Lessons in Business

Your first instinct is most likely correct.

I firmly believe that each of us accumulates life experience knowledge , and that when we are confronted with a situation or decision, our first instinct (to react) is very likely correct.

There are situations in which you have to reason out the facts (like in a business situation), but once you start reasoning with yourself (on a complex matter) your chance of being right may only be 50% (yes or no).

When I think back on some of the critical decisions that I had to make, my fist instincts were mostly correct.

Your business ethics is the most important part of what you're doing. Art T.

The most valuable lesson that I have learned over the years (and it took me several years to figure this out) is that I cant do everything!!

I am a totaly do-it-myself person...I want to be able to do it all. Manufacture, create/maintain website, marketing, package design etc.

It took a lot of self control to relinquish control over a few aspects of my business but I have realized that some parts are better left to people that have more knowledge and better skills than I do.

The most valuable lesson that I have learned over the years is that I can't please everyone!

In my business, pleasing clients is extremely important but even if I do everything to the best of my abilities, that doesn't mean my client is happy and it's my job to figure out why. However, sometimes it just comes down to who I am and who they are and are we a match to work together?

All I can do is my best and take it one step at a time.

You're better off working with the way things are than working with the way you want things to be.

With clients, I always try to add value to the relationship before asking for something in return, and then I set reasonable expectations for what I can deliver on and then over-deliver.

As a designer/developer I hold one lesson learned above all others...

Always have a contract and be sure it clearly states what work is being done and what work isn't included for the job.

I would have to agree with Neil above on first instincts always being right as well.

There are things I can control and there are things I can't; straining to get new business won't help me get clients. All I can do is put out my best efforts. Then the best thing to do is stop worrying about it and live the other great parts of my life.

What goes hand-in-hand with this is patience...knowing that a successful practice with ongoing WOM clients isn't built in just a few months.

(I'm still learning these lessons, over and over.)

Working with someone you trust doesn't mean you skip the contract or written agreement/understanding. You never know where your relationship will be tomorrow. AND don't start the work together until you have the agreement signed. AND if the scope of work evolves, stop and rework you agreement if necessary. I learned this the hard way. Don't ask.

~Bridget

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