Versatility

We stress versatility.  You can see it on our website.  You can see it in our marketing materials.  But what do we mean?  How can one be versatile when it comes to branding, marketing, or tea concentrate sales? 

A synonymous word to versatility is adaptability.  And I am a self proclaimed expert on adaptability.  To give a current example, I am at this very moment supposed to be collecting my luggage from baggage claim in New York’s La Guardia airport.  I am in fact, not.  My flight has yet to leave the ground in Miami.

As I was sitting in my seat, waiting for the second attempt at takeoff this morning, I was struck by inspiration and grabbed a pen and legal pad.  This blog, or at least the bulk of it, was written “old school.”  You will, thankfully, not have to try and decipher my shorthand.

Adapt

During my early days of military service, shortly after leaving Great Lakes RTC, my versatility (and patience) was tested…often.  Whenever we got new marching orders, oftentimes in the middle of executing previous orders, our senior chief would look at us and say, “Adapt and overcome.”

“Adapt and overcome” – It wasn’t a unique phrase used solely amongst my unit.  I’ve come across service members from all branches that get the smirk on their face when they hear the phrase.  But for me, it became more than just a phrase.  It became a way to live my life, a way to run my businesses.

Things rarely go as planned, and I believe you need to be open to change.  During my early years in the beverage industry, I had the distinct pleasure of working with a USAF Lt. Colonel (Ret.).  The Colonel, Bob to his civilian counterparts, ran production for the company where I had gone to work.  Bob ran a smooth, tight operation.  He would begin his day reviewing the production schedule for the day.  He would end his day developing out the next day’s production plan.  The stuff that occurred in between…well, that was organized chaos.  Bob used to say, “A plan is only something to deviate from.”

There is a four letter word that happens.  It usually happens unexpectedly and at the worst of times.  You can either throw your hands up in frustration, or, “adapt and overcome”. 

I have found, when faced with a certain adversity, it is better to drop the current plan of attack and develop a Plan B.  The important thing to NEVER forget is your overall operational objective.  What was it you were hoping to accomplish?  What was the end result to your now non-working plan?

How you get there is irrelevant.  That you get to your destination, no matter the path you travel, is the important part.  And who knows, along the way your unscripted journey may open more opportunities for you. 

Ray Welch

President