As I sat at home last Sunday watching the Marathon, my eldest son said,
“Mummy, why don’t you enter next year”…. When I had picked myself up from the floor from laughing so much, I realised that he was actually serious. He didn’t actually think his question was remotely funny and was looking quite bewildered as to why I had tears running down my cheeks - I suppose you had to be there but the very thought of me donning a running kit, training for weeks on end and then running 26 miles really touched a chord - I can’t even run 1 mile let alone 26.2 miles - and for those of you who know me, will be really with me on that one!

I suppose some people must have the same reaction when they are considering running their own business - I can’t do that….. I don’t know how…. - and yet my reaction to that is - of course you can, it is all down to the planning and I suppose participating in the marathon must be the same.

No.1 - Begin with the End in Mind…Why?

• Business - Stretch yourself? Make money? Be successful as quickly as possible and exit?
• Marathon - Stretch yourself? Make money (for charity)? Complete 26.2 miles as fast as possible?

No.2 - Set your own Pace

• Business - slow but steady with organic growth? Medium pace with personal investment? Private equity with huge growth plans?
• Marathon - slow but aim to get round uninjured? Jog/ run within a sensible and personal best timeframe? Aim for a top 10 position and champion status?

No.3 – Research and Review

• Business - know your market; know your positioning; know your capabilities; prepare a Business Plan and use it
• Marathon - know your target time; know where the start line is; know what you are capable of; have a Training Plan and stick to it without fail

So really there is very little difference and put like that, William’s question really wasn’t that ridiculous after all – and actually on reflection, why shouldn’t I? Particularly when I see that Virgin are the new sponsors for the Marathon in 2010 – perhaps a good year for first-timers?

Must dash – coffee break looms – that snickers bar suddenly seems really appealing (let’s face it – probably the closest I will ever get to a marathon!)

• Anything is possible with proper planning – you must understand your motivation, set the right pace and ensure you understand and review your market
• The Moron was fired – being quiet and insignificant and taking a back seat – can never be the right strategy in business – thank goodness, is all I say!