GETTING TO SUCCESS
Over the years we have written about all of the below in one way or another: the importance of using tools in getting to a successful business and knocking it out of the park! It doesn’t matter what business you are in, most, if not all of the following are best stepping stones to that goal for success. Keep these points front of mind!
Truly listen to your team
Involve your people and hear all sides of an argument. Don’t surround yourself with ‘yes’ people. Believe in your team. Listen to the pros and cons of an issue before making a sound decision. Challenge people to argue with you.
Truly listen to your clients and/or customers
Consider your customer’s point of view.
This is valuable advice in everything from marketing promotions to problem resolution. It’s not that the ‘customer is always right’, but it is important to put yourself in their shoes and consider there point of view.
Be a value to your suppliers
No matter what industry you are in, it is important to establish bonds with those you do business with. Ask yourself what you are bringing to the table and remember that you both need each other. Talk with them, get to know them. Let them get to know you well. They are an important asset to your business and in urgent times, they can help you out.
Appreciate your competitors
Seems odd, right? Competitors keep us on our toes and inspire us to do better every day. Becoming a communicator may be a win-win situation in that you may work towards a common goal to keep industry ethics on track.
Consider your exit strategy early
Realize early that at some point you need to either sell your company or pass your business on to a family member or the like. Create a succession plan within your organization. You need to recognize that when the time comes, you must protect your legacy and maximize your years of hard work. Be prepared with the right sources and resources.
Build a strong support system
Everyone needs a support system because you will have times when you just don’t see the light. You need someone there to back you up and give you confidence and/or set you on track. Seek out consultants or an advisory board. A person or group who is at arms length from your business.
This is what we do at Associated Senior Executives [ASE]. A good advisory board such as ourselves, help many in business before errors are made and be there as a sounding board through the best and the trying times. Advisors and mentors can be an ear, open minded, and beyond helpful.
Things will not always go right…face the challenge
Use your support system as mentioned above. You will make mistakes. We all do. Don’t blame someone else for them. Own them. They are yours. Recovering from our mistakes quickly and learning a lesson makes you stronger and wiser in your decisions going forward.
Get involved in community
When time and money allows get involved in your local community. Your community needs your support. There is a benefit to you to interact with the local community. Good work and philanthropy is noticed. It may bring the business customers, referrals and even employees when you need them.
Doreen Levitz ASE