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.
The views presented in these articles are not Optus' views. This article contains general information only and is not intended to be relied on as legal, financial or professional advice. Readers should seek their own advice based on their specific business needs.
The Ned Montarello story is one for the small business textbooks where an entrepreneur saw a neglected market, thanks to the hardnosed attitudes of the banks, and then linked it to one of greatest threats to business success -- cash flow.
One of the greatest challenges for business owners in the modern era is Gen Y staff. Right? Wrong. The greatest problem for business owners belly aching about the under 30 worker is their own leadership.
This age of technology is allowing many of us to run a business from home. And this social and economic trend is not heading for any dead-end. In fact, it's taken the turn-off for the fast lane.
It makes it much easier to sell to a customer if you know what they want. Here are some tips about getting to know your customer
Success leaves clues, and the winning story of a guy called George Holman - who went from garbage trucks to health clubs to running a multi-million-dollar automatic billing business - is one worth noting.
Leadership skills are a necessity if you want to start your own business.
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.
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?
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.
Twenty years ago if you tried to talk to business people about being in The Zone you were talking to a brick wall.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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'.
The Secret Weapon: Success in life comes down to attitude.
It is important for entrepreneurs to play an active role in the growth of their business.
Starting a business can be daunting, but with confidence in what you have to offer, you business can flourish.
Just imagine how you could boost your business if you really became objective about all of your weaknesses and then did something about them.
Success is a function of two major forces. The first is the most important and it is all about what's inside you.
There are a range of qualities that a good leader must possess. Here are some tips to be the best leader you can be.
One of the most important characteristics of a business owner is the ability to be a leader.
Running a business requires good leadership and a great team to make it work.
Anyone can be a leader of a business, but showing great leadership is what makes the difference.
Here are some tips to consider before you start a business, and to help your business grow in the future.
What does it take to be a leader? Ensure you are committed to the position and be prepared.
While a major part of being a leader is about inspiring others, you also need to be a great listener and be able to learn from mistakes.
To become the best leader, you have to learn from the best. What characteristics make a great business leader?
If you want your business to succeed, it's important that you know how to lead. Learn from the best.
If you think you aren't a leader, you need to read about, develop and apply leadership skills more than anyone else.
In order to grow your business, great leadership is essential. If you've relaxed with the inflight entertainment on a Qantas flight, then you've enjoyed the efforts of Rob Lynch and his company.
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Louis E. Boone has a neat way of really prodding those who don't have a go:"Don't fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have."
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