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1. Supporters

When you start a business some of the people who you think will support you do not, and remarkably some of the people who you think will never support you do. I will always remember the latter group (they know who they are) and they have my undying loyalty for the rest of time.

2. It’s like riding a roller coaster

Running a small business is rather like riding a roller coaster. You get some fantastic highs but also some really tough low days. Do not take it personally, it is absolutely normal (just try and make sure the highs out way the lows!)

3. Be clear on your Vision

Be clear on the Vision for your business from the outset – where you want it to go and how your business might look in 12 months, 3 years, 5 years and beyond. Try not to wonder off and get distracted from that original Vision. If you do not have a plan, you are unfortunately planning to fail!

4. Establish your Culture and Company Values

Establish your Culture and Company Values early on whilst it is only a few of you, as that is what the rest of your team will buy into when the business expands. Don’t be afraid to regularly question and examine these to see if they are still relevant, as the team and business expands.

5. Clear alignments

Once you have established your Company Values be clear to align with clients and companies who share your values. If they do not, then walk away early. Do not think that you can change them.

6. Build your team

Build a team around you, support them, trust them, empower them, and let them fail if needs be, just be there to pick up the pieces. By failing in business we learn, we get stronger, and we grow together.

7. Don’t be afraid to say ‘No’

You DO NOT have to win every bit of work, or job in your market place, just make sure that you win your market share. Do not worry too much about what your competition are doing. Stay focused on your vision and don’t be afraid to say no to work that you do not want or clients whom you do not trust, or who do not share your values.

8. Be aware!

Be aware of clients who do not listen and who do not want your advice. Many contacts that I have come across over the last 15 years are blinded by their own ego, they don’t need your advice, they think they always know better and then blame you when it goes wrong. Get rid of them early and send them to your competition as you will never change them.

9. New start-ups

Watch out for new start-up businesses and support them in the same way that you received support when you were a new business.

10. Be part of your community

Be part of your local business community and give your time and expertise for free when needed on Committees, School Governing Boards and Community Groups etc.  

11. There are no short cuts

There are no short cuts to having a successful business. It takes patience, sacrifice, a lot of hard work but the eventual rewards are definitely worth it and it beats working for anybody else, hands down.

12. Be a business owner

Be aware that if you want to grow your business, you have to stop being the technician and you have to learn how to be a business owner and manage the team. Managing Director is not a made up title on a business card it takes a lot of effort, introspection and understanding. If you do not delegate and trust others then you can never grow your business.

13. It’s all about the systems

A good sustainable and developed business is all about systems. We at GJS Dillon spend hours and hours fine tuning our systems for every eventuality that we can imagine. How else can we claim to be the best if we don’t have a structure and tested systems that all our staff follow?

14. Invest in business coaching

Being introduced to the world of business coaching after 5 stressful years getting the business off the ground, was life changing and culminated for me in winning a place on the Goldman Sachs 10,000 small business coaching programme in 2024. Their definition of a successful business ‘is a business that operates WITHOUT YOU’ and this now resonates with me every day!

15. Have no regrets!

Why did I choose to set up my business in the midst of a recession in September 2010? I spotted an opportunity in my sector and I could see that in time I could establish a good market share and I had lots of loyal contacts in my chosen market place. If I’m being honest the biggest fear for me was the fear of getting to the end of my career knowing that I had never been brave enough to set up my own business! I think in life it’s really important to have no regrets!

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