23 Things I've Learned after 15 Years in Business & 45 Years Alive

Statistics say that only 5% of businesses started make it past the 10-year mark. This year, NNEP actually reaches the 15 year mark on June 21st. And around that same time, I cruise past the 45-year mark personally. Here are a few things that I have learned so far:

1. Always say hello. Make the effort to greet everyone you encounter with a smile.
2. Recognize what you are good at, or even better, what you are great at, and do it all the time. Accept what you are not good at and stop doing it – totally! Get the right person in place to take over that stuff.
3. When you want to make an idea stick, stop yelling. Your other choice is to keep yelling, and look ridiculous.
4. Work as hard for your staff as you do for your customers and potential customers.
5. Tell your customers when you mess up and how it could have been better. They already know you messed up, and want to hear that you know it as well.
6. Trust your gut. You can meet with a client or interview a potential employee 5 times and they say and do all the “right” things, but if you gut is saying something feels “wonky,” believe it.
7. Read funky books – you will usually take away something that will apply to your life and company.
8. Only one out of 10 advisors, consultants or business coaches will actually help you. The hard part is finding that one. The right one is probably the one asking you questions you hate or don’t want to answer.
9. Support non-profit organizations that are trying to make the world a better place occasionally. You’ll get more out of it.
10. Don’t fixate on the financials. It is too easy to get lost in them and forget what the heck your business stands for in the first place.
11. When you are completely freaking out about something, know this – it is called being alive! Now, calm down, move on and step up – you can handle it.
12. Call the owner of a competing company and invite them out for a drink or coffee. You’ll either a) really enjoy the person and learn something or b) determine you really do not like them and then you can look forward to leaving them in the dust.
13. Regarding #12, most of the time, it will be option “a.” You may even find that you talk about personal stuff like family and “owner” issues, with someone that you can relate to. Who knows, it may even become a “regular” thing!
14. Say “Thank You” and mean it. You are not thanking the people who work for you enough.
15. When someone working for you disagrees with you – excellent! Keep them around as long as possible.
16. Bidding on price-based orders is a waste of time. But it is still fun to compete.
17. Occasionally throw parties at work (even if it is just at your desk), for no reason at all. It’s all about the people in the room, good music and not running out of the “yummies.” Don’t worry about the space – it’s not about that.
18. Put down the phone when ANYONE is talking to you face to face. PERIOD.
19. Hands of the keyboard when someone comes to talk to you in person. PERIOD. In fact, you really do need to turn and face them, as well.
20. One phone call equals 10+ impersonal emails back and forth. Plus, you actually get to know the other person.
21. Silence speaks volumes. When something goes wrong – put a lid on it before you explode.
22. Call the business folks in your community whom you respect. Buy them lunch, seek their input/advice. A good mentor outdoes a consultant hands down.
23. Write personal notes thanking people you meet with and who are in your life. It is awesome to receive a handwritten note, always.