A MONTH ago I travelled to Los Angeles and New York as a birthday present to myself (well, no one else offered to buy me the ticket!) It was my first holiday in two and a half years, and like any semi-successful Recruitment Agency owner, I had to factor in a work component to the trip because my mind is always racing.

I met with several business owners – basically to interview them about what was working and what wasn’t. They were really open and helpful (well, LA more so than NY).

These people ran businesses that I am looking into starting myself.  I wanted to learn as much as I could, so off I went.

As someone who has worked as a real estate agent (don’t hold that against me) – it amazes me how little research some business owners do before starting their own.

Food For Thought…..

When I was selling homes, some people would look at 10 houses before they bought one, and some would look inside of 50 (not just at photos). Who do you think ends up happier most of the time? The same is true in business.

The Art Of War by Sun Tzu is an amazing book. It states: “Every battle is won or lost before it is ever fought”.

So new and future business owners,  you should consider these things: how much money will you need-to pay ALL your bills? Not just the business’s. What happens if you lose it all? What is clearly unique or special about your business?

Have you thoroughly done the sums – or is it a great business idea that doesn’t make any money? eg. the first soup kitchen in outback Australia where it’s oh, 30 degrees on a cold day! Or a Recruitment Agency in a town with 200 people? And just as important – what is your goal?

Being in business is definitely one of the most satisfying things I’ve ever done, probably because it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It never gets any easier. I’m never going to master it and every day is a battle. But one good shot at that goal every day keeps me coming back!