Post on 21-Jan-2018
18 Business Lessons in 18 Years
FAUZIA BURKE, FOUNDER AND PRES IDENT OF FSB ASSOCIATES
Having my own business for 18 years has not always been easy, but I wouldn’t trade it for the
world.
Here are 18 things I have learned so far. Hope they help you avoid
some of my mistakes.
18
1
Be Honest
Be honest always, with your staff, with your clients and most
importantly with yourself.
2
Keep Promises
Keep every promise, even the small ones. Apologize profusely
if you can’t keep one.
3
Show Respect
Treat everyone with respect. Apologize if
you act disrespectfully. We all have bad
moments.
4
Be On Time
Be on time, always in every way. It’s the easiest way to earn
trust.
5
Say No to Debt
Don’t borrow money. You can’t be your own boss if you owe people
money.
6
Size Matters
Bigger is not always better. It took me 16
years to learn this one.
Being Happier is way better.
7
Value Your Time
Time is your most valuable asset, don’t
give it away, and don’t waste it.
8
Get a Partner
Get yourself an excellent partner (in
business and in life). I owe all my success to
one very amazing man.
9
Hire Good People
Hire really, really, really good people.You may be tempted to fill
a job quickly, but don’t.
10
Ditch an Idea
Know when to quit an idea. You can’t be
brilliant all the time.
11
Learn Everyday
“Learn something new everyday” is actually great advice. Never stop learning and
evolving.
12
Ideal Client
Define your ideal client/customer then develop services to
help them.
13
No, Thank You
Learn to say no graciously, and often.
Every choice has a price.
14
Be Kind
Everyone messes up; Give second chances.
Someday you may need one too.
15
Be an Expert
Nobody can do everything well,
define your niche
and master it.
16
Don’t Spam
Don’t spam ever, anywhere, in any format, on any
network.
17
Be Grateful
Be grateful everyday that you get to live
with passion and do the work you love.
18
Unplug
Take time off and unplug. You’ll be more productive & creative
if you take regular unplugged breaks.
Having your own business is awesome. Go forth and learn lessons of your own.
It is not an easy ride: expect sleepless nights, and be ready to face every fear and every insecurity, but at the end of the day there is nothing better than living an authentic, flexible, brave,
scary, passion-filled life.
Fauzia Burke
Fauz ia Burke, Founder and Pres ident of FSB Assoc iates
Prov id ing D ig i ta l Branding and Publ ic i ty for Authors
www.fsbassoc iates.com
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