Price Turner CFOs celebrates 3 years in business!
Price Turner CFOs celebrates 3 years in business!
January 23, 2015
Is your business blooming with efficiency
Is your business blooming with efficiency?
March 23, 2015
Show all

Trust. Once you get it, keep it!

Trust Once you get it, keep it!

Trust Once you get it, keep it!

Trust is such an ingrained part of our everyday lives that at times it’s invisible. We trust that when we turn on the faucet, water will come out. We trust that when a streetlight turns red, the other cars will stop. But trust has more visibility when the stakes are higher – like when you’re on an adventure or starting and growing your business (which is, in itself, an adventure).

A dog’s lesson in trust.

recently went dog sledding three hours north of Toronto in a place called South River. On that trip I learned a lot about trust. With four sleds, twenty-four dogs, eight amateur drivers (including me), one guide and subzero temperatures, there was a lot that could go wrong. Even though I’d been on a dog sledding adventure before, it’s not easy to trust a new guide and new teams of dogs and human companions. I also had to place faith in myself that I could handle my sled and be tough enough to endure temperatures that reached almost negative twenty degrees Fahrenheit. But without trust, I would’ve been paralyzed for the whole adventure – I simply had to do it and have confidence in the outcome.

In dog sledding there are very few rules, primarily, because the dogs will pull the sled at all times. But there is one very important rule for a sled driver – NEVER let go of the sled, because if the dogs feel the driver isn’t holding on, they’ll just keep running. This is where trusting my own capabilities came in.

Earning trust with the dogs is important too. When we finished our sledding for the day, the dogs were taken off their sleds, had their harness removed, and were given lots of affectionSince the dogs did most of the hard work, the drivers showed their gratitude by treating them well.  In the evening after a high-protein meal, extra hay was provided to keep the dogs warm while they slept. This is where my dogs and I learned to trust each other.

When you’re traveling in a pack of sleds, it’s extremely important to use the brake on the sled so the dogs slow down on turns and when obstacles arise. In trickier terrain is where I learned to trust the other drivers and our guide.

The trust that I develop in my counterparts allows me to have a wonderful time while I’m dog sledding – it’s exhilarating! Running my business is the same way. I have to place trust in my employees, clients, and vendors so I can be productive and enjoy the ride. Keep these things in mind when you’re getting started and when you’re getting ready to grow.

Trust yourself. When you’re starting out, there will be people who have something negative to say about what you think, what you believe, and your aspirations. I understand, because people think I’m crazy for going dog sledding! But remember, if you trust yourself to hold onto the reins, make smart decisions and pick a good team, you’ll be off to a solid start.
Trust your employees. As an employer, you might believe that your employees will work just as hard as you do to maintain and build your business. Your employees can be your greatest assets – train them, teach them and value them, so that not only will you be able to trust them, but they’ll be able to trust youBut be careful – don’t allow such close friendships with your employees that your judgment becomes biased or clouded.  
Keep your customers’ trust. If your customers trust you it’s because you’ve earned it! Be sure to keep their trust by delivering on time – not a day or a week later. When you have a meeting, be sure to show your clients that you value their time and start on schedule. Meeting basic expectations will ensure that you keep your clients’ trust. When you fail to meet those expectations and don’t communicate effectively, you put the relationship – and the revenue – at risk.
Trusting your advisors. Whether it is your banker, your tax accountant or your CFO, your business’ advisors have likely earned your trust or you wouldn’t be working with them. Just make sure they’re leading you to decisions that are right for you and your goals. If not, reevaluate these relationships.

Pay attention to how trust plays a part in your everyday business operations. If you don’t trust your people, your systems or any other aspect of your business, evaluate why, then fix the problem. Or call us, and we’ll help you find a solution that will keep your business goals on track!