H2V Lessons

This Tuesday we would like to present something a little different. The People behind the Push will still be posted at the end of the week but today we want to run through some of the key lessons we (riders) have discussed thus far. (in no particular order).

1. There can be tremendous power in collaboration. When the right people are paired with the right people, there really is no limit to what can be accomplished. Over the past 7 months we have met so many people who have unselfishly invested time, money, and focus to supporting this event. It’s been awesome.

2. All charities need to incorporate the practice of saying thank you at a higher level. Having worked with many charities in the past, this is a disturbing trend that can no longer be justified with ‘most of our board is comprised of volunteers’. It is very easy to acknowledge, support and (with the power if the internet) promote anyone who wants to bring awareness to a cause and particularly one that touches you & yours.

3.. Any group will meet the bar they set for themselves. Originally our H2V goal was set at $600.000.00 (a measure that was attained two months prior to the ride). Thankfully, our group is composed of many A-Type personalities who continued to set the bar over 1 million dollars. This drives us to achieve more. Sure, there are critics (not sure why) who cite ‘in kind sponsorship isn’t really money in the bank’, and we say NO PROBLEM, because we will use the ‘in kind’ to generate 1 million ‘in cash’.

4. There is no “I” in team. Those who make a collective goal about themselves fail to taste the true flavors of what the experience has to offer. This came in the form of everything from riders following their own programs (and peaking way too early) to volunteers requesting specifics (from the riders) around how their journey across Canada would be comfortable? Segue…

5. Everyone has a role. If a group is lucky, roles will not only be filled with people, but people who have strengths in their respective roles. Not strengths in what you think you are good at, strengths in what you are good at. The wrong people in the wrong roles can bring any initiative to a halt. We were lucky with our group in that for the most part we have / had the right people in the right roles!

6. Doing something for charity really surpasses doing something just for oneself. Don’t get us wrong, we know people need a balance of both, but point to the fact charitable contributions are not high (on mass) from the Canadian Corporate contribution standpoint. We are lucky to have partnered with some GREAT organizations like the Vancouver Sun (thanks Jamie), Can West Media, Cannacord Capital (thanks Cam), Sanofi Aventis (thanks Dan), Lionsgate Capital (thanks Frank)… to name a few

7. While doing things for charity, you get the opportunity to meet some truly special like minded people. A unanimous favorite amongst the riders has been Cheryl Wilson Stewart and Malcom Carter, both of whom have thrown themselves into the mix (without a personal connection to Juvenile Diabetes), and really over delivered. We are lucky to be on the team with all of the volunteers and organizers, but these two people have gone above and beyond!

These are 7 of a list of about 50 key lessons we have learned being lucky enough to be considered for this awesome event. Oh yes… we can’t forget an important one.

8. The riders rock! Its important to note we are not ‘professional’ riders. We are recreational hacks at best, with 7 kids under 11 (the youngest being 6 months) between us, running 4 full time businesses, training 20+ hours / week, organizing all ride logistics, helping secure sponsorship dollars and roll out marketing…. who mostly get told to slow down & tone down. We have an excellent group of characters who don’t take themselves too seriously, are capable of getting the job done, and like to have fun.

AND WE WILL TAKE YOUR HELP.

Any way
Any time
If you want a job, email us and ask. matt@innovativefitness.com There are lots.