Best Business Lessons I've Received

leezee0
Sep 3
2 min read

Today was a typical morning and I hate typical by the way. Early wake up, mug of BulletProof coffee, journaling, reflection time and then sport. Today was cycling! Within 20 minutes of being on the road, the muggy, swampy humidity of Miami was upon me. But the calm Atlantic ocean was to my right, the sun just peaking its head up and this is when my brain starts its mixed up contemplative dance. This happens every early morning run, cycle, walk what have you. I start thinking about business and relationships. Over the weekend I had a long discussion with a friend about her small business challenges and it led me to think of the valuable, poignant business lessons which I've been fortunate to receive. As the cars whizzed past me, the headwinds battering my face I started listing these lessons in my head and began thinking, what to you do with such knowledge? You share it! You educate others and this is an ideal platform.

Here are some of these lessons I've been grateful to receive:

"I hire good people and pay them well."- First given to me in my early twenties by the CEO of a large healthcare system who went on to build it into one of the nations best.
"If you give something, you should take something."- Thanks Thomas McMullen and this is used in sales negotiations sometimes.
"Done is better than perfect."- Ilana Golan and International LEAP Network gave this gem to me and although I'm not 100% on board it certainly has merit to just get the product or service out and test it while you work on perfecting it.
"A tall tree gathers much wind."- Given to me when I was sixteen and interning at a law firm. A very well known and succesful attorney said this to me after I mentioned reading an article which wasn't too flattering about him. We were standing on his horse ranch watching the horses and it was a moment. I think of this at least twice a month. Keith Poliakoff someone we know!
"The indirect approach is better than the direct approach."- Jocko Willink Leif Babin Echelon Front reminds us that to build trust with your team, foster commitment and circumvent resistance use the indirect approach. During my time as a member of their outfit I really liked one specific message, 'No one wants to be talked down to.' This is simple not easy. Bonus- book suggestion: Extreme Ownership and The Dichotomy of Leadership
"Sometimes you just have to send the contract."- Former C suite executive with one of the largest motorsports teams said this in a commercial team meeting and it stuck with me. The point is be assertive when you feel the time is right and just put the contract in front of the prospect.

I've certainly learned more and have others but these are some of my absolute favorites and I hope in some way they can help you. I committed these to memory as the miles wound down, my heart rate lowered but sadly the horrible South Florida traffic increased. Do you have any memorable lessons? Let's hear them!