Charge! Wait!
Remember to Strategically Think Ahead
Have you ever noticed that entrepreneurs seem to just charge ahead, like a couple of puppies off their leash in a secluded meadow?
“It never would have occurred to me,” says Ginger Randle, “that a business plan and networking would be so important. I thought that entrepreneurship was easy - just go for it and customers would buy in.”
Remember to Strategically Think Ahead
Have you ever noticed that entrepreneurs seem to just charge ahead, like a couple of puppies off their leash in a secluded meadow?
“It never would have occurred to me,” says Ginger Randle, “that a business plan and networking would be so important. I thought that entrepreneurship was easy - just go for it and customers would buy in.”
Ginger sits casually on her kitchen counter at Quebec Lodge in Red Rock, Ontario. She’s reflecting on the businesses she and her partner, Ray Rivard have started in a little town hit hard by the demise of the lumber industry in Northwestern Ontario. It’s not a life she would have imagined 5 years ago.
Ray and Ginger recently completed negotiations with Norampac to revitalize a historic log cabin overlooking Lake Superior’s islands. With the consummate gestures of a seasoned fisherman, Ray explains that his recent acquisition is even better than breaking the standing record for speckled trout caught in the Nipigon River a hundred years ago.
His words and laughter signal the deep satisfaction of an entrepreneur who has ultimately found his calling.
Guests stepping into the warmth of the expansive lobby of this historic log cabin easily echo his excitement. The lighting in the two storey high entrance highlights the workmanship and architectural imagination of master craftsmen. Today’s log construction seems to only imitate the original craftsmanship of a by gone era. Designed originally as an exclusive retreat for Pulp and Paper Executives in the 1940’s, who obviously were wined and dined in luxury and comfort, the lodge is finally open to the public as a corporate retreat, B&B and home base for fishing and hunting expeditions on the Nipigon River.
Ginger admits that her expertise in lodge management is limited. She’s riding an entrepreneurial learning curve that takes her dream and refocuses it into a reality, with surprises built into the ever-changing business plan. She and Ray joke about kicking around ideas late in the evening around their firepit. “Before you know it, we’re in trouble with another new idea!”
That’s how the GROW clothing line for women who hunt got started. This stylish camou design is in the developmental phase. Randle is researching a competitive price point with consistent quality before production can start in earnest. She’s hoping that Cabella’s will carry her exclusive line. “I didn’t think that starting two businesses at the same time would be this hard!” she says with the passion of a true entrepreneur.
3 Tips to Remember while You Charge Ahead
As a woman new to the world of business, Ginger Randle’s experience so far has taught her that:
1. Who you know is more important than what you know. Ginger finally got over her shyness and learned to connect with people. She’s evolved into a natural networker whose enthusiasm infuses the conversation.
2. Ask for Help. Get over the stereotype about mentors being crusty old people who are not approachable! When you need advice, develop a relationship with an expert. Ginger raves about IT guru Andrew Brown from PC Medic in Thunder Bay, and a number of other connections who have expanded her entrepreneurial know how.
3. Dream Big - in 5 year stages. Make it happen. By researching and partnering, she discovered that she was eligible as a Red Lake Band status member to receive a grant from ABC - Aboriginal Business Canada. She sees the opportunities, but knows that it’s important to let go of some ideas too.
4. Bonus Tip: Follow Up and Follow Through. Stay on top of the contacts, the promises, the planning folder. There’s nothing like being overwhelmed by a huge TO DO list. Your guests can feel your stress levels.
Ray and Ginger recently completed negotiations with Norampac to revitalize a historic log cabin overlooking Lake Superior’s islands. With the consummate gestures of a seasoned fisherman, Ray explains that his recent acquisition is even better than breaking the standing record for speckled trout caught in the Nipigon River a hundred years ago.
His words and laughter signal the deep satisfaction of an entrepreneur who has ultimately found his calling.
