Getting Better

What do you invest in yourself in terms of professional development on a yearly basis? I’m talking specifically about conferences or workshops that will improve you personally, which in turn improves your company.


In my line of work as a Navigator of companies I need to maintain a critical edge in most of the crucial business areas, i.e. marketing, leadership, development, etc. So, I find myself attending 3 or more conferences a year, each requiring substantial bucks along with my getting on a plane and flying somewhere.


Yes, there’s the definite cost in terms of time and dollars, but the decision is easy as getting smarter ensures that I not lose a good client because I lazily handed my competitive edge to someone else. Plus, my clients see this investment in my education as an investment in them. It’s like I wrote a few weeks ago in Riding Partners…they too want to hang out with someone who’s on top of their game.


And if you’re gonna do it – do it right! These conferences are usually in a cool location so get there a day or two early and rent a bike. I’m currently in beautiful California where I spent the day before this conference riding a Harley down the Pacific Coast Highway.



While some of my fellow attendees were fighting 4-5 hour flight delays in order to get here, I had the wind in my face and the Pacific Ocean as my riding partner. It totally relieved me of the stress I left behind and cleared my mind of the cobwebs in order to open up to what I’m came here to learn.


Now that's how you combine work and pleasure…and people wonder why we ride!

Ride on,

A visit to the dealership...

There is something about being around other bikes and bikers that instantly takes you out of your box. It’s a bit rebellious and a bit of I know something the ‘normal’ guy doesn’t because I choose to step outside of the mainstream.

It’s an attitude. Not cocky per se…just a feeling of confidence one gets from having control within a vulnerable environment. You’re not the biggest and baddest…no, 18-wheelers are. But you are agile, powerful and fast…just like your company needs to be - no matter the size.

To be successful in business you always need to question the status quo and be willing to come across as a bit ‘different’. After all, we didn’t come here to follow the pack. Hell no, we came here to lead!

So, rather than think of yourself as an entrepreneur who happens to ride, flip it. Walk through your business world like the biker who happens to be an entrepreneur. Walk with that swagger that let’s others know that you’re different…that you have it together.

Because, as both a biker and an entrepreneur…you do.



Ride On

Begin at the End

How often have you begun a year just rolling full steam ahead off of last year’s momentum only to find yourself in March or June having to change direction? If that’s happened to you it’s probably because you’ve not stopped to think about the up-coming year.

This is why at the beginning of the year I asked myself and each of my clients to finish this statement. “2008 will be a successful year if…?” If what happens? If you accomplish what?

This simple but profound exercise can help you to see the coming year in its proper perspective. It forces you to project out and look at what projects and tasks you’ll need to focus on and is a great way to stop things from falling thru the cracks.

It also is a shot of adrenalin as your sense of urgency goes up along with your anticipation to get things done. Try it and pass it along to your employees and associates…it works.

Ride On

Riding Partners

Do you ride with the same group each and every time or do you mix it up a bit? My personal preference is to mix it up as I’ve found that diversity brings more enjoyment on the open road as each set of riding partners has their own likes and riding preferences.

There are some that like the easy roll that comes with the back roads and there are others that love the speed and vibe of the open highway. In either case, it’s good riding.

It’s the same in business. I always mix it up...especially in business! Reason being is that business, by its very nature, is competitive and you need every edge in order to become and remain successful. Therefore, you need to hang out with those who are just as hungry as you.

I surround myself with people who are hungry for more knowledge, greater skills and improved techniques. I want to hang out with the best at what they do and who wake up every day looking for ways to improve and move forward.

It’s the easiest way I’ve found to close my ‘knowledge gaps’ and cross those chasms with new skills and insights. And, just like riding, we help each other get to where it is we all want to go.