Thoughtful Thursdays - Sharing experiences

I had the pleasure of moderating an entrepreneur panel this week for group of people preparing to launch their business ideas.

The panel was comprised of three business owners from diverse backgrounds. Their businesses represented products, services and a combination of both. The length of time since start up ranged from five to seven years.

Although the businesses were different and the backgrounds of the owners diverse, it quickly became clear they shared many points of view. I want to share a few of these thoughts today.

• Listen to the people you are talking to
• Reduce the stressors
• Be mindful, but do not let what is worrying you, stop you
• Focus on the positive and feed from that energy, not what comes from the negative
• Get over your mistakes quickly and learn from them
• When working from a home based office find a way to disengage from work - clear your mind of the distractions
• Pay attention to proper nutrition and exercise
• Create structure and routines and follow them - BE ORGANIZED!
• Join industry-based associations
• Give back selectively, volunteer where it makes sense
• Train your customers to the way you do business
• Deliver on your commitments
• Review your business plan once a year and set annual goals
• Be aware your cash position - monitor what is coming in and going out
• Know what your value proposition is and communicate it - stand out in your field
• Celebrate your successes
• Know yourself - strengths and weaknesses
• Don't think you have to or need to do it all yourself, ask for help - it is out there if you look for it

I want to thank the panelists for generously donating their time and sharing personal experiences with a group of eager new business owners.

Lara Bazant - Bazant Unique Adornments
Clare Kumar - Streamlife
Luigi Benetton - Luigi Benetton Communications

Good selling,
Richard