I’m
always intrigued by the Sunday Times column “How I made it”, tucked away in the
Business section of that mammoth publication.
This
weekly, relatively short piece describes how someone, often against all the
odds, has become extremely successful in their business.
The
story usually describes humble beginnings, perhaps a hint of early success,
often then telling of the setbacks they endured along the way before securing a
glorious triumph in the end. All nicely wrapped in a sentence that describes
their current turnover and worth.
And
some advice
Always
the entrepreneur at the centre of attention offers some pearls of wisdom for
those that aspire to be successful in their own business. A few words of
advice, sometimes a few words of caution. What to do, what not to do.
The
overall message for me is that, over the course of time they each overcame
substantial challenges, yet they fought on, hung on and eventually came
through.
I thought
I’d reproduce some of those words of advice here. They have often helped me.
They might help you too. I haven’t credited the authors. There isn’t
space and in any case I’m sure they’ll cope without the credit just this once!
Here
goes...
“Don’t be afraid of mistakes, use them as learning experiences. If you
go into business with other people, choose carefully; make sure you have a good
skill mix and everyone has clearly defined roles. Solve people’s problems while
saving them money and they’ll pay you well for it”
“Apply
common sense. If I don’t understand something, I try not to get too involved in
it. Try to ensure you have the full support of your close family. Running a
business inevitable crosses boundaries and has an impact on your domestic life.
There are times when you can’t be around. If you haven’t got support at home,
that is going to make it a struggle”
“Try to do something you understand and in a market that you have worked
in. If you don’t understand it, get some work experience and build up some
contacts, because that will make it a lot easier”
“Nothing
goes entirely to plan but you can’t over-estimate what a lot of good research
and good planning can do. Even if an idea isn’t the best in the world, if you
research and plan it and pick your location and target market specifically, it
can still be successful”
“Don’t do anything on a whim – it isn’t worth it. You need to understand
what you are doing and why you are doing it. You can’t put a price on having
the knowledge of your industry”
"In
all things you need to be able to compromise. You need to be willing to change
and adapt along the way and not be too fixed in how you achieve things. You
can’t always get your own way. I compromise every day. If you get too upset by
things you will live an unhappy life”
“Always bite off more than you can
chew...then chew like hell"
“I am not particularly talented, bright or
good at anything, but I am relentless. Even during my darkest days I just went
on and on with dogged determination. Don't just think about doing something -
do it”
"The most important thing is to make a
decision. You often get it wrong but you always need to make a decision"
"You shouldn't have a Plan B. It
shouldn't enter your head. If you're an intelligent, hardworking person you can
start a business with a passion for something. If you are forever wondering
what you will do if you fail, how will you ever succeed"
Whether
it’s for inspiration in something new or simply helping increase your sales success, I hope there’s
some good stuff in there for you.
Until next
time.
Leigh
020 7903 5426
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