Navigating the Fast-Paced Business World: Lessons for Founders & Entrepreneurs from an Advisor's Perspective

In today's fast-paced business world, being a founder and entrepreneur requires a unique set of skills and mindset. While having a passion for your ideas and being willing to take risks are important, the most successful entrepreneurs alsorecognisethe value of having advisors who can provide guidance and support in areas such as risk management and detailed planning.

Ideas and thought-driven approach

The first and most critical skill for a founder or entrepreneur is having a ideas and thought-driven approach. This means having a clear vision of what you want to achieve and a plan to get there. Entrepreneurs must be able to think creatively and strategically and be willing to adapt their ideas and plans as needed in response to market feedback and changing circumstances.

A key aspect of being ideas-driven is the ability to identify opportunities and act on them quickly. Successful entrepreneurs have a sharp eye for new trends, emerging markets, and gaps in the market that they can exploit. They are not afraid to take calculated risks and are willing to experiment to see what works.

Appetite for risk-taking

Risk-taking is a fundamental aspect of entrepreneurship. Starting a new business is inherently risky, and entrepreneurs must be willing to take calculated risks to achieve their goals. However, successful entrepreneurs understand that risk-taking is not the same as being reckless. They weigh the potential risks and rewards carefully before making decisions and are prepared to pivot or change direction if things don't work out as planned.

In addition to being comfortable with risk, successful entrepreneurs also have a strong work ethic and are willing to put in the time and effort needed to achieve their goals. They are highly motivated and driven to succeed and are not deterred by setbacks or failures.

A Lonely journey – know who you can lean on

Being a founder or entrepreneur is often a lonely journey because it requires a level of leadership and decision-making that can be isolating. As a founder, you are responsible for setting the vision and direction of your company, making strategic decisions, and ultimately, ensuring the success of your business. This can be a daunting task, and it can be difficult to find others who can truly relate to the unique challenges you face.

As a leader, it's important to maintain a certain level of objectivity and professionalism, even when facing difficult or stressful situations. While it's important to be empathetic and understanding towards your staff, it's also important to maintain a certain level of distance and objectivity, so that you can make decisions that are in the best interests of the company.

Relying on your staff for emotional support or comfort can create a difficult dynamic that can ultimately undermine your leadership and decision-making. Your staff may feel uncomfortable sharing their concerns or feedback with you if they feel like you are relying on them for emotional support. Similarly, if you become too emotionally invested in your staff or their opinions, you may be less likely to make decisions that are in the best interests of the company.

Being a successful founder or entrepreneur requires a balance of leadership and emotional intelligence. While it's important to maintain a level of professionalism and objectivity, it's also important to be empathetic and supportive towards your staff. Finding a support network outside of your company, such as other founders or business leaders, can also be helpful in managing the challenges and stresses of entrepreneurship.

Advisors and risk management

While having an ideas-driven approach and a willingness to take risks are important, the most successful entrepreneurs alsorecognisethe value of having advisors who can provide guidance and support in areas such as risk management and detailed planning.

Advisors can bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table and can help entrepreneurs to identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. They can also help entrepreneurs to develop detailed plans and budgets and can provide valuable feedback on ideas and strategies.

One of the most important roles of an advisor is to provide an objective perspective. Entrepreneurs are often very emotionally invested in their ideas and can be blinded by their passion. An advisor can provide a more detached perspective and can help entrepreneurs to see the bigger picture.

A Rare Skillset -??PR professional and advisor

As a PR professional, I have worked with many Entrepreneurs, CEOs and founders over the years and have seen firsthand the importance of having advisors who can provide guidance and support. While my primary role is to help clients build their brands and manage their reputations, I also see myself as an advisor and confidant to the CEOs and founders I work with.

One of the key skills I bring to the table is the ability to listen. As an advisor, it is important to listen carefully to the needs and concerns of the entrepreneur and to provide guidance that is tailored to their specific situation. I also bring a strong focus on risk management and attention to detail, which can be especially valuable in helping entrepreneurs to identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.

As an advisor and sounding board, I provide a safe space for entrepreneurs to bounce ideas off of, and to explore new strategies and opportunities. I also help entrepreneurs to stay focused on their goals and to keep their eye on the bigger picture, even when things get tough.

Issues Management

Working in government at senior levels for 20 years provides a unique perspective on issues management, briefing, and reputation management that can be applied to the private sector.

Issues management is a critical function in both government and the private sector. As a government official, you are responsible for managing complex policy issues and communicating them to various stakeholders, including the public, other government officials, and interest groups. This involves identifying potential issues, developing strategies to address them, and communicating effectively to ensure that the issues are resolved.

In the private sector, issues management is equally important. Companies must be prepared to manage a wide range of issues that can impact their reputation, including product recalls, regulatory investigations, and environmental incidents. Effective issues management involves developing strategies to address potential issues before they become crises, communicating effectively with stakeholders, and managing the fallout when issues do arise.

Briefing a CEO or Founder

Briefing is another critical skill that is essential in both government and the private sector. As a government official, you are responsible for briefing senior officials, including ministers and cabinet members, on complex policy issues. This involves synthesizing large amounts of information, analysing it, and presenting it in a clear and concise manner.

In the private sector, briefing is essential for effective decision-making. Senior executives must be briefed on a wide range of issues, including financial performance, market trends, and customer feedback. Effective briefing involves providing relevant information in a clear and concise manner and ensuring that executives have the information they need to make informed decisions.

Reputation Management

Reputation management is perhaps the most important area where the skills and experience gained in government can be applied to the private sector. In government, reputation management is critical for maintaining public trust and confidence. This involves managing media relations, responding to public inquiries, and developing strategies to address issues that could damage the government's reputation.

In the private sector, reputation management is equally important. Companies must work hard to build and maintain their reputations, as a damaged reputation can lead to a loss of business and even legal liability. Reputation management involves managing media relations, responding to customer inquiries, and developing strategies to address issues that could damage the company's reputation.

I can not only give you the strategy and skills to manage your reputation, I can help you elevate it and support you with the tools and confidence to make it an easy process.

Opportunity

I currently have five openings available for entrepreneurs to access a strategic advisory package.

This package includes personalised advice and guidance from an experienced advisor with a skill set that includes issues management, briefing, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement. With this package, you'll gain access to a unique perspective and skill set that can help you identify potential problems, develop effective strategies to address them, build and maintain your brand reputation, and build relationships with key stakeholders.

So, if you're ready to take your business to the next level and gain a competitive edge, don't hesitate to contact me to secure your spot in this exclusive strategic advisory package.?

Contact me today to learn more