What’s Beta?
The word “beta” can mean many different things based on who you are talking to. In the software or IT crowd, it can be a test version of a software or system release. If you’re in finance, it can mean the measure of volatility or risk. Such is the way with words, context is everything (there’s a solid lesson buried in that statement). For the purposes of betaviser though, both are irrelevant to what I “know” the “true” meaning of beta to be.
As an avid rock climber, I quickly became infatuated with the climbing community’s definition of “beta”, which is instructions or tips on how to best or most efficiently complete a climb. Climbing has taught me a lot over the years (trust me, much more content on this and how it ties to leadership in the future) and it always brought me joy to see how close the community is. Climbers are always willing to stop what they’re doing to help, no matter their skill level, and share beta on a climb with you. On every climb, especially the harder ones, the smallest detail can make a massive difference in whether you complete the climb clean or not - a high left foot there, shift the body weight onto your right leg here, that crimp (tiny hold) looks terrible but it’s solid - just a few words that can change the dynamic of the entire climb for you, the difference between success or a fall. Any time I hear someone say, “Hey, what’s the beta on this one?” or “Let me know if you want some beta on that climb, it’s a doozy” I can’t help but smile. Ergo, betaviser.
Betaviser is the merger of beta and adviser, because I believe that everyone should have access to all of the information they need to be successful. All they need to do is ask (there’s a Harry Potter quote somewhere in there, my wife will be elated that I recognized that). I believe that knowledge is infinite and for those that seek knowledge, they too can experience a limitless future with the right level of execution (effort) and a purpose filled drive. At betaviser, we don’t have all of the answers, nor will we pretend to. But we believe in pushing the envelope on human performance to unlock the best in all of us. Sometimes all it takes is the right beta or the right advice to course correct you and send you further along on your journey.
If you’re ready to take this journey with me, and I hope you will, I encourage you to sign up for the betaviser newsletter and to follow us on social media. A journey alone is rewarding, but the knowledge shared with others is priceless.
-Jason