What I've learned in my first 6 months in business

When I started this firm, I really thought that after 20 plus years of experience in the electrical distribution channel, I knew it all. Not so much, here's a little of what I've learned over the ?last 6 months-

-People buy from people

One of the things that was most intimidating when opening this firm was walking away from my contacts and historical data. I felt I really needed to up my marketing game...what I've learned though, is that people buy people, especially in my industry. It doesn't matter if you have slick marketing materials, as long as you truly care about doing a good job and building relationships with people. Which is lucky for me, because it's my favorite part of what I do.?

-With a strong foundation, I can weather any storm

?I'm happy to report that my business is not only surviving, but that it is thriving, and I credit so much of that with the work I did to get my foundations right and master my craft

-Old ways no longer serve me in my new world ?

Being forced to step away from a career that spans 24 years and rebuild it from scratch really allows you to take a deep dive into what and how you do things...not too surprised to learn there is an entire new world of resources I never knew existed

-I am a lone wolf

I am most effective when left to do what I do best...this is what I do best and if I could get back the THOUSANDS of hours spent on having meetings about having meetings, my success would have come so much faster!?

-My intuition is usually right-

Another habit from my old career that I brought with me into my business was an obsession with data and research. In my old job you never made a decision without analyzing that data, getting the opinion of everyone in the firm and I thought I needed the same thing in my own business. In reality, that just slows the process. I also realized that I could get to the right answer by simply listening more than I talk and listening to my gut. I've given myself permission to build that feels more intuitive and that feels great!?

-I was arrogant

Most of my clients came to me rather than the other way around which sort of allowed me to capitalize on the percentage I charged. It's another example of "I've always done it this way" that no longer serves me. In really understanding the business and profit levels, I can now offer the same service at a lower percentage and both parties are happy.

-I am my own best cheerleader

I used to feed my ego by being the best, actually being better than the best and knew that no one would produce at my level. I loved it...but that is gone now and I've found that when I push away from my desk each day, I know I killed it and that's now enough for me.

and an honorable mention...I wish I had named the company something shorter!?

If you find yourself in need of true expert in recruiting in this industry, I hope you'd consider me or refer me as you hear of people struggling to find talent.

You can contact me at 847-571-7080 [email protected]?