It has been five amazing years…
As I pack my suitcase to travel to deliver another exam office face-to-face support session it is time to reflect on the last five years.
What I have learnt about running a business.
Here are my top five lessons learnt:
1. Find Your Tribe.
It is not always easy if you work in a niche market (like exam officer training!) or are not business to business but there will be a tribe out there for you to network with and provide mutual support. Keeping looking and you will find them. Networking does not have to cost the earth but finding the right tribe is priceless. Thank you to everyone in my tribe!
2. It is Okay to Make Mistakes.
You will not always make the right decision. I am on the third accountant. The other two came recommended but just did not deliver what I needed. It does not mean there is anything wrong with them – just not the service I am looking for. Be open and transparent then find someone else. That is okay!
3. Other People.
There is a saying “you cannot change other people, but you can change your reaction.” There will be people who you have supported previously, promoted their events free of charge, or introduced them to people. Do not be surprised if they do not reciprocate and do not support you. Do not waste time or energy wondering why.
I have had other people book events then in the run up ignore all emails and phone calls.
Do not change if you are a caring person, who always considers others. Their behaviour says much more about them than it ever will about you.
Spend your time and energy on the customers that value you and your products.
4. Adaptability.
It does not matter how many pages your business plan is there are times you need to adapt and think creatively. Who would have thought a pandemic would have seen us locked down for months? Being able to adapt, and sometimes even do gymnastics can save your business.
5. Remember You.
Remember what makes you happy outside the business. For me, the gym and fitness are my passion in life and have been my sanctuary during challenging times. It is my non-negotiable. It is not always easy to find the time, but I know I have to for my own physical and mental well-being. When working away I look for local pay as you go gyms or does the hotel have a small gym? Is it safe to run locally? And if all that fails, I have the Les Mills on demand App!
Enjoy the biggest journey of your life! And I hope I have many more years supporting the exams office community.