Vision

Let's recap. Business is all about three things: changes, plans and execution. Changes happen. Without changes in the world, supplies running low, mistakes in operations, unexpected storm delaying lumber shipments, there is no opportunity. Plans lay out how to use changes to an organization's advantage. In the past, under the dreary and reactionary views of the misguided youths of our parents' age, that was seen solely in the light of selfish individualism. But in a world of limited resources, limited time and capped finance, organizations, families and communities all need to maximize opportunities to survive and thrive. Last comes execution. Plans lay out how to thrive, but at the end of the day, you'd damn well better get the tasks done that facilitate your organization's obtaining of the advantages provided by the opportunity that you're facing.

But'cha know what? Changes, plans and execution are all for naught if you don't have an overreaching, guiding goal in mind. It's exemplary to save for years, to build up the connections and network that can provide your children with the chance to attend medical school--but only if they have the desire and long-term work ethic to become a doctor. No community can be faulted for trying to revitalize a decrepit downtown district--they can be the heart of a vibrant, destination-community where people are proud to live and work. But if you cobble together a series of short-term, patchwork but opportunistic plans, you're going to end up with mush. All that hard work and nothing to show for it, just a bunch of faded, weathered storefronts, with barely enough foot traffic to stir dust on the floor.

What's your life's goal? What's your family's ambition? What does your community want to be in 20 years? Is is a place you want to live in? Will it support you and yours? Can your children fulfill their dreams there?

-Shawn