5 Small Business Lessons Learned

As Azure Marketing turns 13 this month, I’ve reflected on some of the highs and lows of the journey and am sharing some quick insights which I would have loved to have known when I started out in March 2003. Small business lessons learned can often be practical quick tips – some of my greatest lessons were mindset ones.

Failure can often lead to success

Some of my greatest frustrations and hiccups have become the inspiration for moving forwards. I now see failure as a learning process, rather than a stumbling block.

Failure can often lead to successClick To Tweet

80% of my output is determined by 20% of my effort

It may be a cliche, but it’s so true, and I wish I had learned sooner to understand my limitations, hone in on what I’m good at, and deliver my strengths with passion and energy. They undoubtedly have the greatest yield, and are the source of most enjoyment in my efforts.

Make myself redundant

Like many entrepreneurs, understanding that I’m not capable of doing everything, has been an uphill battle for me. Mainly because of limited financial resources at the outset. But I realise now that time is the most precious resource that any of us have access to. We can never get it back, so we need to be smart about how we spend it.  Spending money to employ someone else to work on things on our behalf means that they’re often completed faster, more professionally, and with less stress. Work smarter, not harder.

Get a mentor

How could I not have seen this sooner? The power of allowing someone to guide us through the mindblocks that we often face as entrepreneurs is invaluable. Having someone to turn to when I have dilemmas that I can’t figure out myself has been a game-changer for me.

Surround yourself with wisdom

I think it was Jay Abraham who I heard say ‘be the dumbest guy in the room’. Surround yourself with smart people, and you up your game to match them. Joining a mastermind group, listening to podcasts in the car by inspirational experts in your field, networking with like-minded entrepreneurs, getting an accountability partner and absorbing the energy from conferences. These are all powerful methods of achieving this goal of being surrounded by wisdom. I noticed a shift in my mindset when I saw how powerful these techniques could be.

Take advantage of one of ten free website jumpstart sessions that I’m running this week

Starting out and need some pointers? Well established and not sure where you’re going wrong? To celebrate Azure’s birthday, this week only, I have set aside additional free website jumpstart sessions for entrepreneurs, start-ups and small businesses who would like honest and constructive feedback on their website and internet marketing efforts. There are 10 slots available for calls this week. Please book up early to avoid disappointment. Help yourself to a free website jumpstart session with one-on-one website review and action stepsClick To Tweet