Before becoming a freelance writer, I was a sales manager and investment advisor (and before that I worked in a financial institution and a real estate office). I confess that I rarely enjoyed working as an employee but I did learn many valuable lessons that have since proven themselves over and over. Here are the 7 business lessons that transformed my business…
- Don’t put up with nonsense. Have the guts to say no. People will ask you to do more than you should. It could be illegal, unethical, or just plain ridiculous. Don’t do it. You need to look at yourself in the mirror every day and you’ll also end up doing 80% extra work for the worst 20% of your customers.
- It doesn’t matter what business you go into, it’s all about learning to sell. Perfect your skills. Although I’d heard this years ago, it took me a while to believe it. But now I realize exactly how true it is. Everything is sales and success is so closely tied to your ability to sell. Unfortunately, most people hate to sell and, as a result, businesses struggle.
- Believe in what you are selling. When you actually believe that the product or service you are selling will deliver the benefits you claim, it’s so much easier to sell… and you’ll close way more often.
- Working hard and working smart is for entrepreneurs. Employers say they want someone to work hard and work smart but they don’t. They want someone to do what they’re told. On the other hand, business clients don’t want someone to do what they’re told. (Well, most of them).
- People love initiative even if they don’t realize it. Take initiative, be proactive, take the first step. Few people do and the win goes to those who fearlessly move ahead and get things done.
- It’s all about relationships. Build them. Nurture them. This is definitely one area I have to work on a lot more. I love my clients but I rarely pay attention to those who aren’t my clients. My bad.
- Forget perfection. Just do it. Perfection is impossible to attain and striving for it is unintentional procrastination. Just make a plan, work on it, plug the holes as you go. There’s very little you can’t change mid-course and you’ll outpace your competition every single time.
[Photo credit: The Pug Father]
My name is Aaron Hoos and I'm a 
Number 2 is so true and if you truly believe #3 then then you don’t really have to worry about #2, it will come naturally. Finding staff that believe in your product or service is also key.
Initiative – As a business owner with many staff I can’t agree more on this one. The ones who succeed working with me are the ones who take initiative.
Thanks for your insight, Heather! I’ve collaborated with you enough to know that you embody these principles more than most!
Selling my business is the hardest part for me. I can sell other businesses without a problem. I’m considering bringing on someone who truly enjoys the sales aspects so I can focus on my strengths.
Good for you, Stacey! That is a great idea and I think that’s exactly the step that a lot of freelancers, consultants, coaches, (etc.) miss because they feel they have to do it themselves.