My son (lets call him Bob) at the time of writing is about 10 months old and has taught me various lessons in life. He has already taught some lessons about business too. Here are just 3 business tips that my son has taught me about business:
Number one: Focus.
If he wants to get to something – he will do pretty much anything to get it. The focus of Bob is incredible. Not very long but intense. It starts by something catching his eye. He then heads off like a wild cat, eyes focused on the target and head completely still. You can put anything in front of him and he will either bash into it because he is too focused on the object OR he will move it or move round it.
Business tip:
This is a great business tip for any business owner – eyes on the prize and go for it. Never wavering and not letting anything stand in your way. If something does block your path – either move it or move around it. Unlike Bob who can focus on any single thing at any time and move from one thing to the next at the blink of an eye, your business should not jump from one thing to the next. Do your research and focus on the best product or service for your business to succeed. This focus must be what you and your company are good at.
Number two: Keep it simple and stick to what you know
Bob has many, many toys. They are a combination of hand me downs from his sister and various cousins and friends and of course presents. They often replace the flooring in our house – we discover the floor when he goes to sleep. He does not play with them at the same time though. As with most babies, Bob has his favourites. He loves playing with the wheels of anything. He loves cardboard boxes (not the expensive toy inside) and he really loves chewing on little books. That is about it.
Business Tip: Complicated = wrong!
In business, if it is complicated especially in the accounting side of things – chances are it is going to be wrong or breakdown. Keep the process simple and don’t let it get away from that. Why should business be complicated?
Don’t believe me? Write the process of your business down. You will realise how simple it is. It may get technical but it will always be simple. Technical does not mean complicated. I always say about accounting – if it is complicated – its wrong. Think about the process that Bob goes through many times a day – pick up toy, chew (or throw), repeat – simple. Your business is simple too: Sell product or service, provide service or deliver product, repeat.
Number three: If there is something wrong – Shout!
Bob only cries for a very limited amount of time and problems.
Here is the list (excluding being sick)
- Nappy needs changing
- Hungry
- He is in pain
- (As he gets older) He wants attention
That is it! all the solutions are simple too. Refer point 2.
Business tip: If there is something wrong – shout (preferably not cry)!
Talk to someone, seek help or whatever you have to do to sort the problem out. More often than not, the solution is simple anyway. The same principle works for your employees too. They only shout if they want something. Somethings you can sort out quickly while others you cannot. More often than not, a new perspective brings the solution. The simplest business tip from another view can sort it out.
The Occam’s razor theory is the best explanation here. The simplest solution is the one that is best. The simplest business tips from another view can sort it out
Update on Bob, he is a lot older now – 10 months has got to six years old and we can all learn from this little live wire despite that fact that he growing up. The above principles are the same. Personally, I don’t know why we tend to lose these attributes as we grow up.
This post was updated in July 2021.