The Wildest Business Lesson I Learned on a Morning Run

I saw something unusual on my morning run – a big pile of bear poop.

Now, if you’re thinking, “What does bear poop have to do with running a business?” stick with me. It turns out there’s a surprising connection.

Running a business can feel like navigating the wilderness. The terrain shifts constantly, and if you’re not paying attention, you could find yourself in trouble – like between a mama bear and her cubs.

But the good news? Just like on the trail, staying alert and tuned in can help you navigate even the wildest challenges.

Let me set the scene

I’m out running on my usual trail – earbuds in – listening to my favorite podcast, when I spot a big pile of bear scat (that’s a fancy word for poop).

Living in Colorado, bear sightings aren’t exactly rare. But this year? The activity has been intense. A friend saw a mama bear and two cubs on this very trail just the day before.

Now, black bears don’t typically want to mess with humans. They’re not as aggressive as grizzlies, but a mama bear with her cubs? That’s a different story. And that pile of bear poop was a clear sign that I needed to be more aware.

Out came the earbuds, off went the podcast, and I started paying closer attention to my surroundings. I was on high alert, constantly scanning the trail for signs of movement.

Why Awareness Is Your Greatest Business Tool

That experience on the trail got me thinking: growing or running a business is no different. The landscape of the market is constantly changing. The economy shifts, trends evolve, and customer expectations adapt.

If you’re not paying attention, you risk being blindsided. But if you stay vigilant – if you listen to your audience and remain flexible – you’ll be ready to respond to whatever comes your way.

Listen to Your Market

One of the most critical strategies I teach in Product Launch Formula® is the importance of feedback loops – what I call the “Launch Conversation”.

Here’s how it works:

During a launch, your audience gives you invaluable insights. They ask questions, share objections, and tell you what excites them.
For example, during my Launch Masterclass™, I receive thousands of comments – on live streams, in Zoom chats, and on my videos. I spend hours reading through them, downloading the streams, and analyzing the feedback.

This wasn’t just busywork. It was gold. Now let me tell you why:

• I learned exactly what my audience’s pain points were.

• I discovered the phrases they used to describe their challenges (which I could then use in my marketing).

• I saw what resonated with them – and what didn’t.

This level of awareness doesn’t just help you create better offers, it helps you build stronger connections with your audience.

How the Launch Parachute Keeps You Agile

Another key concept from Product Launch Formula is the “launch parachute”. Think of it like this: when you’re in the middle of a launch, you don’t want to rely on a single marketing strategy.

Instead, the launch parachute allows you to adapt in real-time:

• If one email doesn’t resonate, you can tweak the messaging.
• If a particular objection keeps coming up, you can address it head-on.
• If a part of your offer isn’t landing, you can refine it on the fly.
  

The combination of the Launch Conversation and the launch parachute is what makes this system so powerful. It’s about listening, responding, and improving as you go.

Business Success Is All About Adaptation

The businesses that succeed aren’t the ones that stick to a rigid plan. They’re the ones that adapt to change.

The market is never static. Trends shift, customers evolve, and competition gets tougher. But by keeping your head on a swivel – just like I did on that trail – you’ll be ready to navigate the unexpected.

→ Listen to your prospects.

→ Watch how they react to your content.

→ Adapt your messaging and offers based on real-time feedback.

That’s how you stay ahead of the curve.

The more you listen, adapt, and respond, the more prepared you’ll be to face whatever comes your way. And just like on the trail, that awareness can mean the difference between surviving and thriving.

So, be aware of the marketing landscape, stay connected to your audience, and remember – success isn’t about perfection, it’s about paying attention and making adjustments as you go.

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