BUSINESS IS MUCH LIKE SAILING..........

As keen sailor and business owner I often see the similarities in both adventures. It all starts with a plan, in sailing it's a destination plan, where are we going?, how long will it take to get there? and what will the weather be like both on route and at the destination? Of course one also has to consider the weather patterns at the destination and if there will be significant changes in the weather that may prevent an on time return or, put a halt to the next leg of our journey. Of course there is the current strength and direction to consider, which may affect your departure time. There is always the pre trip checks which include, filling up with water and fuel, provisioning for the trip, and meal planning (planning within planning). The engine needs to be checked, fluid levels, oil, coolant, gearbox oil, belt checks, and water flow through the exhaust. There are the rigging checks to make sure nothing has come lose, or damaged while at the dock.

Running rigging is to be checked to make sure that the lines all work freely and are in good order. Then there is the dingy check, outboard motor checked, oil and fuel, is it inflated properly, and are the oars close at hand. If you think you are done, you are not...... Sail and sail track check, roller furling check, traveller check (all to be lubricated). Then we need to check the navigation equipment, chart plotter, position locator, satellite phone, compass, navigation lights and a radio check, EPIRB, battery check (are they charging)?

Finally, safety equipment, life jackets, fire extinguishers, life ring, anchor/s, chain and rode all to be checked. Have you shared your travel plans, letting people know where you are going in the event of a challenge arising - they will know where to look for you.

AND, we have not left the dock yet.........

In sailing I have learned that sails drive you forward and anchors are there to keep you from moving. In business you need to understand what drives the business forward and what stops it from moving ahead.

In business the similarities to sailing exist. There is a requirement for planning and planning within planning. You have your over all business plan, which is often thought of as a singular event, never to be touched again........ "where is your business plan"? On the shelf gathering dust. And when it was initially completed did you do an action plan to make sure what needed to be executed actually got done? Once the plan is completed and has included both internal research and external research, there needs to be a commitment to follow the plan and make the required adjustments along the way. Apart from understanding the external forces with which your business needs to navigate (tides, currents, weather vs customers, suppliers, economic conditions), you also need to understand what is required internally and this also needs researching. The research must include, financing options, banking options, loans, partners, shareholders, accounting software, marketing material, production processes, sales processes, billing / invoicing, credit policies, purchase order systems, health and safety regulations, EI, CPP, GST, PST, tax preparation, records management. Equivalent to the sailing check list. This planning will help you navigate the tumultuous waters of business.

If you need help with your business planning and action plans, or you simply need some guidance give us a call. 250-204-2192 or e-mail us at marshallian06@gmail.com