60 – 80 percent of most western economies are built around small business ownership (5 employees or less). The hum of our economies, it seems, relies heavily on hard working people rolling up their sleeves day in, day out and committing to the process of pumping out their products and services so that we can all live reasonably settled lives.

There is so much buzz around startups and new business ventures at the moment that I think established businesses (including larger companies), are getting a little overlooked. The fact is, it is the stability and consistency of these long term, stable companies who have built economies that offer the environment for us to be able to launch and grow new ventures, explore innovation and achieve the unimaginable. Let’s not forget that.

On this day, 1 year ago I officially started my own business, Forj Marketing or “forj(m)”. One of my friends and colleagues told me that if I lasted 12 months I would be fine. Well… I made it! And it is custom for bloggers such as myself to honour the day with an ode to my journey thus far. But those of you who know me well, know that standard, normal, and expected is not how I like to operate. You’ve heard the newbie stories a million times. (If you are starting out, well done. Let’s chat sometime).

What I do want to tell you is how much respect I have for business owners who have been around for many years. I work with a lot of them. I love talking to them. I love hearing why they started and what they imagined for their businesses and how it has evolved over time. Here’s what I’ve seen so far…

It never gets easier.

This is a point I hear over and over. So much so that I wonder why people keep going in their own business. But the truth is the pay off is awesome. The feeling that you have grown something out of nothing is amazing. There is something innate in our DNA that drives us to accomplish and the satisfaction that comes from achievement far outweighs the challenges. Maybe. It’s probably more that we just think we can do ‘it’ better, and we don’t want to answer to a boss anymore. Either way, it’s worth it.

Fortune Favours Courage.

Big risks reap big rewards. I have a client and a good friend who reminds me of this all the time. Thank you 🙂 He lives it day in and day out.

Ethical Business is Good Business.

This seems to be a dying art-form but one that should be honoured in a big way. Honesty and purity in business is often a challenging line to walk with so much ‘cheap and nasty’ readily available these days. This realisation comes when you understand the bigger picture of how local really does affect global attitudes and behaviours. What you do daily does create a massive chain effect influencing other operators that you probably haven’t even thought about.

It’s Never Too Late to Start. 

It really is never to late to start a new venture. Where there is passion, there comes the energy to execute.

A Little Encouragement Goes a Long Way.

Established business owners need inspiration, not your criticism. Sure, there are business operators who seem to be square pegs in round holes. They may not be ‘hipsters’ anymore in some hot startup. But are we not all just trying to make our way in the world with limited knowledge, being mostly influenced by our unique perspectives, and developmental environments? I am definitely not one for offering empty praise, but offering solutions, I find, is so much more beneficial.

Companies Are Only As Good As the People Who Work For Them.

Staffing is their biggest headache. On the flip side, recent statistics report 80% of people are unhappy in their job. There is a big disconnect here it seems. If you are an employee, realise that you too are part of a very big picture. You do not deserve to be paid just for turning up to work everyday. It is a privilege to work for someone who has flogged their guts out to create a solution to a problem that they have now hired you to help them fix. The more effective and efficient you are in your job, the better the business will operate and flourish, and the more likely it is that you too will flourish in your job, your life and your finances. You’re not doing anyone any favours staying in a job you hate.

The Most Important Part of Any Business.

Lastly, the most important thing of all.

“A satisfied customer is the best business strategy of all.” – Michael LeBoeuf

A massive thank you to each one of my clients who have allowed me to walk in and work alongside you in your businesses. Thank you for your support and encouragement. Thank you for still turning up everyday and sticking with your business and showing people like me that eventually… I will learn to breath under water.

Photo credit: Mike Bird