More Alike Than You'd Think

Ok, I am a total Winter Olympics junkie. I have favorite athletes that I cheer for. (Go Evan Lysacek!) I check out the schedule in advance so I don't miss the must-see events. Heck, I'll even watch cross country skiing and long track speed skating if they're on! So, it's really no surprise that this weekend's Olympic coverage provided the inspiration for my post today.

Now, you may not think that Winter Olympic athletes and small business owners have much in common. Sitting on my couch watching the opening days of competition, I started to discover that they are more alike than you'd think.

1) Both have to be risk takers.
It was either Bob Costas or one of his many in-studio guest commentators that said it: the events in the Winter Olympics are among some of the riskiest out there. Not only are there the inherent dangers like slippery surfaces, tight turns, and sharp blades, athletes are pushing it harder than ever to gain even the slightest edge over the competition. They know playing it safe 100% of the time won't get them to the podium.

Being a small business owner is risky too - especially in today's competitive business climate. Owners are finding they have to push harder than they've had to in the past to get their doors open, win customers and beat their competition. All of that involves taking risks, and just like in the Olympics, sometimes they pay off and sometimes they don't.

2) Both need strong support systems to succeed.
In an interview following his medal-winning moguls run, Canada's Alexandre Bilodeau said that -and I paraphrase here- every Olympian needs a strong support team to be successful. This includes coaches, family, friends, etc.

Small business owners also need a support team. From family members to business partners, vendors to employees and beyond, successful owners surround themselves with a network of people who help them to achieve their business goals and raise the bar.

3) Both persevere.
Even the best athletes fall. Listening to the many broken bones and corrective surgeries many of these athletes have endured, it's incredible that they get right back up and do the things that caused the injuries in the first place! Just months after his speed skate blade sliced through his leg, taking 60 stitches to close the cut, J.R. Celski took home a bronze medal in the men's 1500m race Saturday night.

Very rarely do small businesses become overnight success stories. They take time to grow and there are usually set-backs along the way. Still, successful owners stay dedicated to their goals and press through the hard times in order to celebrate the fruits of their labor.

Go Team USA!

Go small business owners!

--Liz Blohm