Awhile back, I was inspired by a “Top 30” list featured in Success magazine, which listed the things every successful CEO needs. It got me thinking about how closely it matched my own list of must-haves. Quite a few of their items made my own Top 10, but I have a few others that, as a small-business owner, I don’t think I could do my job without.
MP3 player
Not too long ago, I upgraded my wussy little MP3 player to a more-power-than-I’ll-ever-need iPod. I think it was one of the smarter purchases I ever made. Not only do I plug in for my favorite tunes, but I’m buried in a whole world of podcasts on everything from business to marketing to spirituality to my favorite NPR shows.
Pets
A dog, cat, bird or worm…it doesn’t matter. Having something that gives and gets affection can make a world of difference on any given day. I have a dog and a cat roaming around my office, and they usually spend their days curled up the corner. But, my dog times her bathroom breaks when I desperately a few minutes away from the computer, and my cat puts himself on my calendar when he needs a scratch (literally…he parks his caboose right on my desk calendar and doesn’t budge until he’s satisfied with appropriate level of attention.)
Personal library
Each business owner is different. But the common thread that binds successful CEOs is the constant drive to learn. Thankfully, having a business library doesn’t necessarily mean shelves full of books. I subscribe to a handful of podcasts, borrow best-sellers from my entrepreneur pals, and you have to tear me away from the magazine section of the bookstore.
A great wardrobe
Notice I didn’t say a “big” wardrobe. Just having a few great, classic pieces you didn’t buy off the clearance rack at the discount store makes a world of difference when you waltz into a room full of strangers at a networking event. You may be quaking on the inside, but it’s easy to hide the nerves under a great-fitting suit or in fabulous pair of shoes. If you look good you feel good, and you’ll have no choice but to stand a little taller and speak a little clearer.
An assistant
Well, duh. Ok, ok. I know that’s a little self-serving given what I do, but it’s the truth. Every small-business owner – and I mean every one – needs an assistant from time to time. Even me, who IS a professional assistant, has some part-time support to help with the details of my to-do list. Just like my clients, who don’t need to be spending their valuable, billable, revenue-generating time on the details of their to-do lists, neither do I.
Inspiration
You can find it anywhere. Some people put inspirational quotes on their screen savers, others are dedicated to maintaining a vision board, and a few subscribe to inspirational emails or podcasts. It’s vital to have something to re-energize your mind and spirit.
An understanding — and sometimes forgiving — support system
As any small-business owner will tell you, the work days are long, stressful, intense and exhausting. Not only that, but it’s easy to feel like you’re going it alone. With a strong, understanding support system, you know you’re not flying solo. Just don’t forget to tell those people how grateful you are for their support. If it weren’t for my crew of (sometimes screwy) friends and always-loving family, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I credit a big part of my success to them.
A coach or mentor
It doesn’t matter if it’s a life coach, a business mentor or spiritual leader. There’s always someone who has more wisdom than you, and those people want to share it. Let them. In fact, there’s no reason you can’t have more than one. Find these people and latch on … they’ll teach you things you didn’t know you didn’t know.
A really good pen
This is one of those simple pleasures. You don’t notice it when you’re using it, but you definitely notice it when you’re not.
A hobby
Having an outlet is one of the best ways to regain perspective. We’ve all been there, where you’re too close that you can’t see. As a small-business owner, it’s way too easy … in fact, it’s practically automatic … to let the things you used to love slide when you’re buried under business plans, marketing strategies and ideas for growth. Make time for things outside the business. Believe me, I know it’s easier said than done, but you owe it to yourself.
Now it’s your turn! What’s on your list? As a business owner, what could you not live without?
I think I’ve got the same list! Let’s see:
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1. iPod – Love those electronic books! And the music keeps my butt a’wigglin’.
2. Pets – I don’t have any pets personally, but I do cat sit occasionally. I’m thinking of buying a robot, does that count?
3. Personal library – Oh, yeah! I’ve got books stacked up everywhere
4. Great wardrobe – not yet, but losing 15 pounds is going to make it much easier to find it this spring!
5. Great Assistant – You, of course!
6. Inspiration – Facebook is a great place to find that…
7. Support system – what could be better than the WVAN and NAWBO?
8. Coach – I’ve got a few – Mary Kay Aide, SCORE, NAWBO members, and everyone who answers the millions of questions that I ask.
9. Good pen – Papermate Flexgrip Elite, medium, purple, ’nuff said.
10. Hobby – Right now it’s my “special project” that I’m launching this week. Other than that, I enjoy relaxing by doing some bioinformatics during my off hours. (Yeah, I’m a science geek
Thanks for the chance to realize all the great things that I’ve got in my life, Rachel.
1. True clarity of the real reasons you started and operate your business
2. The support team described, including a personal assistant or administrator.
3. The passion for your business purpose
4. Discipline to take care of yourself to have the energy and health to run your business, and enjoy other aspects of your life so you do not burn out
5. Desire and integrity to seek and take full responsibility for the success of the business
6. A clear understandable Mission statement or purpose of the business that produces products and/or services that add VALUE into the world (preferably not provided as well elsewhere.)
7. Your own personal coach to assist you to grow to allow your business to grow
8. A focus on discovering and owning the numbers (money flow) of your business on a daily basis.
9. Understanding of the difference between being an entrepreneur and a business owner, so you can reduce the length and pain of the entrepreneur stage, or better yet, skip it altogether.
10. Sense of humor.
Great contributions, Melodee and Bill!
Melodee, you and I are a lot alike!
And Bill, I especially like (and completely agree with) #9 and #10!
- Rachel
1. My ipod. There are so many podcasts available for free. I can keep up on tips and trends as I’m traveling between clients.
2. Google Reader. I can manage my subscriptions to industry blogs and star items I want to come back to at a later time. Google Reader keeping my email inbox uncluttered: Priceless.
3. Good friends. Those that are invested in your success and can listen objectively.
4. An excellent swipe file. Love the color scheme of that direct mail piece? Think the font of that headline is outstanding? Put them in a file for later. It makes it easier to design your next great marketing piece when you can show what you like (and what you don’t).
5. Great tools. Pens, pencils, trusty calculator, small tape measure, laptop, cell phone. They don’t have to be the latest or greatest. Just reliable and work well.
6. A great assistant.
7. Determination and drive. It may take 10 ideas or 100 ideas to grow your business. Either way, it’s important to keep moving forward.
8. A great attitude. A smile goes a long way and a great attitude is infectious.
9. Openness. I’m always surprised at what inspires a new idea. Staying open to the possibilities may lead you to your next great idea.
10. Mentors. I love getting together to swap stories, touch base, solve a problem. Help and inspiration can come from unexpected people.
Thanks, Rachel, for the great topic!
PASSION!
Passion for what you do.
This is what keeps you going every day!
Hi Rachel
I am going to take a nap so my business will operate better without me.
Bill