Lessons In Business. #Key
I have been lucky enough to have faced challenges and obstacles in my career, many of which have shaped me to be the person I am today.
I am extremely grateful for the way my career has developed over my 20+ years in the corporate world. Throughout this journey, I have learnt a number of “lessons in business” which have provided me with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle any obstacle that comes my way with confidence and conviction.
Here are my top 4:
1. Meaningful business relationships are the key to growth and success
Relationships are key in our personal lives! they make us feel safe, loved and happy – They require excellent communication, respect, trust and support.
Business relationships are no different! They require continual maintenance and a combination of communication, trust, understanding and a genuine desire to help businesses achieve their goals. Having close and trusted relationships in business gives you an edge over competitors and in return will allow you to grow their business and yours.
2. Hard work and determination will always outweigh intelligence
There are always going to be colleagues or competitors who are smarter than you. Always work hard, be determined, set goals, and don’t discount your strengths – perfect these strengths and use them to your advantage. I have always loved the following quote by Jemima Bweupe and will continue to live by this sentiment in my professional life.
"A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work." "I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it." "Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment." "Hard work beats talent if talent doesn't work hard."
3. Believe in yourself and the world around you
Believing in yourself is of the utmost importance. Without backing yourself and believing in your ability, success will never come!
Self-confidence is the very first step to success. Stop looking for validation from others and feel confident in knowing it’s ok to say when you don’t understand something! Its shows you want to learn and that you are real and authentic.
Being a cup half full person rather than a cup half empty person allows me to see the best in every situation, the best in every client and the best in every colleague. It allows me to approach my personal life and professional life and its challenges with rose-coloured glasses. This does not however mean to ignore or avoid negative situations but to instead make the most of them and believe in your abilities to tackle them in a positive light.
4. No one is perfect! Constructive criticism helps you to perfect your craft
Learn from constructive criticism, it’s the key to achieving growth and perfecting your craft. No one is perfect, so there are always going to be situations where improvement is required. Look at this positively not negatively as this is the best on–the–job training you will get.
Sometimes criticism can be hard to take – but don’t become defensive, be thankful for the opportunity to make changes and improvements.