12 Things Learnt From My First Year In Business

1. Nobody is as interested in your business as you are. You may be all excited about your next big promotion but to everyone else, you are just another business vying for everyone’s attention.
   
   
2. Closely tied into number 1, everyone is interested in your business if there is something of value in it for them. Usually something free or money. This especially includes other businesses such as telecoms/utilities brokers, advertisers, web designers etc, etc. Guard your money with your life because they won’t bat an eyelid about taking it from you!
   
   
3. People want the nicest things they can afford, so give it to them. It doesn’t break the bank to throw in a free coffee or other nice freebie to make you better value than the next guy. Giving away a coffee for 10p can be worth more than reducing your prices by £1.
   
   
4. It is easy to give in when the chips are down. It is even easier for other people to say don’t give in. The hardest part is carrying on through adversity. If it pays off it can also be the most rewarding part. Ultimately, it’s you that has to know in your heart what the right decision is.
   
   
5. The only good ideas are those that are proven to be good. The ones that have paid off. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Don’t beat yourself up if it doesn’t work. If you have only used your money, it will only be you who cares if nobody else buys into it. Pick yourself up, dust yourself down and try something else or a different approach.
   
   
6. Going into business alone is lonely (by definition). Ask yourself if you can deal with loneliness. Even if you have someone to bounce off, consider how much bad news you are prepared to share with them before they start getting upset with you or stressed. Can you cope with keeping bad news to yourself to avoid this?
   
   
7. Appreciate your regular clients. The fact that they are regular is proof that they like what you do. Many people will say they like what you do and will “definitely be back” and you don’t see them again. Don’t believe anything is going to happen until it has happened.
   
   
8. Don’t criticise anybody to your clients. You don’t know who will be next to find out what you have said. Walls have ears, loose lips sink ships (and credibility) etc….
   
   
9.  You WILL make mistakes. Mistakes are OK, so long as you learn from them and don’t repeat them.
   
   
10. If you say you are going to do something, do it. If you can’t subsequently do it, offer a sincere explanation to anyone who is affected. The value of credibility is often underestimated. People often won’t tell you when they feel let down, they just won’t deal with you again. Credibility breeds respect.
    
    
11. There is nothing like proving doubters wrong. Go out there, prove them wrong and go one further and impress your believers. I’ll say it again, credibility breeds respect.
    
    
12. Enjoy what you do. If it’s not enjoyable, you don’t have to stop…change it until it is enjoyable.