Never take anyone for granted
January 8, 2010
What are the most important lessons that entrepreneurs have learnt in business? We asked that very some question to a variety of business owners that are part of the BNI Royal Spa.
BNI Royal Spa is a successful networking group of local businesses who are fully committed to growing their businesses and the businesses of their fellow members. (www.bni-royalspa.co.uk) One of the great advantages of belonging to the BNI Royal Spa is being able to share in the wealth of experience within the group.
When we asked some of its members “What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt in business?” we had a variety of responses. We’d like to share those with you.
Martin is a graphic designer based in Tunbridge Wells. He has worked for a number of companies and studios and since 1991 run his own company Martin Webber Graphic Communication. (webberdesign.co.uk).
“Back in 1991 after being made redundant for the second time within 6 months, rather than dwell on the negatives I looked on it as an opportunity and made the decision that I would rather work for myself and be in sole control of my future. If I didnt take this chance then I propably never would.
One of the most important lessons I have learned is never take anything or anyone for granted. You can easily slip into the ‘comfort zone’ that work will continue to come in regularly from a client, when out of the blue your contact moves on (even dies!), they decide to try someone different just for the sake of it, the department closes or there are cutbacks. I have experienced each of these and it takes a long time and a lot of hard work to replace them. I have found how important it is to have a spread of clients of various sizes and to keep in regular contact, more importantly when I have not heard from them for a while, so that when a job crops up they will think of me.
Treat each client as your most important customer, be prepared to work around the clock to keep them happy. Over the years recommendations/referrals have easily been my best source of quality work, showing what a good business decision it was joining BNI.”
