Teaming up with A Sherpa to Climb the Entrepreneurial Mountain

Do you have a Sherpa in your life?

In other words, a trusted guide to help you conquer the extreme challenges that you face.

This is especially important for business owners and entrepreneurs.

As an entrepreneur since 1990 (which just means I am extremely old), I can attest that climbing the entrepreneurial mountain certainly requires a tremendous amount of guidance and support.

In a recent blog, I reviewed the outstanding book authored by Alison Levine, “On the Edge: Leadership Lessons from Mount Everest and Other Extreme Environments“.

Alison Levine survived climbing Mount Everest. Twice!

To survive climbing Mount Everest, Alison explains that climbers commonly find success by teaming up with a Sherpa.

While researching the Sherpa community, I stumbled on this fascinating article from the NY Times: “Deliverance From 27,000 Feet”.

This article piqued (or should I say peaked) my interest on the incredible courage and fearlessness of a Sherpa.

Also, the shear danger that they face while assisting those on a quest to conquer Mt. Everest.

Check out this video below:

Can You Climb it Alone?

What was the tallest mountain before Mount Everest was discovered? The answer: Mount Everest. It just wasn’t discovered yet. My daughter loves to tell that joke.

Is climbing Mount Everest comparable to running a business? Or vice versa?

Both are thrilling adventures. Each offers a strong sense of accomplishment.

Once you reach the summit, you can celebrate. A life’s dream achieved. Jubilation!

Yet, once you reach the top, how on earth do you get back to the bottom? Hmmm…..

It takes tremendous skill, determination, guts, courage, as well as a bit of insanity. Probably, lots of insanity.

So yes, running a business must be just like climbing Mount Everest. Lots of insanity, right?

Of course, this is coming from a guy who has never actually climbed a mountain. Ever. For that matter, I even struggle climbing up a ladder.

Anyway, for a select elite few, climbing Mount Everest is a major “bucket list” achievement. A chance of a lifetime. Major bragging rights. Thrill seekers reaching for the ultimate high.

It doesn’t get any higher than Mount Everest.

Can a westerner accomplish this massive feat on their own?

A crucial component for the western adventurer to successfully reach the Mount Everest Summit is partnering with a highly experienced Sherpa.

Sherpas are commonly referenced as mountain guides who help climbers navigate the brutal terrain while reaching their goal.

However, you might find this interesting, the definition of a Sherpa according to LiveScience.com actually states:

It’s worth noting that the term “Sherpa” does not actually mean “mountain guide,” as many people believe, but instead refers to an ancient ethnic community of some 154,000 members.

Who Is Your Sherpa?

So, who helps you navigate the treacherous terrain with running your business?

Do you have a Sherpa in your life? Someone who has climbed the path prior to you? A person who knows and understands the dangers ahead?

Westerners may want or try to rush to the top of Mt. Everest.

However, a good Sherpa certainly wants the climber to reach the top as well.

Yet, more importantly, they want a safe return which is the primary goal.

Especially since an expedition up Mount Everest can turn deadly on a moments notice. Even for the most experienced and trained Sherpa.

The Sherpa culture is synonymous with mountain guides due to living in the mountains of Nepal and the Everest region.

A Sherpa helps carry necessary equipment, fix ropes. Despite hazards and risks, a Sherpa provides guidance to ensure a safe climb and descent.

Check out this cool article: “The World’s Most Renowned Sherpa Talks Mt. Everest”

A successful climb involves years of preparation and planning. Studying weather patterns.

Plotting out the safest route to success.

Just like running a business.

So who helps plot your route?

Additionally, who plays a critical role in your success?

In other words, who provides the necessary guidance for you to reach your summit and achieve a safe descent?

A coach. Teacher. Mentor. Business partner. A boss. An ex-colleague. Significant other. Parent.

Do you rely on business partner? A key employee. Your accountant. Attorney. A vendor. Business consultant.

Sources to Connect with Your Next Sherpa

Aligning yourself with seasoned experts who know the terrain offers the opportunity to reach your peak much quicker.

Sometimes simply learning what NOT to do plays as much importance as what TO do.

Having a trusted confidant in your corner is truly a gift which is absolutely priceless when making tough business decisions.

If you lack a solid guide or Sherpa at this stage, there is no better time than the present to team up with an experienced source.

As the saying goes, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.

Below includes several resources to consider when seeking your Sherpa.

For starters, LinkedIn, of course, serves as an amazing resource for finding business coaches and advisors eagerly willing to help guide you.

Just look around. Connect. Engage. Express your thoughts. Share your expertise.

Join a LinkedIn Group within your industry.

Follow LinkedIn Influencers who deliver valuable information and engage vibrant conversations. This is an excellent way to find and connect with like minded individuals.

Post questions that negatively impact your business. LinkedIn users love answering questions that displays their talents and experiences while solving problems.

Podcasts

Another excellent resource to find a coach or guide: podcasts. It is amazing the number of podcast available.

Again, LinkedIn plays an excellent resource to locate high level podcasts covering any imaginable business topic.

Lately, I have become a podcast junkie while walking the dog, at the gym, or mowing the lawn.

The incredible value is truly priceless. Every episode offers tips, advice or inspiration.

Below includes a number of podcasts that I find extremely helpful & inspirational:

The Growth Experts Podcast with Dennis Brown
Entrepreneurs on Fire with John Lee Dumas
The YourLivingBrand.live Show with Ben Baker
Eventual Millionaire with Jaime Masters

The Small Business Development Center

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC): The SBDC is an amazing resource to consider when seeking guidance and advice for your business.

SBDC’s are located on college campus’s throughout the U.S. Being in an academic setting promotes educational resources for entrepreneurs.

As an SBDC advisor for four years, serving entrepreneurs was an absolutely amazing experience.

The SBDC offers one-on-one counseling services, workshops on a wide range of topics as well as provides business tools and resources to help you succeed.

Best of all, SBDC advising services are completely free. Click on this link to find the nearest SBDC.

Chamber of Commerce

As a volunteer board member of my local Chamber of Commerce over the past six years, it truly blows me away with the rock solid relationships created by networking at the Chamber. Become a member of your local Chamber and get involved.

A Chamber of Commerce will offer business workshops on hot topics. In addition, networking events where you can discuss issues that impact your business. Connecting with fellow business owners in your area offers wonderful potential to find mentors and trusting friendships that help you tackle day to day concerns.

Additional Resources to Find a Sherpa

Additional resources when seeking business guidance include:

CPA – Every entrepreneur needs a rock solid accountant or CPA. Finding one that you trust plays a critical role in your success. Here is a link that connects those searching for a CPA.
Trade Associations – Involve yourself in trade associations. Networking with others within your industry offers tremendous opportunity. Finding like minded individuals who speak your language and share your passion is extremely beneficial.
Business Networking Group – Check out local Business Networking Groups in your area. If you struggle to find a helpful group, maybe this is your opportunity to start one yourself. Here is a link the BNI which is a popular Business Networking Group.
The Friends & Family Plan – Of course, don’t neglect the friends and family plan. These folks know and love you more than most. Sometimes confiding in someone outside of the business world you knows you intimately on a deep personal level can share insight from a unique perspective.