Running a business is a lot of work. Who am I kidding, I’m sure you all know this. I certainly feel like there’s a lot on my plate with just my two endeavors.
But my guest for this episode is a retired professional cyclist, an author, and currently has four entrepreneurial endeavors underway. George Hincapie is an athlete I’ve always admired and I’ve come to respect him even more so after reading his memoir, The Loyal Lieutenant: Leading Out Lance and Pushing Through the Pain on the Rocky Road to Paris.
George is sharing his experience of almost two decades in the cycling industry, and how this experience has benefitted him as an entrepreneur. We’re talking about developing character, the importance of a positive mindset, and having a team mentality to get things done.
He’s also discussing how crucial his support network has been, and how he’s chosen to be supportive in the small, competitive field of cycling.
George is a versatile and hard-working entrepreneur, working in several different industries. He’s got great advice on investors, character, and keeping your eye on the prize. No matter what industry you work in, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
Bravery in Business Quote
(click to tweet)
Cliff Notes:
- Retired professional cyclist and past owner of Hincapie sportswear. Currently involved in several entrepreunrial endeavors, including Hincapie Racing Team, Gran Fondo, and Hotel Domestique.
- Hincapie Sportswear has their own factory in Colombia, run by George’s Aunt and Uncle. (Kristin said she wanted this in the shownotes)
- Bootstrapping and looking for investors are not mutually exclusive business strategies. You can have investors and still be running much of daily operations and marketing yourself.
- Think of more intimate ways to get to know your clients. Trade shows and large professional events are not always a great value for the time and finances required to attend. Hincapie Sportswear flew all of their biggest buyers out to Hotel Domestique to show them the new lines of product last year.
- Use connections you have from other endeavors or lines of work to grow your business. George brought his biking contacts and knowledgeability to each of his new businesses.
- Team is everything. Focus on being a good teammate, and a good leader. Trust people to do what they do best, and don’t micromanage. Try to be the best team member, not the best individual.
- Sometimes great ideas come to you when you’re doing something else. George got a lot of his ideas for his book while biking. Get away from the office.
- Outside support is important in any endeavor. It’s important to have the support of your teammates and co-workers, but also that of your family and close friends. George’s parents supported him in his early years, and his wife was a huge help during the book writing process.
Resources:
http://www.georgehincapie.com/
http://hincapie.com/
http://www.hincapieracing.com/
http://hoteldomestique.com/
http://granfondohincapie.com/
Blog Ideas
Supporting and building teamwork and character in your business/team
Having a good mentality to win
Bringing strengths and traits from other experiences to your business