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I wish I knew these 29 things before taking a seat on the business express
As I type, I am cursing the bank holiday tomorrow, because the only pounds I'll be gaining will probably be on my hips; for me it's a case of no work no pay.
As I wonder if I should jack it all in and join the thousands going through seven stage interviews for a poorly paid research managers job, I offer up a big thank you to Lisa Barone, Chief Branding Officer of Outspoken Media.
"What you talking about?"
Through her blog post '29 Things No One Told Me About Business,' Lisa Barone, has reminded me through numerous mistakes, some hard times and plenty of tears, at least for me, an aspiring business can still find success.
Now, I know I am not superwoman, even if I do a bloody good impression. Yet no matter how little sleep I get, and in spite of the many to-do lists I compile, there are always only 24 hours in a day. While I do think a lot of myself, and who wouldn't, even I know I can't and shouldn't be trying to do everything.
Then again, neither should I insist on giving myself a hard time when my best made plans unravel. This is where I give insightful Lisa a Hallelujah for her second point:
"There will be days when you really don’t want to get out of bed to start up again. Do it anyway. Unless there are tears involved. Then stay there until you can make them stop."
Do I stay or go?
As I stagger along the business path, entrenched in a daily war whether to continue trying to build my consultancy, or chuck it in and start something new, Lisa's words fill me with hope.
In short, she urges me to stop wasting time with indecision (point 17) and "...fail faster" (point 6).
Truly words of wisdom
From the many gems Lisa shares, all reminding me that building a business is both hard work and work in progress, I find five hit home the most:
"14. Always remember why you’re doing this. Know, at your core, what you’re trying to build and why you’re trying to build it. It will see you out of some difficult times. Make sure your team remembers it, too.
17. You won’t know always what you’re doing or have all the answers. You just need to know where to go to find them. Or at least have the balls to make a decision and stick with it.
19. The world will not end if you don’t get that blog post out on time. Eat dinner. And go for that run.
26. Talent and luck only get you so far. You need to create your own opportunity.
27. Think before you execute, but don’t get stuck there. A mediocre idea that’s acted upon will always trump the genius idea still in your head."
My two cents worth
To round things up, my number 30 would be,
"Don't ask won't get."
Sometimes we think it is impertinent to ask established organisations or business people we know, for help. I think this is mainly due to the fear we'll have to pay a high price, and / or lack of self-belief in our skills and experience.
Well forget that, it's time to 'feel the fear and do it anyway.' I have, and in most cases the response has been great. I have received both help and support that did not cost me a penny,and in some cases resulted in long mutually beneficial relationships.
Read the Lisa's Baron's full article here: http://outspokenmedia.com/online-marketing/29-things/
So which of Lisa's 29 business tips resonate with you? Plus please share any other pearls of business wisdom from your own experience.
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