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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