STARTING A BUSINESS

BEING A LEADER

When you're starting a business, leadership is essential. Read Peter Switzer's tips on what it takes to be an entrepreneur, defining your vision and goals, and staying motivated while you develop your new business. Plus, learn the importance of decision-making, sharing your vision with staff, and successful strategies for managing your people in the all-important start-up phase.

May the force be with you

Success is a function of two major forces. The first is the most important and it is all about what's inside you.

Mind your F's and P's

Just imagine how you could boost your business if you really became objective about all of your weaknesses and then did something about them.

New kids have guts

Starting a business can be daunting, but with confidence in what you have to offer, you business can flourish.

The spirit of Australia

It is important for entrepreneurs to play an active role in the growth of their business.

The secret weapon

The Secret Weapon: Success in life comes down to attitude.

Core of success

What is at the core of successful small businesses? There are about 20 things business builders nail on the way to constructing superb operations. However, for those who like to keep it simple, these can be reduced to three big 'must haves'.

Think big

Am I being foolish to think big? Great advice goes simply like this: 'Never be afraid to dream big.' The same goes for your business, and a smart way to make it happen is to aspire to make your business world-class.

Think like a manager

Managing a small business demands that you develop not only a whole new set of skills, but also a completely different way of using existing skills.

Leaders only have themselves to blame

Over the years talking to some of the greats of business who have created household name business - the people behind these organisations never tell me the truth, the whole truth, when explaining how they grew their respective businesses.

Doing business the right way

Being on top of your business means having a vision. As Sir Isaac Newton once said: "If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants."

Zen and the art of business

Twenty years ago if you tried to talk to business people about being in The Zone you were talking to a brick wall.

Leaders need clear goals and vision

Having answers to the most important questions to determine the success of your business should be your key aspiration. But I reckon knowing the right questions to ask is more important. After all, you can always pay an expert to help you.

What keeps you awake at night?

What keeps you awake at night? Many people who have started a business spend nights tossing and turning worrying about business. I've certainly done it. Do others worry as much as we do?

Business leaders are decision makers

When you're in business, the most important thing to do is to make decisions, which means taking a risk. Sitting on the sideline will get you nowhere.

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RECENT ARTICLES

If not systems, then what?

I hear it all the time from people who want to grow their business. "I know I need to do some work ON my business, but I just don't have the time - how can I find the time?"

When you're on a good thing, stick to it

Do you find it hard to keep staff? Do you have staff you'd rather not keep? Motivating staff can help keep the ones you want, and possibly even help you get more out of the non-performers.

Switzer's Hint

Listen to your customers. Think outside the square. If there are customers who want a product but can't meet the price, think of ways to make it work for them and you. Put yourself in the shoes of your customers - share their vision to come up with innovative solutions they can't see.