When I started climbing, business was the last thing on my mind. I was going to live the dirtbag climber’s life and travel the world existing only to climb peaks and rocks. I did for a while, and that was incredible. As time wore on, though, I started to crave some stability and grew tired of the financial stress of a jobless, van life existence. When I entered the business world, I quickly realized that climbing had given me a unique perspective to navigate. Here are a few crossover ideas that climbing brought to me for the business world.
The risk is inherent, and foolish risk will end you
The risk is ever present in climbing. Being successful means accepting the risk and moving forward in spite of it. To leave it here would be an oversimplification of the process. A large part of the draw to climbing is learning to mitigate much of the risk while seeking the most rewarding climbs. If you climb something for the sake of taking the risk, you will get bitten and usually sooner rather than later.
Risk taking in business should be the same way. Too many flash-in-the-pan CEOs have written books and given talks espousing huge risk without discussing their efforts to mitigate that risk. You need to have your market research dialed, your business plan polished, and (most importantly concerning today’s marketplace) your marketing campaign together to get the word out about your product or service. I have seen too many businesses approach new concepts or markets with an “if you build it, they will come” attitude toward their marketing.
The willingness to venture beyond the norm is rewarded
The roadside attractions in climbing seem to have a siren call. The crowds flock to them, and the experience becomes diluted with competition to get on the route and find space on the way up. I have never found venturing out into the backcountry for a climb to be less rewarding than staying by the road. Yes, it is a lot more work to get there and in the beginning, you will ask yourself why you did not just do something easier. Once you settle into the task, you begin to notice the benefits… better views, a feeling of belonging, ownership of the area you are in.
Falling into the trap of providing product or service that is on par with the rest of your industry is understandable but unacceptable. Going beyond the norm for the quality of service and product will differentiate you from the rest. The extra effort will pay off quickly.
Technology will never replace knowledge
Climbing equipment has come a long way from the days of soft iron pitons and hobnailed boots. Modern equipment allows rank beginners to ascend pitches of rock that were unimaginable in the 50’s or 60’s. However, no matter how much the technology improves, if a climber does not know his way around the mountains, and the basics of ropework, his career is going to be a short one.
Technology has fundamentally changed every aspect of the business world. No one can deny that. What it has not done is replace the need for knowledge. Knowing your market, your product, your competition, and your customer will not ever be replaced.
Moreover, technology has not replaced the need for human interaction. People still buy from people even in the age of technology. No matter how fantastic your digital advertising campaign is, people are going to attach themselves to brands that have a unique mission and are represented by solid people.
The view from the top is amazing, but you cannot stay forever
The summit is a major motivator in climbing. Rightfully so. It is a symbol of accomplishment, and for some, it is a symbol of conquest. Stand on top, breathe in the thin air, simultaneously feel powerful and small all at the same time. It is a time to reflect on the path that was taken and take in the view of the surrounding summits. The feeling is fleeting, though, and the inevitability that you must come back down gnaws at the back of your mind. The longer you stay put on top, the more danger you face. Storms, frostbite, exhaustion, darkness, all of these await those who try to linger.
You seek to be at the top of our game in business as well. To stand at the top and see your competitors. Stagnation is a fatal flaw in business as well. Success in business depends on understanding that once you have gained the top in one area, it is time to look toward your next goal, start training, set milestones, and take the first step.
You seek to be at the top of our game in business as well. To stand at the top and see your competitors. Stagnation is a fatal flaw in business as well. Success in business depends on understanding that once you have gained the top in one area, it is time to look toward your next goal, start training, set milestones, and take the first step.