Getting Out In One Piece

​I’ve been hooked on whitewater rafting since my dad took me down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon when I was a teenager. After moving to Colorado it didn’t take long for me to discover the amazing rivers in the state. I bought some gear, read a book and went off to learn how to do this for myself!
On my first trip I encountered high water, cold and fog. As I came around a bend in the river I could hear the rapids and I was excited. The current swept me right down the center and over a big hole that flipped me. My gear went everywhere. I’d only been on the river 15 minutes and the trip was over! I spent the rest of the day driving up and down the river looking for the seat, paddle, boat and other gear.

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The following week I got some pointers from my friend who was a 10-year veteran guide. “Oh that’s what the book meant” I found myself saying. As I learned more, I began doing trips with my family on easy water. I enrolled in a guide training course and was certified in Colorado. I went on to start and operate a whitewater rafting business on the Arkansas River for many years.
Speaking of business, I started my career as a warehouse clerk while earning a degree in outdoor leadership. After a couple of promotions my boss encouraged me to pursue business. I began reading everything I could about business and completed my MBA. For the next 30 years I learned how to lead and how to help other leaders as a boss, co-worker and consultant.
Getting into—and surviving in—business is a lot like getting into a river and staying afloat. I’ve done both and I’ve learned the hard way that things go much more safely and smoothly if you have an experienced guide or seasoned mentor. I’ve had the privilege of being a guide on the river and a mentor in the marketplace. In the next several posts I’ll share valuable lessons gleaned from both realms that can help you and your business not only stay afloat but arrive safely at your desired goals.
Next post: Are You Prepared To Succeed?

(Excerpted from my eBook 6 Keys to Rapid Business Growth. Click the title for a free copy or go here to schedule a 60-minute rapid results coaching session at no charge.)

Dwight Grant
Coach
Forward One Business Coaching
www.forwardone.net

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