As a business consultant one of the hardest obstacles to overcome is the making sure the client has the true belief in their product or service rather than just pursuing the dollar. Now I know all of us go to work each day with the intent to make as much money as possible, but business owners managers and employees should also have a belief in what they create, build, represent and sell in order to achieve total success. This past week I met a wonderful group of people that carried a passionate and true belief in what they do and stand for.

I was invited to moderate a panel and speak before the Tri-River Waterway Association on the border of the Georgia and Alabama. The purpose of this organization and those that participated in the conference is centered around the preservation and development of the regional river basin. I was not only astounded, but also moved by the passion that these people held for their waterway, its history as well as its potential. This was not a group of tree hugging zealots, but instead people from many walks of life that love, respect and most of all have a shared belief in the great things their beloved rivers have to offer economically and as a positive part of their culture and life. Their goal is to improve the boating activity on the area waters and share their beautiful resources with others. Nothing more, nothing less. No talk about big money or huge profits. They have a sincere belief in the value of their precious resource and what it has to offer others. This level of belief is seldom seen in today’s world of the “me generation”. It was amazing to learn of the time and energy these people contributed to a cause that may take years to see a significant impact from their effort. I was also amazed at how more than a dozen groups at the conference seem to share the same goals, and unselfish dreams for their shared waterway. To simmer it down……it was a shared belief.

The level of belief that they demonstrate will serve as their greatest strength in the future. They will soon come up with a plan to build that boating activity they need and want so badly. They will seek funding and professionals to help them execute the plan. As they do, that oh so valuable belief will give them the patience, strength and perseverance to see them through all the challenges that will come. It’s the same level of belief that carried people like Steven Jobs of Apple Computer from a friend’s garage to becoming one of the world’s most successful companies. It’s the same belief that was at Iwo Jima with those United States Marines and Navy Corpman that raised the American flag.

This sounds sappy and dramatic and it may be, but belief is a powerful thing and these people wear it proudly. The fact is, I went to Eufaula, Alabama to speak at a conference and instead discovered a community of folks passionate about their heritage, resources and future. What a breath of fresh air! I want thank them for the opportunity to share it with me. I am certainly a better person for it. I wish them well and have no doubt that they will succeed. Why? Because of their passion and belief.  I’ll keep everyone updated on their certain progress.

Never underestimate the power of BELIEF!!!