Reflections from a business trip

The view from one of my client sites - a marina founded at the site of an old brick factory.

A few weeks ago, I traveled to visit two of my 7Strategy clients in person. After months of consulting remotely, my trip was an exciting opportunity to observe their operations and bring purpose to the strategic work I'd been doing. Furthermore, after months of traveling the country for personal exploration, it was exciting to plan a trip with a professional purpose. Here are a few key reflections from my business trip:

Reflection #1: The Rewards and Challenges of Working in Person

Stepping back into the world of in-person meetings was nothing short of invigorating. The warmth of face-to-face interactions, the unfiltered exchange of ideas, and the tangible progress made in real-time brought a renewed sense of purpose to my work. Collaborating in person allowed me to build deeper connections and camaraderie that is hard to replicate virtually. However, after months of remote work, I also discovered that this return to in-person interactions came with its unique set of challenges. As much as I cherished the rewarding moments, I couldn't help but acknowledge the energy and emotional investment required, which naturally drained my social battery. As I recharged, I reminded myself of the delicate balance of navigating the world of work and personal well-being, especially as I move between the realms of virtual and physical presence.

Reflection #2: My Gratitude for Adventure

Getting ready for a trip always ignites a familiar excitement within me. It reminds me of when I was a child, and the night before a family vacation I'd be unable to fall asleep because I was so excited for the next day's adventure. Even today, despite crowded airports and decreasing amounts of legroom, the allure of getting on a plane, suitcase in hand, reminds me how lucky I am to be able to explore new places. 

The handful of business trips I've taken in my career have been no exception. Each trip has been an opportunity to explore new destinations, with an added layer of significance as I achieve professional objectives. I can imagine that over time, the novelty of business trips may wear off as exhaustion seeps in, but for now I'll continue to be grateful for the opportunity to travel and see the world. I hope that reading this serves as a gentle reminder on your next business trip to take a moment to be grateful for the personal growth that travel brings. 

Reflection #3: The Underrated Hard Work of Small Businesses

While big picture strategy is where 7Strategy thrives, visiting my clients really highlighted the behind-the-scenes effort that goes on each and every day. From directing operations and fulfilling customer orders, to navigating local politics and thinking about long-term growth, small business owners are conducting an intricate symphony to keep all of the moving pieces in harmony. It is critical to support and celebrate these hardworking individuals who contribute so much to our local economies and inspire us with their resilience.

Seeing my clients' operations firsthand was a poignant reminder of the role 7Strategy plays in supporting these small ventures. As a consultant focused on the big-picture, 'on-paper' aspects of small business, it can be challenging to think tactically about the day-to-day operations. While owner-operators are diligently focused on the daily grind, I love to help them envision the broader strategic landscape and brainstorm ways to grow their business.

Next time you visit a small business, I hope you'll take a moment to recognize the tenacity and unwavering dedication of its owners. 

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