Over the past twenty years, I’ve been asked one question: What are the keys to success? I am a businessman and entrepreneur who has learned many valuable lessons. I would like to share them with you.
Here Are 10 Of My Best Tips To Help You Be A Successful Business Owner.
1. Passionate about what you do.
You should enjoy your daily routine. My brother always said, “If you love what you do… you will be successful.”
2. Do not surround yourself with “yes men”, but rather people who will challenge you.
Listen to both sides before making a decision. Listen to those who are honest and not to those who say what they think you want to hear. Before you make any decisions, it is important to be aware of the potential landmines. It’s a lot of fun to have people argue with me. It makes staff meetings exciting and fun.
3. Appreciate your people.
You can be made or broken by your team! Many business owners believe I spoil my staff. We wouldn’t be where we are today without them. My employees are the ones who provide the steam that propels the engine upward. Even today, I continue to look for diamonds hidden in the mud!
4. Consider your customers’ point of view.
It is useful for anything from marketing promotions to solving problems. The customer is not always right, but you should treat them as if they were in your shoes.
5. Value your suppliers.
It is important that you establish bonds with your business partners, no matter what field you are in. Remember that both you and your business partner need each other. Talk to them and get to know each other. Don’t just text or email them. They can be of assistance in a hurry.
6. Appreciate your competitors.
It seems odd, doesn’t it? Our competitors are always on our toes, and they inspire us every day to be better. We formed a strong partnership with the common goal of maintaining industry ethics. There is power in numbers, as we often have similar problems.
7. Consider an exit strategy.
You will need to sell your business or transfer it to someone you love at some point. Create a succession planning plan for your company. When the time is right, you need to protect your legacy. It was two years ago that I sold CruCon’s controlling interest to a $2B firm. I created SLC Group Holdings in order to invest and mentor young entrepreneurs, and make their dreams a reality!
8. Create a strong system of support.
Everybody needs support because there will be times when they don’t understand the world. Crap happens. You need someone to boost your confidence and get you going again. I wouldn’t be where I am without the unwavering support of my SLC Group Holdings team, and the unconditional love from 22 little feet who greet me every night at the door with their tails wagging. These are my four Maltese girls (including Finney), my cat, and of course Bruce. No matter how bad your day was, a lemon-drop martini and the four Maltese girls will make it better.
9. When you fall, pick yourself up.
Use the support system you learned in number eight! You WILL make mistakes. We all do. You can’t put the blame on someone else. They are yours. You own them. We are stronger and more wise if we can learn from our mistakes and recover quickly.
10. Pay it forward whenever possible.
When you’re first starting out, it can be difficult to give to charities or to volunteer in your community, because you may not have the money or time. But once you’ve got some breathing space, this is an important thing to consider. Businesses are the backbones of their local communities. Donate something. It is important for your community. You will attract new employees, and keep your existing ones because of their pride in the place they work. You may need them for something at any time. It’s also good for your Karma!