Photo by Esparta Palma

Most of us are wired to avoid physical risk (especially as we get older). We are told to be careful with our money and business, to ensure long-term success. What what types of risks should we be regularly taking with our lives to ensure growth and satisfaction?

I’m not talking about taking risk for the sake of taking risks. There’s no reason to suddenly decide to sell silk scarves from Borneo made from the silk of a jumping spider or spend half of last years’ income on a new advertising campaign. However, both may be the right choice after you’ve done your homework.

I am talking about doing something that won’t kill or bankrupt you but makes you uncomfortable:

• Make business house-calls. Visit your clients in their place of business. Watch what they do to learn more not just about them, but about how you can better anticipate their needs.
• Make public speeches.
• Throw away your PowerPoint slides. If you’ve been making speeches for awhile, you probably have a PowerPoint deck that’s more a crutch than a benefit. Imagine that you’re about to give a speech, and your slides won’t work. Give the speech that’s fires up the listener’s imagination and forces them to pay attention to you, not your slides.
• Make friends with your competition. Business doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game (if they win, you lose). Consider ways to create win-win opportunities, especially if you’re both having to educate your customers about the benefits of less well-known product or service.
• Act dumb. Don’t assume you know the answers to all the questions. Ask others how they would solve certain problems. Be willing to do reverse-mentoring (asking for help from those subordinate from you) to see how fresh eyes / different backgrounds can open up your eyes.
• Get lost. Take a new driving route. Go to conferences that are well-attended but don’t relate to your business. Advertise your business in alternative media.

Well-considered risk will keep you sharp and aware of future trends. Comfort is nice, but long-term success comes to those that embrace change.