It has been nine months since I last wrote my blog – it’s time I got back into the habit of bringing it up to date. There have been several big changes in my life during the last nine months, including a new environment, and new job and a new lifestyle.
At first it was difficult having to face all the new challenges, but I have been reminding myself to keep a positive outlook with each new challenge. Running a business with trade up and down obviously has affected my emotions.
I suppose this is one of the first things to understand about being in business, to look at the long term and avoid being short-sighted. The important thing is to continue making the effort and plan my strategy to improve the business.
Although I am moving away from my accountancy profession, I feel like putting into practise what I have learned from all those text books. The whole experience of running my printing business is exercising the reality of the business world.
Sales drive the business, therefore the role of polishing one’s selling and marketing skills is critical. Obviously, the procurement of new business, operations and the management of staff are also critical to the success of a business.
The main difference between my previous and current roles is moving from facing figures to facing customers. It takes a lot of courage to be proactive and build good relationships with potential customers.
It wasn’t easy at first, but after some practise it wasn’t so difficult getting potential customers to see how I could help them to improve their businesses. My attitude was, “if I don’t ask, I won’t get it, if I ask but get rejected, what is there to lose?” It can be quite demoralising after several negative reactions, however, it felt good when I succeeded.
I gave myself a challenge by organising a wedding fayre, which is also complimentary to my printing business. I have been preparing this since November last year and next Sunday 15 March is the big day. There was a lot of work to do in preparation for the fayre.
I was felt disheartened at first as I didn’t get much support for my event. However, after continually trying I now have 18 exhibitors who will be at my wedding fayre, plus 10 businesses which are giving support to a half page advertising feature in a local newspaper.
Details of the event are at www.eventsupermarket.co.uk. I will update you all with the outcome of the event after 15 March. Wish me good luck!!
I suppose the above experiences don’t only apply in business. It is also about how we should live our life whatever jobs we are in. Regardless of what we do, we have to stay long-sighted and not be drawn away by short-term challenges. I also believe persistence will yield results in the end.
