The Business of YOU

In graduate school we are taught the ins and outs of business, how to write a mission statement, document a business plan, conduct a job interview and even fire employees. But nowhere on my MBA does it say “Start with YOU.”
So I’ll say it now: Start with YOU!
Whether you’re just starting a business, have been in business 20 years already or are simply in the planning stages, know this: there is no greater asset, no more helpful wisdom, no stronger force to your business success than trusting in yourself and following your own unique vision for your company.
Your personality drives everything about your business, from the design of your label to the name of your store to the snacks in the break room vending machine to your organizational structure.
If you don’t believe me, look at your company from the outside-in for once; ask your employees. They will tell you that, “Mr. Carlson likes to get his profit and loss statements by 3 p.m. sharp every Friday afternoon” or that “Ms. Harper insists we answer the phone with a specific script that naturally engages our customers…” Now, that common knowledge sends a very specific message to your employees, not just about how you handle your business but about how they should handle theirs.
Take a walk around the lobby some afternoon and really look around with an objective pair of second eyes. See it as if you’re seeing it for the very first time; pretend you’re a visitor and look at it as a visitor might.
From the color of the carpet to the wallpaper to the office decor, does it have your personal touches? Do the boxes down in shipping have your face on the side? Is your name a part of the company brand, the sauce, the bread, the muffins or the ice cream?
The smaller your company, the closer it will be identified with you and the bigger the company, the more responsibility you have to make sure that as you grow and even prosper you continue to retain that personality and uniqueness that only you possess.