Support, Balance, and Momentum: Where Roller Skating and Business Crossover

July’s Third Thursday social was a lot of fun, and it got me thinking about how much roller skating and small business have in common.

Sure, the easy parallel to draw is that you can fall down pretty hard in each. But it’s the process of learning to fall well and then recovering fast that sticks in my mind. Falling is inevitable – in skating (trust me!) and business – but recovering from setbacks, failed grant applications, or even emotional recovery is what’s beautiful. And with how resilient our Colerain businesses are, I’m willing to bet that if they’ve fallen twice, they’ve recovered and gotten back up three times.

The sense of balance is another commonality between roller skating and owning or running a small business. Just like shifting your feet or distributing your weight to make a tight turn on the roller rink, balance in business is so important. Balancing your financials, yes, but also balance in marketing, time, cash, and your energy. There’s an entrepreneur in the UK named Vann Vogstad who posted about roller skating and business, and he came to the conclusion that.” The first rule in skating (and start-ups): if you stop adjusting, you stop moving forward.”

To build on that, momentum is another thing business and skating have in common. Going over bumps on the track or making turns is a lot easier once you’re actively rolling along. That same kind of momentum can keep a small business rolling along. They say even baby steps move you forward, and it’s true. Once you get going, these small, consistent actions can make your processes smoother – like shipping, outreach, customer service, and training. It all comes together for a nice smooth lap around the rink.

And finally, you can’t forget to have fun. This may be the most important lesson of both skating and business – if you’re not taking the time to enjoy it, then what’s the point? Sure, you might look like baby Bambi your first time on skates, or the first time trying to navigate new systems, but once you practice and hit your stride, that’s when the fun begins.

So, whether you’re lacing up skates for the first time or taking the next step in your business, remember that progress doesn’t come from standing still. It comes from the falls, the adjustments, the small wins, and the moments of joy along the way. Our Colerain business community reflects that same rhythm—supporting one another, finding balance, and building momentum together. And just like a great night at the rink, it’s a whole lot better when we’re all in it together.