First impressions count

The importance of first impressions cannot be underestimated; the impact of your first interaction with a customer, supplier or member of your team can make or break the relationship you are trying to form with them. If you get things right from day one, the benefits can be huge and more often than not, will lead to the longevity you desire.

Know your market and how you/your business fits

A thorough understanding of the marketplace you operate in is crucial for any successful business. You need to be able to articulate your value proposition and how this differs from your competition, whilst constantly monitoring how your market is changing, so that you can adapt your business model to stay ahead of the game. Your customer is buying from you because you are the expert in your chosen field and so it is essential that you can back this up.

Don’t settle for the status quo

Too many businesses use the phrase, ‘that’s how it’s always been done’ and are reluctant to change. Change is a vital part of managing a business; if it can be improved then change is a good thing. Don’t be afraid to try new things, so long as you learn from the mistakes that are inevitably made, you and your business will be the beneficiaries in the longer term.

Learn to trust your instincts

As a business leader, you are constantly needing to come up with new ideas, and one of the best ways of making a success of these innovations is using your own instincts. If you know your business, your market and give your thoughts due consideration, it is highly likely you will be on the right track. So long as you show the required flexibility when things change, and you are open to listening to others who challenge your concepts, success will follow.

My door is always open

A key part of any business is trust; your team have to be able to trust you and you have to trust them to do the role you require. As such, everyone needs to be able to communicate openly with you, and feel comfortable that they can express their views without fear of the consequences. Earning their respect from the way you handle these discussions, which can often be very challenging, will ensure that the business can continue to grow and the people within the team feel like they have a voice, which is very important.

Have some fun along the way

The majority of us spend more time at work than at home; it is very important to be able to work in an environment that people feel positive about. Whilst meetings can often be very serious, allowing a level of good humour to be used appropriately can ensure there is no unnecessary tension and those taking part can feel more at ease in your company. Building a team who share in this belief is key to ensuring a happy workplace.