Business Lessons from the Pinewood Derby

Two weeks ago my Sons and I competed in our first Pinewood Derby with our Cub Scout Pack (Ryan was able to compete in the "outlaw" division for siblings that are to young to be in scouting).  It brought back fond memories of when I was a young Cub Scout and my Father had helped me build my pinewood derby cars.  It is almost like a right of passage for me and my other friends with young sons.  Nick, Ryan and I had a blast, and he took third in his division, so it was a success!

When we were building the car, I started thinking about the parallels between the Pinewood Derby and the business world.  I thought I would share a few that popped into my brain, which was probably clouded with paint fumes and sawdust.

YOU NEED A MENTOR:  Lets face it, first grade boys are just not equipped to build this car all by themselves.  It is simply too complicated.  Sure Nick had ideas on how it should look and the colors, but he cannot use a power saw by himself or install the axles with the precision that is needed.  So Dad helps out!  Just as in business, one person cannot know everything.  I have learned so much about ecommerce, not from a single formal mentor, but from many others that are in the trenches that I correspond with on several different forums, and even this blog.  My Wife also does a great job listening to my ideas and giving me feedback.

FOLLOW THE RULES:  In business no matter how "outside the box" your thinking is, there are some basic truths and rules of business that must be followed.  Taxes, honesty and submitting invoices are a few that come to mind - no doubt there are many more.  In the Pinewood Derby the rules are pretty specific - maximum weight of 5 ounces and the maximum car size are just a couple.  Break one of the basic rules, and you are out of the game.

BE FLEXIBLE:  There were several times when building the car that we had to improvise, and make decisions on the fly.  Being able to do this and come out with a quality car is the key to success.  Just as in business, we must be flexible - listen to our customers and adapt accordingly.

IT TAKES LOTS OF SANDING:  I decided from the beginning that Nick would choose the shape of his car, sand it, and paint it.  I would take care of the axles and wheels, which are the parts that really make the car fast.  I really wanted to teach him that you do not create something of quality in ten minutes.  He was shocked at how much sanding was required before we could paint it, and then even more sanding between coats of paint.  In business we do much the same thing with our products, services and organization.  They may start out rough, but through lots of "sanding" and determination they evolve into smooth operations and products.  I know on my web sites, the first design out the chute is never the best, but it is out there making sales.  Then over time I fine tune and redesign the site for a better conversion rate, or just to make if more pleasing to both my visitors and myself.  Pride and determination seem to be the driving force behind this "sanding" process.

Nick is still talking about how we "won" the Pinewood Derby this year.  The stakes are high for next year, because the older you get the tougher the competition.  I don't know how we will do next year in the race, but I do know that we will both benefit from spending time together creating a car that we are proud of.  One of the things I always try to keep in mind when I feel really busy growing both my Architecture practice and my own internet business is that at the end of the day my family needs to be my first priority.  Sure this means some late nights for Dad, but raising kids that will grow to adults that are confident in themselves and know the importance of family and faith, is the most important job I have!