Drone cameras are getting more popular that almost anyone can purchase one and fly it on their own. Because a drone is now a must-have gadget, especially among travellers and photography enthusiasts, people think that it is easy to fly them. It may seem so, but unknown to many, it is also easy to crash them. It can be compared with starting and owning a business. The majority only pays attention to the rewards but fails to realise the difficulty of keeping a venture afloat and letting it soar to success.
Like a drone camera, business leaders need to see the big picture through a bird’s eye view and, at the same time, zoom in and focus on the tiniest details of the enterprise. So, how do you make sure you fly your drone smoothly? How do you bring your business to greater heights? There are a few lessons from piloting a drone that can be applied to the entrepreneurial journey.
Study the manual
While most gadgets are easy to operate, there are certain precautions to take before trying your first drone flight. Moreover, there are different models of drone cameras and each type may have a certain way to activate it. Read thoroughly the instructions before you attempt to launch your quadcopter.
In the same way, running a business is not something that is learned overnight. While experience is the best way to master it, there are tools and materials that can help you understand the various aspects of entrepreneurship. You can take short courses, read business books or listen to podcasts. Each industry has its own business culture and climate, so do the necessary research to prepare you with the inevitable and help you grow your enterprise.
Seek help from an experienced one
To avoid crashing your drone on your first try, it is best to seek the help of someone who has more experience in flying it. You can get more insights when you observe the actual steps in handling a drone and hearing specific instructions along the way. If it’s your first time to operate it, it is helpful to have somebody to assist you who can be your spotter as you may get confused whether to focus on your camera screen or keep visibility of your drone.
Mentors play a significant role in one’s entrepreneurial growth. They may be able to see and point out things that you have missed so that you can avoid some mistakes or losses. Learn from the experience of those who have started way ahead of you. If you are a member of business groups like EO, you can participate in forums and learning events and absorb the lessons they bring to the table.
Secure permits and follow rules
Certain places require permits before you can fly a drone. There are also no-fly zones that should be followed. Private properties may prohibit drones to hover over their area. Be mindful of laws and rules in the locality before you use your quadcopter.
From founding your business to sustaining it, make sure that you comply with the laws in your locale and industry. Secure your business permits and file government reports on time. It is to your advantage if you are knowledgeable of the legal requirements and procedures in your area to avoid any glitches in the future.
Survey the terrain and check the weather
Don’t fly when it’s too windy or when it’s raining or snowing. Fly on open spaces as trees, buildings and elevated areas nearby may cause problems to your drone’s path. It is advisable to fly where you can maintain a vision of your drone.
Assess your competitors and conduct market research. Get into the minds of your consumers or clients. Familiarise yourself with industry standards and practices. You can approach difficult situations from a position of strength and confidence if you are conversant with the facts and realities revolving around your business, industry and economy. Rely on data and also listen to your gut-feel. Then you can strategically map out your next move to get you closer and faster to your goal.
Start low and slow
Some first-time flyers get too excited that they immediately fly their drones so high and lose control of it, which can only lead to disaster. Be patient and learn the basics first. Practise the take-offs and landings. Fly it low and slow in the beginning until you have full mastery in handling your device.
Have a few test-runs first before you go full-scale on your business. Similar to a drone, you invest resources and energy in starting and running an enterprise. However, the risks are bigger in business, and crashes or failures can greatly affect not only your life but also of those around you, such as your family, employees or investors. Make sure you fill in the gaps and have all bases covered.
Safety first
Your safety and those of people nearby are of primary importance when you operate a drone. That is why you should familiarise yourself of your device and surroundings and practise well until you can completely control it. Take safety precautions before you fly your drone. Never mind if you weren’t able to capture good photos or videos on your flight. There’s always a next time. The important thing is that you do not harm yourself or anyone.
Taking risks and making bold steps are part of the entrepreneurial journey. You may never move forward unless you do this. However, make sure that you take calculated risks and have a back-up plan in place. Put some safety measures in your business, whether it’s availing of insurance products, putting security features in your physical store or online portals or implementing strict human resource and operational procedures in your workplace.
Stay alert
There may be sudden changes in the weather, unforeseen events in your area or birds appearing out of nowhere. Stay alert and maintain your drone within your line of sight. Keep your presence of mind if anything happens.
Markets can often be volatile. Local occurrences and global circumstances may affect your business at a snap of a finger. Always update yourself with the latest happenings and be on the lookout for possible threats and opportunities. Implement plans and put out fires with swiftness and thoroughness. If you achieve some wins, do not rest on your laurels. When you experience certain failures, do not wallow in your misery and bounce back immediately.
Once you have gained the confidence to face any adversity and the skilfulness to go beyond your limits, you can take your business higher. As an owner, you are the pilot of your venture. The controls are in your hands. Lead your enterprise towards your goals and create an impact on other people’s lives through your business.