CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN IN TURBULENT TIMES

© 2008- Joel Johnson

Climbing up the mountain can be difficult, but for those with reasons strong enough reaching the top is a must.  They do not say, “If” we make it, they say “when” we make it.  Climbers make sure they are equipped for any difficulty that might lie ahead.  They have mapped out their journey and are aware of all potential obstacles in their path.  Climbers know when to push ahead and when to rest.  They know how to control their thoughts, which become things, their enthusiasm, which is the fuel for their determination to succeed. They know how to pace themselves as the altitude becomes more difficult. Climbers also know that falling off a cliff or sliding back down the mountain is a real possibility and they prepare themselves for these potential events before they begin their journey.  Ill advised, unequipped climbers, with no idea of what is ahead for them should not attempt the venture.  It can only end in disaster.

The key word here, for any climber, is “planning”.  The questions asked by the average business manager is, “How could you possibly know or plan for the major events that have transpired in the last few months?”  “What do I do now?”  “What do you do when you are sliding down the mountain and you cannot stop?”  The obvious answer to these questions is to look at your business plan, assuming you have one. 

What is your strategy for survival should access to capital be cut off?  What are your planned action steps?  How do you measure the results?  What is your strategy for survival should you lose your biggest customer or the economy becomes so bad that orders slow dramatically?  What are your planned action steps?  What do you do when your accounts receivable aging report shows customers are paying later than normal?  What do you do when your business is not cash flowing as it should and you are having difficulty in paying your bills?  How would you pay your accounts payable, your payroll, etc. if your bank were to cut you off?

When you’re tumbling down the mountain and you don’t have a plan or the skills to stop or at least slow down, it may be too late.  Planning after the fact might be a mute exercise. 

Climbing the mountain during turbulent times can be very rewarding for those who are prepared.  Warren Buffett is a good example!  The prepared and strong will be able to take advantage of opportunities in the market place.  They will devour the weak and unprepared.  It is the law of the jungle!  Let current events be a strong lesson.  Get prepared!  Make your plans for business survival now!

Someone once said, “People can be divided into three separate groups:  Those who make things happen; those who watch things happen; and those that wonder, “What happened?”

Do you have a plan?  If so, when is the last time you updated your plan?  Business is in a constant state of change.  You need to know!