As the old year ends and the new year begins, it is an important time for reflection; to reflect on where you are, what you are doing, what you had / have planned, and if you have actually achieved those goals, aspirations and milestones set for the past 12 months.

As the New Year approaches have you thought about what it will bring for you?

Coming from a military background (Royal Australian Navy for 12 years), deciding what my next 12 years might look like sparked the decision to leave the uniform and security behind to test my strength. From the tender age of 17, serving in the defence, I had been what I call institutionalised, and decided that it was time to go it alone. Having been trained by the best I left with a tremendous skill set and harmonised a confidence that instilled motivation, determination, trust and highlighted the importance of people – my time for change had arrived.

Delivering pet food was my first business; I grew in confidence by sticking to the basics – offering quality products, outstanding customer service, and putting money into the bank.

My eagerness and confidence in business was growing, so I sold my delivery business and entered into another opportunity, still applying more of the basic principles, in particular focusing on unique products and product offering. I offered a service that filled a gap in the market, I don’t want 100 coffee mugs, I only want 10. I ran a small print run on promotional products, tailoring my business to suit clients needs and essentially I navigated a work from home business into a successful global brand.

My business confidence had grown, my plans kept changing as my aspirations grew and grew and I soon learnt sticking to the basics of business was certainly working.

This success led to an overseas move which I knew would be a real test of my character, determination, and the faith I had in the brand that I had built. I experienced learning at all levels, gained real time and real life experience, witnessed the emotions of hard knocks, as well as the triumphs of individuals being successful not only financially but in personal development as well. I really witnessed my own growth – subconsciously plotting my true calling of being able to offer sound solutions, real time experience and advice in business, guiding people with my experience because I hadn’t just talked the talk, I had in fact walked the walk.

I was now increasingly feeding my desire and goal of playing a pivotal role in the business growth of our wonderful country. A new era and breed of Sherpa was emerging…

Sherpas were an immense value to early explorers of the Himalayan region, serving as guides and porters at the extreme altitudes of the peaks and passes in the region. Today, almost any guide or porter hired for a mountaineering expedition is given the Sherpa title. This is exactly what I knew I had to become, a Sherpa in the business world, serving as a consultant for people looking to expand and reach the ultimate peaks in their business.

Owning my own consultancy business has been the most rewarding journey and challenging terrain in my career to date. Dealing with a variety of people and working with people who have a strong passion for their business has been an enlightening experience. As witnessed from my experience in working with passionate, determined, and motivated people throughout my careers, it has identified one true ideal – don’t be afraid to change and don’t be afraid to follow your passion and certainly don’t be afraid to take risk. Therefore, challenge yourself – what do you want to do, personally and professionally?

If it’s time for a change consider a new career direction in business – leave the security take the plunge. As Sir Edmund Hilary said, It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves. You too have options and choices and an opportunity to conquer these desires. If you have a business consider becoming the new Ray Croc (Founder of McDonalds) or just as rewarding consider purchasing a franchise business – an opportunity to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself. I suggest you CLIMB HIGHER – make the difference.