How wise old sayings will keep your business on track
It’s that time of year when everyone is thinking about making amends for their recent over-indulgences, re-energising their resolve to stick to their New Year’s resolutions and planning a fresh start.
If you’re an aspiring small business owner, manager, leader or career-driven go-getter, let’s apply all that energy and enthusiasm to business and look forward to a prosperous 2016.
But where to start? Well, take heed of a few long established and wise old sayings, the type you’ve no doubt heard your grandparents spout forth and often tossed aside with childhood ignorance.
1. The early bird catches the worm
Top tip #1
Be proactive
Every astute business person knows you need to be proactive to maximise opportunities and stay ahead of your game. And the best way to be proactive is to regularly review and refine your business strategy. Business planning will help you stay focused and achieve your goals.
2. Nothing ventured, nothing gained
Top tip #2
Embrace risk
With markets changing as fast as you can measure them, you can never be 100% sure of outcomes. However, you can make informed decisions based on research and risk analysis so I challenge you to make incremental steps and venture forth.
3. If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again
Top tip #3
Be resilient
This doesn’t mean battle on regardless but rather learn from your mistakes and be resilient.
Sometimes, this means ditching one idea and starting again.
4. If you don’t ask, you don’t get
Top tip #4
Ask questions
Asking questions (nicely, of course) is key to research, building strategies and creating plans. It’s key to innovation and it’s key to selling. The more questions you ask, the more you learn and the quicker you get results.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
Top tip #5
Take a break
More than dull, you will become unproductive. Studies show that people who take breaks, exercise, eat well and do fun stuff are happier and more productive. To sustain productivity, a work-life balance is important.
Waste not, want not
Top tip #6
Be canny
Too many resources are wasted, especially time. Understand where and how you’ve spent your time and money, what resources you need to achieve your goals and then prioritise wisely.
A stitch in time saves nine
Top tip #7
Follow best practice
Don’t ignore customers and don’t ignore your employees. Address enquiries and complaints, and deal with grievances before they escalate. To safeguard against taking unnecessary risks and to mitigate disasters quickly, adopt best practice policies and procedures.
Treat others as you would want them to treat you
Top tip #8
Be nice
This might be more biblical than some of the above wise old sayings but it’s fundamental to achieving a happy work-life balance.
Show respect, be kind and be nice!
A very happy New Year to you all!
