From Cargo Bike to Closing Deals: How Being True to Yourself Can Help in Business
What is your opinion? Before you read the rest of this post.
What would you think if a business partner of yours came to an initial meeting riding a cargo bike and carrying two camping chairs?
This meeting had nothing to do with transportation, bicycle promotion, healthy living, or any of that stuff. This meeting was a first-time meeting with the owner of a small, local business. He had reached out asking if we could meet and see how I can help him grow his business.
I will not depend on planes, trains, or automobiles to do my job
If you have followed me for any amount of time then you know that I love riding bikes. Whether I am in the Rocky Mountains, Brooklyn, Zurich, or here at home, I am always happy when on a bike. When the pandemic hit and business trips became Zoom calls I needed to make more time to get outside and into the world. The bike (or hiking boots) were an ideal method of getting away but doing something good for me. As my business idea became more clear, I knew I did not want to depend on planes, trains, or automobiles to do my job. This does not mean that I will use those forms of transportation to get me somewhere. Once I get to my destination I will pull out the cycling gear.
Bikes and Brooklyn
I met with Chris Nolte, a bike shop owner in NYC in late 2021 for my podcast and we exchanged stories of how we came to biking. He was not a biker but after injury and returning from a war which changed his mind, he took to cycling. Today he has the oldest pure e-bike shop in NYC and is an active biking advocate. He is constantly pushing for more acceptance of the bikes often highlighting others' efforts in making change. The link to his shop and YouTube channel are below.
I always rode a bike. I rode to middle school. I rode around the neighborhood. We built ramps to jump off of and broke many bikes. Then we would rebuild them with spare parts we would buy from a retired guy who had a garage full of used parts. Funny, we never wondered where all those parts came from. Later I raced bikes at college and when I moved to Europe in local races as well. Biking was just a part of what I did.
Reaction to a cargo bike?
So, how did my new business partner react to me arriving on a cargo bike? I think he was a bit surprised at first but likely more surprised that I brought chairs to sit on. We were meeting for lunch at a food truck. I thought why stand for an hour and not bring some chairs? Week, it was 4C (40F) but a little sun was out and we both sat and began our meeting. The cold got to us more than the thought of sitting on camping chairs brought by a biker to a parking lot.
I will have Zoom calls from the side of a trail
Sure, I could have arrived in slacks, polished shoes, and a combed beard but then that would not have told him who I am. I want my business partners to know what interests me and what motivates me. I have shared before that I will have Zoom calls from the side of a trail sitting on a park bench. My business partners need to know this about me. It is who I am. It is who I want to be.
By the end of our meeting, he said he was looking forward to our working together. I packed up the chairs and loaded them into the bike box. We said our goodbyes and I rode off home. It was a successful meeting and we are already making plans for the next steps. I show people what I do and what I am capable of though actions. I arrived at that Brooklyn meeting with Chris on a blue "Citibike" and a backpack full of podcasting gear he just smiled and knew this was going to be fun.
Today on a bike?
I am writing this from a cafe not far from my home. It is January and around freezing so, biking is not very fun. Today it is the hiking boots that got me here. I like this New Normal. I am proud of what I do and I share it with anyone who will listen. Thanks for being here and getting this far.
BTW, the cargo bike I used is from Sigo. They are an e-cargo bike-sharing company with 8 stations alone in my hometown of Wiesbaden. They have many locations across the country and I am excited to have another option for loaning a cargo bike when I need one. If you live in Germany follow the link below (or check their app sigo.sharing) to see if they are in your town! If so, hit me up and I can connect you with a discount code.
/Andrew
Links
Propel Bikes: https://propelbikes.com/
Propel Bikes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Propelbikes
Chris Nolte LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisnolte2nd
Sigo Sharing: https://sigo.green/standorte/
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For those who don't know me, I am an internet marketer focused on getting local businesses online and engaging their digital customers. I usually come to my clients by bike.
Another example of what I posted a recipe on social media!
