Add something to the Diary; make sure you have a minimum of 22 days per year. Prevent burn out. Make time off and holidays count. We agree that as a business owner who desperately wants to grow, you are always prioritising work or something else relating to employment. DO NOT do this; you only have one life, enjoy it.

Do not ignore personal health, fitness and well-being

Take care, burnout from performing 60 hour weeks does not work. You then have to take time off work due to stress, and burnout to recover. End the cycle, do not be self-defeating. Learn to delegate; you are not newspaper marketeer, accountant, salesmen, developer, exporter, software engineer, website manager, and social media marketeer all in one.

Realise you are mortal

There are limited hours per day to achieve life’s ambitions. Review of factory work during WW2 from allies to axis identified that the maximum anyone can work for without burnout is 42 hours, then productive drops. Burnout follows if exceeded for too long.

Value time as the most precious resource

Each day, it is essential to list what’s most important (rather than just necessary) and make sure you do it. Bill Gates credits the fact that he was always acutely aware of the value of his time as one of the most significant factors in his success.

Learn to say no

Saying no to commitments that aren’t important, such as meetings and events that don’t take you towards goals, is a vital skill to learn. Remember, unimportant events won’t take you to closer to those customers who are worth having.

Don’t try to do everything

It’s easier to be good at a few things, which is why successful business owners outsource, or refer customers on, for something which they can’t do superbly.

Utilities, for example, Energy4 has uncovered for some time that there a very few utility companies that are providing transparent and honest services. Very few third-party intermediaries like Energy4 that provide the best utility prices.

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Working for the business completely Vs. Delegating business work

Delegate work to focus on growing the business.

Structure their business properly

Setting out who is responsible for what and who is answerable to whom is an essential piece of small business advice to take on board, even if there are only two people in the business.

Delegate

First, they set out exactly how they want it done, by writing detailed process documents, and then they outline what needs achievement. Following this, they train their staff on how to do it. Finally, they pass over the responsibility for it and set reporting criteria.

Rely on systems, rather than just relying on people

Suppose you grow a business, but it is only significant because it’s got some exceptional people. What happens when they leave, or when you need more of them? Process documents can help the business to run smoothly regardless of whom it employs.

Ask their staff’s opinions

Never forget that the staff you employ often know how to do the job better. But no-one asks them.

Hire attitude and teach function

When you are looking for a new team member, an enthusiastic, positive attitude is much more important than job experience. You can teach people how to do the work. You can’t teach philosophy.

Motivate their staff

Share the future vision of the business and always show appreciation for a job well done. This may be a simple thank you. Rest assured, this will make the job more fun and rewarding to do.

Empower their staff

Nothing impresses a customer as a problem solved quickly, efficiently and politely. To achieve this, delegate, give employees the authority to see to this themselves. And back them up on their decisions afterwards.

Do not abdicate responsibility

Do not hire experienced staff and tell them to get on with it. It would help if you always had targets and a performance measurement plan in place that you are responsible for.

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