“Let’s Build A Bridge Together”

My work is all about building bridges — for clients, on projects, with people. It is what I do.

I was working at Back to Eden Bakery yesterday morning. They operate a bakery and cafe on NE Alberta Street and a food cart on SE Woodstock Boulevard. I have known the business owners for many years now, going back to my days serving as Board President of Alberta Main Street and working down the street for Umpqua Bank.

The business has been in the news in recent weeks, and though their project will be challenging to take on at this point in time, there was never a question in my mind as to whether working with the business was the right thing to do. I believe in the mission and values of the business and the character and integrity of its owners. I knew in my heart that it was the right thing to do.

I resonated with a quote from Dr. Cornel West displayed in the bakery: “Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public.”

Each and every day, we are presented with decisions that may be viewed as either challenges or opportunities.

A personal belief of mine is that we learn and grow by confronting our daily challenges in a proper fashion. This stance has served me well over the years and afforded me many opportunities. Tackling challenges head on is not an easy way to work or live, but it will help you develop your own value proposition.

My process for determining whether I will choose to take on a prospective client is straightforward and simple.

Let’s take a look at the decision tree:

• I am most interested in working with people who have a high interest and the aptitude to be successful. One of these traits will not work alone. Both must be present to help ensure a successful engagement.
• The business needs to have certain building blocks in place in order to take it to the next level. Before I do anything else, I must assess the existing balance a company has in regard to business operations, financials and market outreach.
• I prefer to work with businesses that are aligned with sustainable development goals. It doesn’t hurt if the project piques my interest as well.

All three of those boxes need to be checked for me to consider taking on a new client.

Our work together presents an opportunity for personal and professional growth for both parties.

I learn from each and every project I work on. Our shared responsibility–between the client and myself–is to be open, engaged and ready and willing to embrace change. It is an agreement, a pact between both parties, that needs to be adhered to throughout the project scope.

That is how you build a proper bridge.

Are you a business owner, entrepreneur or executive who needs help to build a bridge?

I’d like to hear more about your personal journey. Do you feel the pieces in place but are unsure how to take your business to the next level?