I just returned from a two week holiday abroad. Traveling through Scotland and Ireland I learned to call it a holiday, not a vacation. In addition to a few new words in my vocabulary, there were lots of lessons for me as a business owner. So today’s blog post includes some of my favorite photos and lessons I learned along the way.

When You Build Something, Build it To Last

Wandering through ancient castles and cathedrals built 500, 750 and 1,000 years ago redefined my definition of old. Built on a solid foundation they have been repaired and expanded without destroying the original vision.

Edinburgh Castle built in the 12th Century

As I look at Roundpeg, and our short 13-year history the same is true. I started with a business plan which formed the foundation of the company. It has been edited and expanded every year, but at the core is the original business I envisioned.

Look Both Ways Before You Cross the Street

It took me awhile to get used to the cars coming from what I considered the wrong direction. Fortunately, Andy, my husband, was around to pull me to safety more than a few times.

As a business owner, challenges and opportunities come at you from all directions. You need to keep your eyes open and look at things from multiple sides. If you don’t look both ways, you might get run over.

Go Where Others Don’t

One afternoon we left the city and tourist destinations behind and rode a public bus out of town. We had a chance to see what suburban living is, Scottish style, a bit of the Highland countryside and tour a small distillery.

Grey, cloudy, misty and beautiful

Yes, there is safety in numbers, and you probably won’t go horribly wrong doing what every other professional in your industry does. But there is not much chance for the surprising burst of success which comes from doing something entirely different. Take a chance, try a different marketing approach or promotion, something no other lawyer or plumber would normally try. Hire someone who is smart, but with no experience in your industry for that fresh approach.

It will be an adventure and, if you are lucky, there will be whisky and chocolate at the end.

Whisky and chocolate after the tour

Start your journey with a plan.