View from the Summit

Not a week goes by that I don't get asked "Where do I start" in opening a new business? For the most part business men trying to start something new are short one commodity, money. Their debt is high, responsibilities are endless and there is no way to just walk away from their current J.O.B.

What about starting slow and deliberate testing the market? Spend time discovering your passion, something that gives you a sense of purpose. If it seems effortless and gives you energy, you could be on the right track. If you are laboring over the minutia, diving deep with no return or at the end of the day you are exhausted, run. 

If you give some thought to your average day I would suspect that very little time is devoted to empowering others.

We go through our day trying to make ends meet. Spending 8 to 10 hours at work, 4 or 5 hours with family and the rest, asleep preparing to do it again tomorrow.

Have you ever gotten that unexpected phone call for no apparent reason other than encouraging you and sending well wishes for your day?

I believe you need and can benefit from both in your life. And I would encourage you to intentionally pursue both.

What’s the difference?

In a broad sense I would define a mentor as someone who walks ahead of you. Imagine a tour guide. This is someone - usually older - or at least more experienced in a specific area of life or business who can “show you a better way.”

When I was newly married, my wife and I looked for couples who could “mentor” us on how to have a great marriage.

Iron Sharpens Iron (ISI) is a Biblical reference as to how one man's influence could be a positive influence on another. As we experience life we are in dire need for trusted advisors. When we come together in small groups it allows for an honest dialogue void of condemnation.

Men need a safe environment to seek the council of the multitudes. When left to our personal desires, we might miss an opportunity of a lifetime. Men gathering on a regular basis forms relationships that soon become inseparable.

Communication is paramount to growth not only intellectually and emotionally but spiritually as well. Gathering with men of like mind and mission gives a sense of camaraderie second to none.