In the U.S., today is Columbus Day. The day marks the voyage of Christopher Columbus and his landing in the Americas. When Columbus set out on his voyage in 1492, he believed that he could find a shorter route to the Indies by sailing west. Of course, he was wrong, but his journey still had major consequences to Spain and the rest of the world for centuries to come.
Like many an adventurer, Columbus set sail through uncharted waters in his quest to find a better path to commerce. He risked great personal peril in order to reach his goal, and although the outcome was not really what he set out to achieve, he found a new path that did deliver on his higher level objective.
It is interesting that we are now entering a period where we are all forced to become adventurers like Columbus. Any of us involved in business recognize that the times ahead are uncharted waters for businesses large and small. We also understand that we are unable to avoid risk. The risk of uncertainty is coming to us. As the waters swirls about us, we are all feeling the danger of being sucked down to a watery grave by the economic currents we are sailing against.
Like Columbus, we must now prove our mettle, and navigate through stormy waters. This will not be easy, but great rewards will come to those who show their fortitude and find their way to calmer waters through a combination of good business discipline and innovative maneuvers.
Don’t find yourself a wreck on the reefs which have taken so many companies before as they try and run to the safety of shore. Rather, take to the open water. Exercise fiscal prudence, but set you sails for new places and innovate your way through the rough seas of today.
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