View from the Summit

What does it take for a successful business? Here's five things I have learned.

1) Customer service is paramount.

2) Be proactive in dealing with problems.

3) Always give the customer more than their paying for.

4) Always take responsibility for your actions and decisions.

5) Be honest and have integrity in all your transactions

Not a week goes by that I don't get asked "Where do I start" in opening a new business? For the most part business men trying to start something new are short one commodity, money. Their debt is high, responsibilities are endless and there is no way to just walk away from their current J.O.B.

What about starting slow and deliberate testing the market? Spend time discovering your passion, something that gives you a sense of purpose. If it seems effortless and gives you energy, you could be on the right track. If you are laboring over the minutia, diving deep with no return or at the end of the day you are exhausted, run. 

Here's another five things. This time, it's all about leading others and being a good team player: 

1) Be willing to help myself; do not just delegate.

2) Be honest,transparent and willing to be vulnerable.

3) Show others that you really care about their well being.

4) Listen intently about their goals and help them to accomplish their goals.

5) Be willing to give something away that is valuable to you for their benefit.

I was talking to another guy a couple days ago discussing difficult topics. Many times as a dad I wanted to dismiss myself from certain conversations. 

On a trip to Destin, Florida, several years ago with my wife and two daughters I found myself confronted with real life teenage questions. As my oldest daughter and I walked the beach late one afternoon, the inevitable boy conversation rolled around.

Wow, I was not prepared nor interested in going down this path. Thankfully, most of the topics were easy and non threatening. However, the timing was right to go down a road that is a dad's worst nightmare: dating.