Care Less To Achieve More

The best CEOs, entrepreneurs and business people I know don't care what people say, but do know when to listen. It's a difficult juxtaposition. How do you do that? And why should you?

When you care you tend to make emotive decisions from the heart which can often mean they're not commercial decisions and the business will suffer. Conversely when you're a hard ass and just operate with your head, no one will buy from you or work with you because you show no empathy, and it's just about the Benjamins. No one likes that.

There is a balance to be found for sure but the truth of it, in business, you should (openly and transparently) care a little less as it will serve you and the business better. Which as a new entrepreneur probably jars your every molecule as you want to care, about everything, from product to process to people.

As an over sensitive soul I've had to learn some tough lessons on this subject that I'd like to share. Hope they help.

Your business partners are not your friends

You will make more hay with people who are not like you, do not share your skills but instead supplement them. This often means you will think, feel and act differently which can also mean you're not natural buddies. As long as your values are not contravened, go with it.

You will never be totally happy with yourself, your product or service

You know all your dirty secrets, you know all of yours and it's failings. Switch off that need to perfect. Let your clients decide what works for them, you'd be surprised what will sell. Perception is everything and it truly doesn't matter what you think in this context. Only what they think.

Sharing your opinion, getting the word out, being a thought leader

I see so many people putting themselves and their businesses out there in ways that make me shrivel and shiver. Videos of startup CEOs from their cars telling people how great their product is, they are, or how they think you should think. I love and hate it. I love it because they didn't worry about putting their message out there, and why not, go for it! Sell, hustle, pitch. I hate it because, well it just makes me cringe, which is my issue. Ultimately if you have something to sell or offer that can improve the life of someone else just do it in any medium that works. Your audience will tell you in short shrift what they think. And just expect every 1st attempt to be a little bit poo. That's ok I reckon as you learn your comms style and channel.

Being the 'i' in team

You must care about your team and workmates. Be values driven but ALWAYS be value driven. If someone in your business isn't helping you make or save money, cut the ties - hire slowly and fire fast.

You're gonna hear no. A. Lot.

A no from a client, potential client or investor is always a tough pill. You get to swallow lots of them especially when running your own business. Not caring about the no's and moving on quickly and positively is really hard to do. The best way I've found to not take it personally is to position every meeting or call in my head as an adventure. It's not about the outcome, it's about the learnings, the exploration of the deal, the personal connection. When everything is an adventure, there is no losing.

Don't be careless, but do care less.

(and when you know how to do all of this let me know :)