Guests stepping into the warmth of the expansive lobby of this historic log cabin easily echo his excitement. The lighting in the two storey high entrance highlights the workmanship and architectural imagination of master craftsmen. Today’s log construction seems to only imitate the original craftsmanship of a by gone era. Designed originally as an exclusive retreat for Pulp and Paper Executives in the 1940’s, who obviously were wined and dined in luxury and comfort, the lodge is finally open to the public as a corporate retreat, B&B and home base for fishing and hunting expeditions on the Nipigon River.
Ginger admits that her expertise in lodge management is limited. She’s riding an entrepreneurial learning curve that takes her dream and refocuses it into a reality, with surprises built into the ever-changing business plan. She and Ray joke about kicking around ideas late in the evening around their firepit. “Before you know it, we’re in trouble with another new idea!”
That’s how the GROW clothing line for women who hunt got started. This stylish camou design is in the developmental phase. Randle is researching a competitive price point with consistent quality before production can start in earnest. She’s hoping that Cabella’s will carry her exclusive line. “I didn’t think that starting two businesses at the same time would be this hard!” she says with the passion of a true entrepreneur.
3 Tips to Remember while You Charge Ahead
As a woman new to the world of business, Ginger Randle’s experience so far has taught her that:
1. Who you know is more important than what you know. Ginger finally got over her shyness and learned to connect with people. She’s evolved into a natural networker whose enthusiasm infuses the conversation.
2. Ask for Help. Get over the stereotype about mentors being crusty old people who are not approachable! When you need advice, develop a relationship with an expert. Ginger raves about IT guru Andrew Brown from PC Medic in Thunder Bay, and a number of other connections who have expanded her entrepreneurial know how.
3. Dream Big - in 5 year stages. Make it happen. By researching and partnering, she discovered that she was eligible as a Red Lake Band status member to receive a grant from ABC - Aboriginal Business Canada. She sees the opportunities, but knows that it’s important to let go of some ideas too.
4. Bonus Tip: Follow Up and Follow Through. Stay on top of the contacts, the promises, the planning folder. There’s nothing like being overwhelmed by a huge TO DO list. Your guests can feel your stress levels.
Don't leave details to the last minute, even if that means you have to learn how to be an early bird. Get out of bed. Follow up.
If you are still within the 3 year boundary of starting your business, take a moment over the summer season to review your work habits, standards and measurements and your “happiness factor”.
If you are still within the 3 year boundary of starting your business, take a moment over the summer season to review your work habits, standards and measurements and your “happiness factor”.
It's easy to get into the charge ahead mode in business. If you’re running at full speed…STOP for a moment and smell the wild flowers. (Do I dare say this? Unleash your inner puppy!)
Stop, strategically think ahead and get a good night’s sleep!
PS
When you are driving the Circle Route around Lake Superior, Quebec Lodge is a short 100 km drive from Thunder Bay, Ontario. Located in Red Rock, the Lodge offers B&B, full meal, group lodge rentals and guided fishing and hunting tours. www.nipigonriveradventures.com
Maggie Chicoine is a professional speaker, facilitator, Master Coach and writer. The Idea Sculptor specializes in “Strategies to Think Ahead.”. Reach her at http://www.ideasculptor.com/ or 1 800 587 1767.
PS
When you are driving the Circle Route around Lake Superior, Quebec Lodge is a short 100 km drive from Thunder Bay, Ontario. Located in Red Rock, the Lodge offers B&B, full meal, group lodge rentals and guided fishing and hunting tours. www.nipigonriveradventures.com
Maggie Chicoine is a professional speaker, facilitator, Master Coach and writer. The Idea Sculptor specializes in “Strategies to Think Ahead.”. Reach her at http://www.ideasculptor.com/ or 1 800 587 1767.
Photo Credits: Richard Chicoine
All Rights Reserved
Watch for the publication of Superior Secrets: A Good Night’s Sleep featuring exceptional properties on the shores of Lake Superior: Ontario, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. You can read more http://www.lakesuperiornews.info/
No comments:
Post a Comment
I invite your comments here or by email maggiechicoine@gmail.com.
For every comment in 2010, I will donate $1.00 to charity.