A couple of years ago I started to learn how to surf and wow, what a journey. After lots of bruises, a broken foot and scars I am more passionate than ever.

You might wonder why I talk about surfing and the reason is that there are many parallels between surfing and managing a business.

Know your market: As a surfer, you need to know the ocean, you learn where the rips and currents are (something very new to someone like me who grew up in Switzerland). As a business owner or manager you need to know your market. Who is your target market? What do they want? Where do they hang out? What do they read?

Surfers know the right waves to choose, successful business owners know their ideal client.

Persistence and Commitment:You need so much persistence and commitment to get good at surfing. A lot of people give up way too fast and never get to savour the thrill of riding a wave. As a business owner you need persistence and commitment. It’s rare that a business takes off in the first couple of weeks or months.There are always days that are not going according to plan and the secret is to not let these days discourage you, but to persist and stay committed to your cause.

Technique and timing: Surfing is not about muscle power as a lot of people may think. It’s all about technique and the right timing. Sometimes you see the smallest kids catching waves and you wonder how they get onto them so fast with what appears as almost no effort.In your business it’s never about who has the most ‘muscles’, it’s about timing and having the right marketing and sales techniques in place.It’s about working smarter not harder.

No fear: When you surf bigger waves, you can’t hesitate. Sometimes you just have to go even if you are scared, the rewards are worth it. As a business owner or manager you sometimes need to get rid of your fear and step out of your comfort zone to see change happen and take your business to the next level.

The surf isn’t always perfect but a keen surfer will always give it a go and make the most of any conditions. In your business look for the opportunities you have around you. No matter how big or small, make the most of it, and most importantly, give it a go.

Once you catch a wave and ride along that blue face, the feeling is so worth the persistence and commitment. You end up with a big grin from ear to ear. Just like when you have a good day in your business. Go and catch your ‘business waves’ and get good at it.

‘You can’t stop the waves but you can learn to surf.’