Despite what we learned in school, and how our educational system tries to make us conform and be the same… those who are different achieve greater success.  In this crazy, cluttered world of infinite information and choices, differentiation works and sells!

So be different!

Despite all the  the hype around Social Media, and all things internet-based, I believe in business world, your life, and happiness in general, revolves around relationships!  Think about it, it was true before, and is still true today!

Those who work harder, and smarter, seem to have the best luck when it comes to great opportunities.  It’s not surprising what can be rewarded with hard work!

Luck is when preparedness and opportunity get together!

Not sure where I heard this one, but it is so true. Good luck will usually not come to you unless you are prepared. Yes, there is always luck involved in certain situations… but it seems to happen to those that have done the preparation up front, which enables them to be rewarded.  Perhaps it’s the hard work they’ve put in that allows the same people to always seem to be so lucky!

Another good quote I’ve remembered along the way:

Information overload leads to analysis paralysis.

So, true! Too many people and companies are buried in information and clutter and want everything perfect before they execute.  How many people spend endless hours online (and elsewhere) trying to get all their ducks perfectly in a row, before they do what they know they need to do?  Sometimes, or maybe most of the time, you have to go for it, and get things done, without having all the information you need. Go with your gut, that usually works best for me!

I’m not sure who wrote this quote, it goes something like this:

The secret of change is not to focus all your energy on fighting the old, but on building the new.

I am not sure why people do not like change, I thrive on it actually. Here at Kyjen, I think everyone gets used to change as being part of our culture and how we do business.  Although, it’s not always easy for everyone!

I believe a recession, or an economic downturn, is often the best time to start a business. Others are feeling down, feeling there is no hope, maybe not working so hard, and blaming the economy. Established business are notorious for not being aggressive and cutting back during a recession.  You need a piece of the pie in your respective market, this is often easier to achieve in an economy or market that is not growing.

The amount if risk being taken by people and businesses in a recession is typically lower.  Advertising rates are lower.  This is the time to build market share!

By the time your new business or company really gets going (it always takes longer then planned), the recession may be over and your target customers will really be ready to spend their money on your product or service!

By David Ogilvy the legendary advertising man:

”What should you do in times of recession, when you need every penny to sustain your earnings?  Stop advertising?”

-”If you stop advertising a brand which is still in its introductory phase, you will probably kill it-for ever.  Studies of the last six recessions have demonstrated that companies which do not cut their advertising budgets achieve greater increase in profit than companies which do cut back.”

Do you have a great idea for the “next big thing”?  First, research information about the industry of which you are interested. Research the industry where the product or idea could be sold.  Educate yourself as much as is possible by reading all about these potential industries.  Then I suggest the following:

1. Subscribe to, and read cover to cover, trade magazines from within the industries of interest.

2. Go to the trade shows within this industry. Perhaps pose as a dealer or buyer in this industry (maybe tell them you are starting an e-commerce store selling products or services from this industry).  Talk face to face to as many people as is possible within this industry.  Talk to you potential future competitors. (There’s a trade show for everything these days- just Google it)

After doing this, you may find your idea is great, or maybe not-so-great.  A good education in this manner (before you spend too much time or money on your big idea), can prove to be invaluable.

I think persistence may be the most important skill of an entrepreneur or business owner.  In order to achieve your ultimate vision for your business, you must believe in it longer than anyone else.  You must have the persistence to believe in it when no one else does, when sales are low, and when things are taking longer then planned.  You must care about it and be more passionate about it than anyone else.

I truly believe those that are the most persistent win!

Below are some ways Warren Buffet spends his day. These are things that I try to replicate in my daily work life.

-wake up early

-have no set schedule, he doesn’t enjoy having a full schedule

-always take reading material home

-keep phone conversations generally short

Try this out! Tell me what you think…