Shooting a gun is a lot like launching a business

Several weeks ago, I went Sport Clay shooting in the Dominican Republic. I was very excited but also a little nervous because holding something that can blow someone’s brains out is very odd.

If you have never shot a gun before it’s pretty crazy. There is a definite kick back and if you don’t brace yourself it hurts a little bit. It’s also really loud!

In Sport Clay shooting, there is a guy that launches these clays into the air and you have to aim and pull the trigger and hope to demolish the clay into a million little pieces.

I think there are some definite parallels in business and in Sport Clay shooting that all lead up to the same objective.

In business: If you have a solid foundation you’ll have a much greater chance in succeeding. Those who take the time to learn the skills necessary have a big leg up. Reading everything you can get your hands on is a great starting point.

In shooting: If you don’t have a solid foundation then you’ll miss the target every time. You must have your legs planted firmly or else there is no chance for success.

In business: If you try to be everything to everyone you’ll never succeed. You must find your niche. Focusing intensely on your target market is the best way to go.

In shooting: If you let your eye off that target for one second you’re done. The chance for success is zero. Focusing on your target is not only essential; it’s the only chance for success.

In business: Once you have your foundation in place, and your target market lined up, it’s time to package that message in a bullet and deliver it as succinctly as possible to the people who you feel would benefit tremendously from your company.

In shooting: Once you have your foundation in place, and your target lined up, it’s time to hit that clay!

Here is where shooting becomes a lot easier!

In business: If you hit that target, you’ll get very interested leads. It’s then your job to turn those qualified leads into clients. The more you hit that target, the more leads will come your way and the more clients you’ll have.

In shooting: If you do everything right, you’ll get instant feedback and see that clay demolished into tiny little pieces right before your eyes.

In business: It takes a lot longer to get feedback. It takes a lot longer to blow that target up (or saturate your target market). It’s also a lot harder to find out what you’re doing right and wrong. In business, your scorecard is how much money you make. Adjust your position accordingly.

In shooting: Not only do you get real time feedback (pictured below is Juan critiquing me) but you also can adjust your position instantly and your scorecard is based on how many clays you hit.

In business: Ultimately, the market decides how you’re doing.

In shooting: Ultimately, you control how you’re doing.

And in both business and shooting, great entrepreneurs and shooters thrive on competition!

I think Pat Benetar said it best: “Hit me with your best shot! Fire away!”

Boom.