Before you say “neigh” to the idea of accepting business tips from friendly equine, consider the concept of “Edutainment”. At the intersection of education and entertainment forces come together to make your life enjoyable. Keep in mind, wisdom can be found in some of the most unceremonious of places. I’ve never personally sought out business advice from animals. However, as of late, business tips have been flowing while I’m spending time with these mighty mentors. Stay with me, will ya?
1) Our Leadership Affects Actions
We’ve all heard about the proverbial carrot or stick motivators. I’ve been experiencing this first hand as I work two horses in our round pen. There’s many lessons these two wises horses are sharing. Let’s focus on the greatest current standouts. My leadership and energy affects their trust. Their past experiences precondition certain reactions. It’s my responsibility to guide us toward a happy desired outcome.
I want to liken the two horse to possible clients or employees. Let’s take Bear for example. He was born on the ranch property. We met the day he was born. I’ve fed, cared for and loved him. When I suggest he do something, he does it with the desire to please. My leadership has been established because of a developed relationship. He’s grown to know, like and trust me. When we get into the ring he’s ready to conduct “business”. After business we revel in the accomplishment– usually with snuggles and extra scratches.
Then there’s Bentley. He’s a sturdy, no-nonsense horse. He likes to move his feet. He works because he’s super smart, came into my life well-trained and is task-oriented. Don’t let him fool you though, he’s highly inclined toward grazing on grass. If I don’t lead him, he will lead me. In the round pen he’s taught me to anticipate what to do next, how to do it, and to do it well.
I must be consistent in my messaging with Bentley. I cannot slack off. He’s really an incredible consultant! Good clients or employees do just that. Like Bentley, they keep us on our toes. Their abilities and direction causes us to rise up and become better. As we stay tuned into developing our own skills, character and vision, we gain their respect. It may take some time to establish this respect, yet I believe it’s worth it.
2) Dedication and patience bring satisfaction
In the round pen, skill and understanding is acquired. It doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time for the trainer and the horse to grasp the work. It requires a step-by-step process.
At times it is clumsy. What’s not working well is magnified in the round pen. When corrections are made and things are running smoothly there’s a sense of satisfaction. It may not be total success, but there’s satisfaction in the progress.
The concept rings true in business. Although we have yet to experience a complete windfall of cash flow we can smile about gaining traction. This satisfaction gives us the drive to stay dedicated to the work. Patience and personal development blossoms as we continue to grow our skill. Two very wise horses have taught me that it’s better to focus on gratifying work rather than instant gratification.
As an entrepreneur I’ve learned to stay the course until breakthrough happens. I’ve learned to lean in and listen to what my customers need, want or desire. I don’t always hit the nail on the head. In fact, sometime I miss it all together. What I have come to relish is that the process– the pursuit of happiness is as delightful as listening to thundering hooves racing across a wild open field.
3) The Looking Zone
We have a real character who lives on the ranch. He’s a miniature rescue donkey. We named him Don Quixote after Spanish author, Miguel’s Cervantes’ famous book, Don Quixote de La Mancha.
You see the character in this book is much like our own donkey. He doesn’t necessarily see the world for what it is. He prefers to pine away for taller, unreachable mares. He prefers to imagine that he is living out a knightly story when in fact he’s a witty, yet wise simpleton. Suffice it to say I admire his zest of adventure.
At times, Don Quixote comes across as finicky and non-committal. Let me explain. Recently we needed to change his food because our local feed store explained the food we had been serving him had recently come into question. Immediately we changed the food to protect our noble little steed.
Stubbornly, he rejected the change. He dug his hooves in and backed away from higher quality food all because it looked and smelled different. At first I was furious with little ingrate but then I looked for the lesson. 🙂
What this vertically challenged wise ass taught me is that he was not in the looking zone. He wasn’t ready for change. And so he munched on knee high sweet grass for five days straight. For five days he sulked and wagged his sorry little tail like Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh. He wanted different results but wasn’t ready to take the risk on trying something different.
On the sixth day Don Quixote approached the fence braying as I began feeding the horses. He was looking through the fence. He was telling me “I’m NOW in the looking zone.” I interpreted that he’d decided to try out his new grains and minerals. And what do you know? He seized the opportunity. He even gave the happy tail wave of approval.
Timing is everything!
Don Quixote leaves us with an insightful business tip. Understand some customers simply aren’t in the looking zone– yet. Perhaps it’s because they are resistant or challenged with change. Perhaps they are just needing to work up their appetite for a little something different. The important tip is to be consistent with what you are offering. We never know when the offer will be enthusiastically accepted.
What’s on your mind? In the comments below share with us any excellent business tips you’ve received– from man, woman or beast. 🙂
