Today is DemGen’s 8th Birthday!
I thought this would be an excellent opportunity to reflect on what it takes to build a business that lasts.
Eight years in operation is a BIG milestone!
Before I landed at DemGen, I owned my own company. Most of us are entrepreneurs here and know first hand how hard it is to run a business.
Mine, at best, was a side-company. Although it’s still technically in operation, I always knew I could never take on everything I had to do in order to make it a real business.
DemGen’s model intrigued me. As soon as I found the company, I knew it was something every entrepreneur needs to succeed.
To create a sustainable business that lasts, you simply can’t do it all yourself. It’s impossible and will drive you crazy to attempt to.
Here are the top insights I’ve learned through my experience and working with DemGen…
Understand your limitations.
We’re all blessed with genius abilities and special gifts that need to be respected. Trying to take on every task yourself is a disservice to your gift. There are others out there with complementary skills that will make yours all the better.
Surround yourself with the best people.
Believe in your business and hire the best. Saving a few dollars tends to hurt progress and projects in the long run. Your team is a reflection of you. Ensure you follow a stringent selection process with everyone you work with and don’t settle for the cheapest option.
Be prepared for ups and downs.
Life is a rollercoaster and business is an even rockier road. There will be highs and lows – it’s inescapable. It’s essential to keep your vision for your business in mind at all times. Everything is in constant motion. If your business has a bad day, expect tomorrow to be awesome!
Scale accordingly.
So many businesses get carried away with a hint of success, only to over-extend and set themselves back. I love DemGen’s model because you only pay for what you need. Do you really need a bunch of full-timers, office space, overhead, etcetc? Unless you’ve passed the million mark already, probably not! (And even if so, why waste your hard earned money on non-essentials?)
Celebrate!
Like we’re doing today, it’s important to celebrate your achievements. Celebrating the day-to-day goals you achieve will help to keep you and your team motivated and inspired.
© Tamara Smith, DemGen Inc. 2013
Image source: twentysixcats.com
