Risky Business....?

I've enjoyed the thoughts Lenn has shared recently on risk taking.

We Americans love the notion of risk...of gambling the last dollar on a roll of the dice and coming up billionaires. We love that. It's romantic. The stuff of fantasy. Texas has some mighty fine legends of such ventures...wildcatters, cattle barons, and pioneers...

Reality is that most overnight successes study, think, work, and plan for years...then they launch, expand, or implement their ideas.

It's also how we define risk. For me, rappelling down a cliff is a darned adventurous risk taking event. One I do only under the guidance of someone trustworthy...but I do it every summer. For a gal not comfortable with heights, rappelling is a way I keep myself from becoming stale. For my nephew, an Army Major, rappelling is a part of his job. He rappels head first down that same cliff I tremble before.

Deb and Tim

For me, a little physical adventure often leads to more confidence in my business life. Pushing myself to be a little bit more is good for me....reminding myself I'm not too old to learn and do is great for me.

But, I don't just tie a shoelace to a rock and hop off the edge. I trust my nephew and follow his direction exactly. I watched for a couple of years before I tried it. Since I rappel left-handed AND because I'm becoming a wee bit cocky, this year he taught me a caution about rigging. Potentially, this tip could keep me from dying at the hands of someone not as capable as him. Believe me, I'm gonna remember that caution.

My husband is a pilot with a small airline. He files a detailed and well thought out flight plan before every take-off. He knows where they'll detour to in case of bad weather (actually, they rarely take off until the landing airport is weather okay--but weather has a way of not cooperating.) His maps and charts tell him the closest place to land in case of a problem in flight. He says the most dangerous part of his job is driving to and from the airport. Satistically, he is correct. Yet, how many of us hop in our cars without thought?

In business, an owner makes many detailed 'flight plans' to minimize risk and maximize reward. Yet, there is a moment in every day when we are standing at the top of a rocky cliff harnessed up and preparing to jump off...and in spite of all the preparations, something could go wrong. That's risk.

You can stay on the top and never rappel down. You can stay home and never drive or fly anywhere. How boring would that be.

And there is less reward there. I hope I never lose my pioneer spirit of venturing off into the unknown--at least, the unknown for me....

How does this possibly relate to real estate? It's a challenge (a risk?) for me to put my name and reputation out there for all. If I don't do well, I'll have to get another J.O.B. Ugh. I don't like J.O.B.s. So I work hard for my clients, I plan. I read. I pray. I study from those who've gone before...and then I jump.

So far, the ropes are holding....