AN EXHILARATING EXPERIENCE
Wednesday marked either my 15th or 25th visit to the beach (well, I’ve honestly lost count at this point). However, this particular beach outing was unique and different from the rest?
Was it solely because of the pictures I took with the horse?
Naaaa!
It was something different.
On several occasions, or maybe on one occasion (coughs), I’ve previously mounted on a horseback to take pictures, however, this time around I actually learned how to ride the Horse… and guess what?
I rode a horse on my own... yipppy! (Well, not as fast as those who ride horses in Fast and Furious – sorry, the movie title was a mistake...lol).
But it was freaking awesome!
I felt like an Emperor; a Conqueror; a Champion and a true Lion!
AN UNEXPECTED CONNECTION
Honestly, it was both fun and awe-inspiring, filling my mind with multiple related and unrelated thoughts. Amidst the moment of fun, one particular idea caught me completely off-guard, and pushed me to creatively ponder deeply on the question:
I’m sure you didn’t expect that, neither did I. However, this idea was spurred by the realization that I’ve taken the necessary “break” / “time-out”, and I needed to come back to fulfilling my Zealy adventures. Thus, it was a perfect topic to ponder on, and be creative about.
WHEN THERE IS ECONOMIC GROWTH…
By economic growth, I mean a sustained increase in the nation’s economy which ultimately leads to increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), more employment and jobs opportunities, as well as improved standard of living. When a nation experiences economic growth, the benefits or impact of this great feat will be felt by its citizens who would notice the increased standard of living, reduction in poverty rate, and influx of international investors in the country which will aid to create more jobs for citizens.
I would have loved to use my country, Nigeria, as an example, but the truth is that Nigeria is obviously making its way to becoming the World Capital of Poverty and it is nowhere experiencing economic growth, rather it is experiencing a huge economic decline. It is a thing of concern and worry for its citizens, however, those who are in charge of making fiscal policies, resource allocation and efficient governing policies are less bothered because they benefit more from a shattered economy than a thriving one.
For a business owner, however, economic growth would refer to the growth and expansion of their business’ financial performance, increased sales, increased profit and increased customer base/retention.
RIDING ON SUCCESS, THE HORSE
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Let’s continue our story...
When we got to the Beach, we were “confronted” by horse riders/marketers who were hustling to get customers who’d climb on the horses to take pictures with them, or ride on the horses for an extra fee. Their marketing skills were top-notch that it could motivate you to freely give them money (lol). However, when you don’t have much money to spend, you have to be extra careful so that you don’t trek home after spending unnecessarily.
The horse rider/marketer told me the name of the Horse was Success, and she was well-trained. I had earlier wanted to take few pictures with it, but I felt like, naaaa! Doing something extra would certainly be fun. Then, the driver taught me the necessary ways to direct Success, his well-trained horse: Kicking the horse for it to move; whipping it for it to move faster; communicating with the horse and directing it by moving the rope left or right; and pulling back the rope tied on the neck for it to stop.
I tried it out, and... Yea, it was a successful and fun ride!
ECONOMIC GROWTH AND HORSE-RIDING: THE DISTANT RELATIVES
Back to serious mode...
These two concepts are, to a very large extent, unrelated, but for the sake of this piece, we shall find and explore some necessary connections. Here, we shall explore some necessary features that are involved in riding a horse and can be efficient to help grow an economy, especially for a business owner.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Riding a horse involves undergoing specific training that will equip you with the skills to control the horse, communicate with the horse, know the temperament of the horse and know how best to ride the horse. Learning this requires that you have the humility, patience and perseverance to learn, so that you learn with humility, have patience with the learning phase till you achieve success, and with perseverance you can keep moving on even after multiple failed attempts, till you are successful.
In business also, this can be applicable. It is important that you learn certain skills that are peculiar to the particular business you are running. Doing this, will help you in your personal and professional growth. Applying the qualities of humility, patience and perseverance will keep you growing little by little in your business till you achieve success.
EFFECTIVE COLLABORATION AND GOOD TEAM WORK
Riding a horse is obviously a team work or collaboration between the rider and the ridee (the horse). This demands that the rider and the horse establish a great form of connection and relationship, trust and understanding. It is only when the horse trusts you that it will move as you direct it, and it is only when you trust the horse that you are assured that every instruction you give to it will be adequately adhered to.
Likewise, when running your business, it is important to establish great form of connection, relationship, trust and understanding with those that work with you. Doing this, will leave you unbothered about whether your instructions will be adhered to because you trust your team members or those who answer directly to you.
EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Riding a horse requires that the rider directs or leads the horse on the direction to go, the path to follow, how fast the horse will move, how slow it will move and where it will stop. By this, it means that the rider has established himself as a true leader of the horse, and the horse responds adequately and obeys the rider.
Likewise, when running your business, it is important to have great leadership qualities such that you are able to lead your business in the right path, knowing where to follow, when you want it to go fast, when you want to take a break and much more. When the business responds to your dictate more often, it is a great sign that your influence over the horse is noteworthy.
RISK MANAGEMENT
When I was almost done with my special riding (hehehe), the horse driver asked me if I want to run with the horse. He said he will be there to guide me to ensure that it will be a safe race. However, he also told me that the price will be increased. At this point, I told him “e taff do”, in other words, I am okay with what I’ve done. I tried to weigh the risks and I realized that it is important I go home with this exhilarating experience at this moment. Maybe, the race will be fun, or maybe it may not. But, at the moment, I don’t need to take that risk.
Likewise, business owners need to ensure that they weigh all risks and the possible dangers that would befall on their businesses if they venture into such investments. The investment may give higher returns if it works fine, but what if it doesn’t? Business owners should know where to draw the line and end such conversation.
Honestly, it was such an awesome experience and I hope to do it over and over again. It gives a different feeling, when you’re riding on a horse and you feel the fresh sweet breeze coming from the angle of the ocean.
It was worth the experience.
SUGGESTED ECONOMIC KEYWORDS
- Employment
- Poverty
- Business owner
- Sales
- Customer
- Marketers/Marketing
- Spending
- Hustling/Hustle
- Fee
- Logo Collage property of: Hive Learners, Ecency, Leofinance, Hive, 3speak and Ksam.
- Designs created via Canva Mobile App
- Images are mine
I AM KSAM
I may not be your favourite author, but you can journey with me to help me develop my writing skills. I am always open to criticism, correction and learning 🥰.
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