Startup Lessons I Learned from Camping

Every year, a core group of Cal Bear Tri-Delta gal pals and I go camping with our families. Sometimes we go deep into the woods and other years we backyard or glam-camp in the heart of the South Bay. From Sacramento and Tahoe to Shasta and Yosemite – no matter the location, our annual adventures keep us coming back for more year after year.

 I recently noticed that, similar to the very valuable All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten book, our camping adventures provided some useful lessons that I have applied while working at various startups.  Though the camping season this year is coming to a close in many places, I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorite insights … I invite you to add your favorites, dare I say, please add s’more!

 #1 Always be open to new ways of looking at things!

 At our last campout, we were packing up our bags and rolling up our tent when I glanced over to see my friend Pamala placing fabric softener sheets in between various layers of her tent.  She said this was something she used to keep her tent smelling fresh when stored in the off-season (and a great tip from her Burning Man travels). For me, this was an Aha! Moment that has stuck with me. Keeping an open mind allows you to generate fresh ideas and a new perspective – it allowed me to do as my favorite Yosemite T-shirt reads: “Think Outside.” FYI – the “Bounce” type sheets also work great in hiking shoes.

 #2 Get out of your comfort zone!

The Fowlers (Glen and Alicia) are wonderful at making sure we all try a new sport, game or physical challenge wherever go on our adventures. To a beach camping trip, they brought a skin board – perfect for our shoreline spot. As a stand up paddler and novice surfer, I figured I might be semi-decent at using a skin board. It was tricky, I tried it, and am glad I did (minus the bruise I got). Trying new things and taking risks is an important part of working at a startup endeavor.  I also came away with the confidence and a reinforced “Yes, I Can” attitude – though I definitely prefer to SUP!

# 3 Teamwork is Key – aka., there is no “i” in Camp!

 Have you ever tried to put up a 10-person tent solo? Suffice it to say that working with a team makes the task infinitely easier, and certainly helps you get your fireside cocktail more quickly during the camping happy hour. At a startup, it’s important to remember that every member of your team really is a critical part of your success. Collaboration is key and – like putting up a tent – it’s important you are all working towards a common goal. FYI – favorite camp cocktail is an Old-Fashioned Pioneer (recipe below courtesy of wideopenspaces.com). Cheers!

# 4 PLAY!

 Our camping trips are never short on the fun factor – from banana-grams to badminton – we laugh until we cry. It’s the main reason we keep coming back – that, and the Old-Fashioned Pioneer! While some may think that play is just for kids – that could not be further from the truth. The kid in all of us needs to play, especially in the world of startups. Play is a great way to fuel ideas, solve problems, relieve stress / tension / conflict, and helps us get to know co-workers better. Play should be an integral part of any startup!

# # #

 **Old Fashioned Pioneer … Hopefully your campsite has maple syrup, and if it does, then you will love this drink. Simply combine a few shots of bourbon in a cup with a healthy dollop of syrup. Pour in a little club soda, and you are in business. (Excerpt from WideOpenSpaces, Brad Smith, October 2014)