​If you want to run a marathon, you’d better train for it. If you want to run a business, you’d better do the same.

Running a business is not for the faint-hearted, or for those who won’t commit to the work that success demands.  Whether it’s employees, customers, bankers or board members, they’ll know if you’re prepared and they will assess your readiness each time you meet.  Their response will rise, or may sink, to your level of preparation.  If you’re a leader, you don’t get a break; to lead is to set the pace and the expectations for performance.

Of course some people are naturally talented.  It might seem like they can just wing it — and they may for a little while.  But lack of preparation will show itself soon enough. In a marathon, it could be as early as Mile 10, but will surely appear by Mile 20. There is a “wall” out there somewhere and only preparation will give you the strength to get over it.

Preparation is:

1. Planning, starting with;
2. Study;
3. Analysis;
4. Testing;
5. Scenarios A, B and C;
6. Practice;
7. Evaluation;
8. More Practice;
9. Execution of the Plan and;
10. A Return to Step One.

Some might consider preparation tedious.  Those who succeed, however, will consider preparation as essential as breathing; they will enjoy the confidence that grows along with their level of preparation.  They will derive pleasure from the process of preparation.  Fear of failure becomes the inverse of their level of preparation.  Whether it’s a routine staff meeting or a million-dollar presentation, their audience and team members will sense the level of preparation.

Preparation takes time, effort and unwavering dedication to the cause when no one else is looking.  But you’ll know when you are ready for prime time and others will immediately sense it from your demeanor.  Preparation will allow you to realize your potential.  So, prepare for performance and Enjoy the Journey.

Tempus Maximize