A few years ago, I was in the wine country of California. It was an eye-opener. Not only were the vistas breathtaking, but it was fun to learn about a new business model.
The view from Gundlach Bundschu Winery.
I'm no wine expert, so some of what I learned surprised me.
If you plant grape vines, you'll wait three years before the vine bears fruit. But the winery I visited won't use grapes from their vines for two or threeyears after that. (I guess younger vines don't produce the same quality of grapes.)
Think about that. This winery plants a vine and has to wait six years until that vine produces grapes worthy for its wine. Six years. Talk about the need for patience. And vision. Imagine working in that environment - what you do today will determine where you arein six years.
I shook my head. I was gladnotto be in the wine business.
But then I thought again. Whether we like it or not, we're in the same boat.
We plant vines every day. We make decisions. Create policies. Set examples. Give guidance.
Where will be in six years? Will our wine be worth drinking?
