Everyone is an entrepreneur

Good customer service – it seems so easy. So why do horror stories abound about surly shop assistants, about staff who would far rather pass the buck than deal with your query?

Unfortunately, and surprisingly, people who do not supply effective service are often unaware of how their behaviour affects those around them. They have the basics, but they are not taught how to be ‘excellent’ in their jobs, which is where mediocre service kicks in.

There is a vast difference in attitude and demeanour between an employee and a career person on a mission. If you read biographies about successful entrepreneurs they all have a tale to tell about grilling burgers at McDonald’s or starting off in the mailroom of some skyscraper. They had to start somewhere, but they knew mediocrity was not their destiny.

You will spend, on average, 100 000 hours of your life working. The more time you spend sharpening your skills and taking on challenges, the easier it will be to reach your goal.

To be a successful corporate entrepreneur you have to absolutely love your job and see a clear path to the top. To establish your true feelings about your job or even how you feel about having to work ask yourself the following questions.

  • Why am I working?
  • Do I like what I am doing?
  • What are my long term objectives?

Your answers to these questions will focus you on your purpose. Once you have figured this out, you will need to put in place the behaviours and attitudes needed to get to the top of the pile.

Getting there

Integrity
Integrity extends far beyond not taking the company stationery home, or not leaving early when the boss is away. It means doing the right thing regardless of the outcome. If you are a person of integrity, your employer will encourage your progress within the organisation.

Work ethic
Always deliver above-average results and complete tasks on or before deadlines.

Work/home balance
Do try and keep your personal life from encroaching into work time. It is important to be seen to be able to manage home and work issues effectively.

Commitment
When you agree to a task, make sure you deliver. Make a habit of following through on your commitments. This reliability factor is a big determinant of success.

Money management
To be successful, you need to learn how to work with money because bad money management can easily spill over into your work life. Nicholas van der Nest, head of risk product development at Liberty Life says: “Making sure that your risks are covered properly can have a huge impact on your work situation. Imagine if you were involved in an accident without medical aid? You may take a lot longer to recover and perhaps be without a motor vehicle to get to and from work. This would definitely impact the perception of your employers about your ability to take responsibility.”

In addition, having money in the bank opens doors – it creates options. Many people feel they need change, but often the lack of cash stops them from taking calculated risks. However, with a healthy savings, you can take the risks necessary to do what you love.
Self-promotion
This does not mean telling everyone what a star you are. It is ensuring you get the recognition for a job well done. A good way to do this is to send your boss an email: “A quick status report: the contract between X and Y was signed on the 25th September. Roll-out should start within the week.” No brag fest, but the people who need to know will get the message.

Be nice
Pursuing what you want but with other people’s feelings in mind is an essential skill. Learn how to ramp up your communications skills, listen attentively when people talk to you, and develop your self-confidence.

So in essence, whatever your reasons for working, your day-to-day activities and attitude will craft your future. If you accept you must keep working to achieve your objectives, at least choose a job that makes you happy. 100 000 hours is an awfully long time to spend being miserable.

Apply yourself. Get all the education you can, but then, by God, do something. Don't just stand there, make it happen. - Lee Iacocca, former chief executive of Chrysler Corporation

Hooked on busyness
Develop your instincts: you may notice that some colleagues seem to progress more quickly than others. This is because they keep their radars on for opportunities; they know the right timing, and the right things to offer. In other words, they offer solutions to immediate problems by thinking on their feet. You can practise by always trying to figure out how to make things faster, cheaper and more effective in your work arena. / Digital communication should be our tool
Statistics show that only a small percentage of people actually love what they do. They are the ones who feel like they are playing rather than toiling away. They are energised by what they do and this translates into passion, influence, excellence and, eventually, cash. / Did you know?
Steve Jobs, founder of Apple Corporation, was fired from the company he founded after a dispute with CEO John Sculley. While it deeply affected him, he soon bounced back and developed Pixar. Together with Disney, his company produced hugely successful animated movies including ToyStory, ABug’sLife, and FindingNemo. Years later, he was asked once again to take the helm of Apple and rescue the company from disaster. His determination to succeed and ability to ride out tough circumstances, has put him firmly on the top of the ladder again.

17 September 2010

Max Reineke AFP, Dip, Fin Mgt

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My Goal is simple……………………….to help you achieve yours!