Ran a seminar recently for people running their own business who were independent consultants. We discussed what key things they needed to concentrate on from a personal development perspective. I’ve had a think and came up with this:

1. Having the courage and imagination to re create yourself daily

2. Nothing short of excellence (see previous post)

3. Disrupt the status quo in your industry/sector/market place

4. Work with exciting customers who stretch you, push you and enjoy working with you. Poor, bland customers will waste your time, contribute little to your business growth and after three years you’ll should be getting rid of the bottom 30% of your customers anyway

5. Grow through customers not products or sales. Consider each customer as a route to growth but true growth not just for the sake of it

6. Be genuine and authentic, anything less will bite you on the bum/as at some point

7. Actually have fun. If you’re not enjoying yourself, you’re doing the wrong thing. (I think Tom Peters once said this)

I’m sure there is more…..