Change is Like Riding a Bicycle.

As we launched Rainmakers Downtown, Chairman Paul Sylvester challenged us to embrace change. Along that line, consider the follow:
Successful companies know change is a necessity. The challenge is continually encouraging, creating, and implementing worthwhile changes to make a difference for the business. Learning to accept and embrace change, is like learning to ride a bicycle.

Start with Excitement and Encourage Along the Way - Young children can hardly wait for their first Hot Wheels or tricycle. Their expectation is palpable. They want to ride, ride, and ride some more. You must generate the same level of electricity regarding change. Talk about changes, and the vision of what you and your business will be like after the change. Surround yourself with others who will keep you excited about the benefits of change, encouraging you when you fall off, to get back on and keep riding in the direction of change.

Make it Second Nature - Businesses cannot be pleased with only one change, however great it is. After your first small change, cultivate your adventurous spirit to develop ongoing, beneficial changes and implement them successfully to make long-term differences. And remember, once you know how to ride a bike, you won't forget. The same is true for businesses. Once you imbed the change-is-a-part-of-normal- business mindset, you will have the passion for change. Only it won't be change any longer. It will be business as normal, very successful business as normal.