2. Be fearless. (Lesson 2) “Until you begin a new venture, you never know what awaits you.” It’s scary on the starting line of every race and every new business but as Amby says, “Nothing started, nothing experienced, nothing learned, nothing finished.” Entrepreneurs find a path where others have been afraid to try. They step forward towards the starting line when others step back.
3. Build support around you. (Lesson 3) Though running is a solo sport, it’s also a great supportive global family. Running your own company is lonely at times, but I’ve found amazing support groups that act as my board of directors. My WPO (Women Presidents Organization) ladies and BRAG (Business Resource Group) friends are always there when I have a problem that needs solving. Going on a long run with a running club or a friend makes the miles fly by (sometimes the miles just feel like they go a little faster and you have a great conversation along the way!).
4. Winning is about attitude. (Lesson 4) Most of us won’t win a marathon and our company probably won’t make the Fortune 500 list but a winner is “a person who goes out today and every day and attempts to be the best runner and best person she can be.” Entrepreneurs have to have that attitude as well. Get up every day prepared to win the day and then do it again the next day.
5. Be a good listener. (Lesson 7) As an entrepreneur, it’s true that the buck stops with me, but that doesn’t mean I kick listening to the curb. Where would I be if I hadn’t listened to my supporters when they tried to help me solve problems? Equally, it’s important to listen to everyone you bring into your company. There are times you have to just go with your gut, but in general, listening is how you build a lasting, collaborative environment, one where everyone feels heard and valued. When you’re running, you can also listen to a great book, music or just be in nature and let your mind solve problems.
6. Losing isn’t a bad word. (Lesson 8) As Amby mentions in Lessons 2 and 4, not all races will be won and not all business ideas will succeed. Always have a plan for a race but be prepared to pivot when it isn’t going like you planned. “As long as you keep searching, you’ll find your winning way.” Be ready to pivot, like the gang in the TV show Friends. Here's the clip, one of my favorites.
7. Do you really need it? (Lesson 9) New shoes don’t really make you run any faster. When you start a business, you need to ask yourself over and over: “Do I really need this? Will it make me money?” I made many impulse purchases that I thought would make my runs and my business better but ended up just being a waste of time and energy. We bought huge expensive territory maps for our first business that we never hung up on a wall or used at all! How you spend money is an important part of building a business. Do you need it or do you just want it? Keep your focus on what you really need.
8. You can always use a good coach. (Lesson 12) I feel strongly that everyone could use a coach for life and for business. I only know a few people who actually like running hills. But reaching the top of anything requires setting some goals and keeping track of your progress. How far up the hill did you get this time? What’s your goal for next run? Want to know more about working with a coach? Check out our previous post: Who Doesn’t Need Their Own Yoda?
When training for a marathon, you have to set some shorter goals along the way and have some fun. The same goes with reaching goals for your business. What does success look like for you? What will you do to celebrate when you get there? Create a finish line to cross that gets close to the joy of crossing a marathon finish line. There aren’t really too many things better than that!
By now you know I feel passionate about running and running my business. I would love to hear about what you are passionate about! I have copies of Amby’s book for the first 3 people who reach out for it! Email me at ina@p4pconsult.com!
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