Entrepreneur.com has a pretty cool interview with Richard Branson, entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin brand of companies focusing on “five secrets to business success.” Some of them are a bit cliché, but the article is definitely worth a read – especially keeping in mind my “extra-special-super-happy bonus secret.” Here are the “Branson Five,” with a quick comment from me:
- Enjoy What You Are Doing. Cliché but true. This is why you see this on almost every list like this. There is something about enjoying what you do – actually enjoying what you do – that virtually guarantees success. So take out a piece of paper. At the top of it write “Imagine getting paid to:” Then go line by line completing the sentence over and over again. Keep going. Take out as many pages as you would like and keep going. There’s your list of ideas;
- Create Something That Stands Out. This one’s great, but not very practical advice. I totally agree though. What do the iPad and the pet rock have in common? They stood out. One is complicated. The other is simple. But they’re both “different”;
- Create Something That Everybody Who Works for You is Really Proud of. I love this one. If everyone around you is proud of what you create they’re going to be motivated. They’re going to want everyone they know, and everyone those people know, and so on and so one, to benefit from your product or service. They’re going to be motivated. Imagine a proud parent. How many times do you hear about what they’re kid is doing? Imagine that motivation selling your idea;
- Be a Good Leader. This is similar to #2 – great, but not practical without an explanation. It can break down to three ideas. First, listen. He’s right. Actually listen to people. The good. The bad. Whatever. Second, reward. Reward those who work hard for, or with, you. And third – he’s got it – praise people. I’ve gotten more mileage out of saying “Jeff had a great idea” than “I had a great idea” on my job. Our boss hears me praising a colleague and respects that. But he also recognizes that I can identify good ideas, too. There are many more benefits to praising others. Just do it; and
- Be Visible. Yes! I take at least 15 minutes a day and walk around my office smiling and talking to my fantastic coworkers. It’s great. I have a lot of friends at work. And we’re all leaders in our own way. But those who are most visible – in a positive way – seem to get the most respect. It’s a great way to grow together.
And here is my secret (the worst kept secret in the world, actually, because a simple Google search results in over 3 million results). But the point is that business advice is some of the best personal advice you can get. Why? Drum roll…. you are a business! You’re in the business of “you” or “your family.” You have income sources. You have costs. You have responsibilities. You have opportunities.
So this is not just “business” advice. It’s great advice for any worker, too. Go back through and read the list with this in mind. How can you improve the business of you by employing some of this advice? I bet you can find at least one or two things to improve. I know I can!
And, of course, while you’re improving the business of you, let me help control some of the cost centers. Yep – that’s right, put your credit card down and slowly step away from the mall!
{ 0 comments… add one now }