Ciao for now
Well, it’s finally happened. After 55 years in the business, as reporter, journalist, publisher and media owner, I’m going into something new and leaving publishing behind – although I am working on a book or two!
Looking back, I just thought I’d like to pass on a few words of my experiences and tips for business owners in the modern world.
The most important, and using the words of Richard Branson: “Take care of your employees and they’ll take care of your business.”
Avoid favourites or personal friendships among employees, but if you employ existing friends, either directly or as contractors, treat them exactly as you would your other staff.
Don’t surround yourself with “yes-men”. And “Facebook friends” are a definite no-no, unless you’re trying to keep tabs on your employees’ outside activities and opinions. Which, to put it bluntly, is prying!
If you need to restructure, treat everybody the same, and give everybody the same chances to keep their jobs. If you employ outside advisors on strategy or restructuring, ensure there’s no relationship with any employees. Otherwise, the advice will always be skewed in their favour – and maybe they are part of the problem you’re trying to overcome!
Don’t be a bully. Just because you own the business, or are a manager, doesn’t give you the right to browbeat your staff, either directly or subliminally. Treat people how you’d like to be treated.
Don’t be shy to praise people, and thank them for their efforts. A simple “thank you” goes a long way. People need to feel valued.
If employees put extra effort to make sure a job, or a project, comes out on time, or on budget, or even better than budget, don’t expect this to be the “new normal”. Miracles can happen, but not every day.
Reward loyalty and long-term service: don’t take people for granted.
If you have a “Vanity Project” – something that is a passion, or boosts your ego, or which you think gives you extra standing in the eyes of your peers – make sure it doesn’t eat away at your profits and bring the rest of the business down. It happens a lot.