Because you cannot know it all. No matter how successful you are in business, how educated you are, how travelled you are, there is more to learn. To acquire more wisdom will not be in vain.
A keen mind never stops growing
I have gleaned thoughts ideas, strategies and other life principles from some of the brightest business people. Seeking for their advice on what has made them successful in business? Here are some of the secrets shared from their accomplishments in business.
Mr. Gerald D.Edwards, President of Engineered Plastic Products.
Seek out the brightest talent to hire for the job. Hire people that complement you. Make every situation a win win win. Your business only flourish because the right people are in the right position.
Steven T. Florio, Advance Magazine Group. Build something of excellence to last. Steven shared a lesson his grandfather taught him. After cleaning the carpenter shop he was paid .25 cents. Cleaning up a mess has no worth. Pour your heart and soul to build something with excellence and innovative and it will be worth more than money.
J. Roger Friedman, President of Lebhar – Friedman publishing company.
Treat people as you would like to be treated. Never cut corners. A business arrangement or deal can only be successful as long as it benefits both parties. Have a sense of balance in life and at work. Your family your home, your health must be enjoyed. You only go through this world once. Never hire people you do not like. Hire people with the same ethics and outlook for life.
George G. Gellert, Atalanta Corporation. Whenever you meet somebody treat them politely. No matter what position they hold be gracious and friendly because you never know.
Kristina Gobble, EMK Design. Be patient and do not expect high yield in the first few years of your new business. Your business is an investment that grows over a period of time.
B. Thomas Golisano, Chairman of Paychex. Find paying prospects. If, you want to make $100,000 a year. Find a hundred people who can make YOU $1,000. or a thousand people to make $100.
M.J.Gordon, Chairman of Tootsie Roll Candies. Buy low and sell high.
- Seek a business that is protected by trademark, patent, or a secret process.
- Negotiate with vendors, packaging suppliers, and other external cost for raw materials.
- Prudent advance buying especially during price dips.
- Protect and expand your gross margins.
- Invent your own state of the art equipment for faster more reliable production. Keep labour cost down.
Earl G. Graves, Publisher of Black Enterprise Magazine. Experience is a good teacher. Earning money is not the same as having it. What you earn is not what you have. If, you want to have money. You need to have discipline to save. The sense to invest and the willpower to put your personal and material needs last.
Paul R.Gudonis, Chairman of Genuity. The man with the plan leads the way. Know where you’re going and others will follow.
Henry R. Hillenmeyer, Cooker Restaurant. If, you walk with the lame you will learn to limp.
Curt Jones, Founder and President of Dippin Dots. People buy from people. Forge a good relationship buillt on trust. You need to trust people, and then let go and focus on the present.
Jim McCann, CEO of 1-800-Flowers.com. True leaders dust themselves of and move ahead. The ability to recover quickly is key to your success. Smile though your heart is breaking. Never sweat it.
Scott McWhinnie President of Prez Candy. Although times have changed and you may not get the career you want. Choose a career that will make you happy 5 days of the week and stick to it. Make changes within that industry. Move in a logicial progression and your career will bloom.
Last points do your homework. Due diligence research the company, the opportunity before making a decision. It is never to late to take risk, try new things and to even fail at a few things. If, you do not keep challenging yourself, you run the risk of becoming stagnant. Don’t go through life sleep walking!!