Practical Business Lessons from Fishing

Business is Like Fishing © 2011 Jim Lindell - Thorsten Consulting Group, Inc.

One of the best tools to teach principles to others is through the use of simple stories. Our greatest religious leaders have conveyed concepts of heaven, debt, forgiveness, etc. via everyday examples. This too, is the basis of this new blog category.

Why do people fish? Is it enjoyment? Is it for peace and solitude? Is it to make money? Is it to put food on the table? The insight as to why a person invests their time translates into the eventual outcome of the fishing trip. For example, someone that is interested in peace and solitude may care less if they catch any fish. Someone that needs to feed their family is much more determined to catch fish and indifferent to the "peace and solitude." The practical lesson is that a fisherman must know why they are fishing. A different reason for fishing will lead to a different approach and most likely a different level of success.

The same concept applies to all businesses. Why are you in business? Is it to feed your family? Is it to acquire wealth? Is it a way to invest your time? A business leader must have a vision for the business. This vision also impacts the effort, the investment and most likely the eventual success or failure of the business.

This concept also applies to an employee in the same manner. Why does an employee invest their time with a specific employer? Is it for wages? Is it for future advancement? Is it to obtain knowledge, etc? You can be sure that the employee's vision will translate into different levels of performance as well as different career paths.

Therefore our first lesson from fishing is "Have a worthwhile Vision!"

© 2011 Jim Lindell - Thorsten Consulting Group, Inc. - Thor's Hammer