"When men climb a mountain together, the rope between them is more than a mere physical aid to an ascent; it is a symbol of the spirit of the enterprise. It is a symbol of men banded together in a common effort of will and strength - not against this or that imagined foeman of the instant, but against their only true enemies - inertia, cowardice, greed, ignorance, and all the weaknesses of the spirit."

- George I. Bell K-2 - The Savage Mountain

K-2 - The Savage Mountain was on my reading stack for several months. Though mountain climbing holds a certain fascination, it's not a hobby and I don't have Everest on my 'list'. Yet there are many parallels between climbing a mountain and creating a viable business.

Every successful agribusiness owner knows that, when the trek is long, the pitch steep, and the challenge forbidding, the climbing team must be comprised of the best.

It's a long way to the top in any worthwhile endeavor. A leader must:

- Establish the goal
- Accept the challenge
- Gather a dedicated team
- Create a complete plan
- Take action

The goal is always to the summit - to achieve, to grow, the accomplish more, go farther and move faster than the competition.

The life of an entrepreneur is fueled by a desire to achieve a worthy objective. Like climbing a mountain, operating a business is a life-affirming experience. The summit is the goal, and the incremental measures of success come from readiness, preparation and an aptitude for the endeavor.

Continued tomorrow.