My son (let’s call him Bob) at the time of writing is about 10 months old. That was 10 years ago now. As with any kids can (and do), he has taught me various lessons in life. He has already taught some lessons about business too. Here are just 3 tips that my son has taught me about business:
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Focus.
- The focus of Bob is incredible. Not very long but intense. If he wants to get to something – he will do pretty much anything to get it.
- 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 around it.
- What a great example for business – eyes on the prize and go for it. Never wavering and not letting anything stand in your way. If something does bock your path – either move it or move around it.
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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. They often replace the flooring in our house – we discover the floor when he goes to sleep.
- He does not play with them all 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.
- In business, if it is complicated – 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 a 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 – it’s wrong.
- Think about the process that Bob goes through many times a day – pick up a toy, chew, repeat – simple.
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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.
- In business, if there is something wrong – shout! 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 and somethings you cannot.
Bob is almost 10 months old and we can all learn from this little live wire despite that fact that he cannot talk or walk (YET!). Since the time of writing, he has gotten older (obviously) but the lessons are exactly the same.