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16 Things I Learned During 16 Years In Business

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16 Things I Learned During 16 Years In Business

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I have just started my 17th year of business WOW!

What an adventure! SO much in terms of accomplishment, heartache (recessions hurt!!) and learning… To think I started this because I didn’t know what else to do to put food on the table for my young son!

Here are sixteen things I’ve learned during those 16 years in business:

  1. Goals are great but what works for me is picking a direction and consistently move in that direction.
  2. The foundation is the MOST important part of any business. Well maybe it’s tied with attitude!
  3. If I listened, my customers told me what they wanted.
  4. Long term relationships are better than short term financial gain
  5. Know your overriding purpose. Once you know your overriding purpose making decisions becomes easy. The choices either align or they don’t. When you don’t know your purpose every decision is a roll of the dice
  6. Trust that other people have good things to contribute. And just maybe even better than your brilliant idea!
  7. Don’t be afraid to do things your way. Just because something is always done a certain way doesn’t mean it’s the only or best way
  8. Find time to play
  9. Make to do lists – and this means acting on that list too!!
  10. You don’t have to work with people you don’t like.
  11. NOTHING is personal. EVERYTHING is personal.
  12. Ask questions.
  13. Align yourself with people who have your best interest at heart.
  14. Take chances… no point in taking a risk of starting a business and then play it safe.
  15. Find a way to enjoy your business. Yes. Even the parts that you don’t like
  16. Delegate.

And just because I am starting my 17th year…

17. Remember why you started this business!

 

I am excited to say that my son, who has been painting for us for 8 years, is now transitioning into a co-owning position. It is a joy (most of the time) to be able to work with my son. He is the reason I started this company. HE is my why. And he is the SON in Sonshine Girls Painting.