CLIMBING ANALOGY

A visual way to understand the core parts of your business

Why Running a Business Feels Like Climbing a Mountain, And How That’s Actually Helpful

At the base of the mountain, everything feels possible.

The air is sharp. The path ahead is unknown but calling. You’ve got the gear, the map, and a mix of nerves and excitement in your gut. That moment—just before the first step—isn’t all that different from starting a business.

But if you’ve ever tried to build something meaningful, you know what comes next. It’s not all scenic views and progress shots. There are blind corners, steep inclines, sideways weather, and moments where the summit feels impossibly far away.

It’s why we built the Summit Small Business Guide around one simple metaphor: your business is a mountain climb. And that metaphor doesn’t just inspire—it helps you make better decisions.

Let me show you how.

The Map and the Metaphor:
Why This Analogy Works

There are endless business frameworks out there. Some useful. Some too abstract. We wanted something that felt human, grounded, and practical. Something you could remember when the pressure was high and your head was spinning.

Enter the mountain.

Just like climbing, building a business isn’t a straight line. It demands preparation, resilience, adaptability, and clear thinking. It’s physical, emotional, strategic—and often lonely.

So we broke the business down into seven key areas, each represented by part of a climber’s body or kit. Not because it’s clever, but because it’s accurate.

Let’s walk through them—and maybe, see where your footing might be a bit off.

1. Leadership: The Climber’s Head

Ever tried climbing without knowing where the top is? You’d be surprised how many founders operate that way.

Leadership is about setting direction. Monitoring conditions. Keeping the team calm when storms hit. Like a climber securing their helmet, founders need to protect their ability to think clearly and act decisively. No one else will do it for them.

Ask yourself: Do I know where I’m going, or am I reacting to the terrain in front of me?

2. Products: The Climber’s Legs

Strong legs. Smart steps.

Products are what move your business upwards. But not all legs are created equal. A good product meets a real need. A great one adapts with the terrain. Many founders fall in love with an idea, then drag it up a hill that doesn’t want it.

If your growth feels slow, check your legs. Are your products carrying their weight—or are they asking the rest of the body to compensate?

3. Marketing: The Climber’s Arms

Balance. Reach. Leverage.

Marketing isn’t shouting into the wind. It’s the careful art of making yourself visible in the right places, with the right messages. Like a climber using poles or tools to steady themselves and pull forward, marketing is what keeps the rhythm steady and progress visible.

How well are you telling your story? Do your customers know you exist, and more importantly—why you matter?

4. Sales: The Climber’s Boots

The difference between slipping and sticking.

Sales convert interest into momentum. Without grip, a climber can’t advance. Same with business. Many founders resist sales—thinking it’s pushy, or someone else’s job. But unless someone is willing to put down money, you’re not moving.

Do your boots fit? Is your sales process something you trust to hold when things get steep?

5. Cash Flow: The Climber’s Energy

No food. No water. No summit.

Cash flow isn’t just accounting—it’s the oxygen of your business. You can have the best product in the world, but without financial energy, you’ll stall halfway up.

The most successful founders aren’t just chasing revenue. They’re managing the pace. Knowing when to conserve. When to invest. When to stop and refuel.

How’s your energy right now? Are you sustaining your climb—or crawling on fumes?

6. Operations: The Climber’s Body

The engine. The muscle. The day-to-day function.

Operations aren’t sexy—but they are essential. If your business is messy inside, the climb becomes exhausting. Smart operations mean smart packing: bringing what you need, and leaving the rest.

Have you checked your pack lately? Are your systems streamlined—or are they weighing you down?

7. Overheads: The Climber’s Backpack

Now, here’s the bit most climbers overlook.

That extra software subscription. The fancy office you stopped using. The team member who isn’t aligned but hasn’t been addressed. All of it adds up.

Every item in a climber’s pack must justify its weight. Businesses should do the same. Overheads aren’t evil—they’re just heavy. Either remove the weight, or strengthen the parts of the business that carry it.

What’s in your pack right now? And does it still deserve a place on your back?

You Don’t Have to Climb Alone

Here’s one final truth every mountaineer knows: solo climbs are dangerous.

Yes, it’s your business. Your vision. Your name on the paperwork. But the smartest founders know when to call for guidance. When to walk with others. When to follow a path that’s been safely trodden before.

Community isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.

Where Are You on the Mountain?

So now we’re here. You’ve got the map. You’ve seen the terrain. Maybe you’ve even spotted a few missteps or loose gear in your own setup.

What would it feel like to climb with clarity?
To know that every part of your business has a place—and a purpose?
To stop firefighting and start ascending?

Because that’s what we do with founders every week. Using this exact framework. In 1:1 coaching or in our Business Accelerator Communities. Over six months, we walk through each of these areas together—helping you build a business that actually works for you.

Your Next Step: Speak to Ben & Benji

We’re inviting a handful of founders to join our next cohort.

If this framework resonates—if you’re tired of climbing alone, or confused about what’s holding you back—book a discovery call. There’s no pitch, just a proper conversation to see where you are and whether we can help.

Because the mountain isn’t going anywhere. But you don’t have to camp at base forever.

Let’s get climbing.

Let’s Chat:
Which part of your business feels strongest right now? Which area needs the most attention? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear where you’re climbing from.

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    Florian Schwey, Founder - Sensations Montagne

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    Julien Garay, Founder of Julien Création Bois

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