Want to grow your small business? Here’s 4 things you’ve probably overlooked
In 2006 Ironfish opened with a single office in St Leonards with 12 staff and a mission to help Aussie families achieve long-term financial security through strategic property investment.
Today, we have over 14 branch offices as well as property management, mortgage broking and property development arms – and we have over 300 staff across two countries.
Through our expansion over the last 11 years, we’ve been able to help thousands of beginner investors get started and experienced investors progress further in achieving their property investment goals.
Last night, our CEO & Founder, Joseph Chou spent an evening sharing his insights into growing a successful business with Business Connection Resources (BCR) – a group of Sydney-based SMB owners and professionals. The Q&A style seminar was held at our headquarters in North Sydney and hosted by BCR Founder, Richard Carter.
“Joseph spoke eloquently about the immense value of establishing pertinent contacts, which strongly aligns with our philosophy of facilitating events that enable our membership to make good-quality business connections,” Mr Carter said.
“Ironfish has proved to be a terrific member and powerful partner for Business Connections networking groups. This has been illustrated once again tonight with their support for this highly successful event.”
For anyone who missed last night’s event, or for those who are based interstate – here’s 4 key points that Joseph attributes to his business success – points that many business owners or senior professionals either overlook or undervalue.
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Believe in what you’re doing
“Be the captain of your ship and bring people along with you on the journey”
It’s a very simple concept but an important one – if you don’t truly believe in your business, or in the service you are providing your customers, then it’s hard to convince anyone else to believe in it. Be passionate about what you do, and lead by example – when others see this, they will be inspired to come along on the journey with you to achieve your business goals.
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Surround yourself with the right people and learn from the best
“Having a mentor, someone to follow who has done it before makes the process much easier.”
Anyone can build a successful business, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Surround yourself with successful people in business, people who have achieved what you want to achieve and learn from them. Most people tend to take advice from people they trust – such as family and friends. However, family and friends may not have the expertise in your particular field of business. Know and accept your limitations and take advice from the experts.
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Trust your team
“Hire leaders, let them grow and then let go.”
Employee retention is crucial to the survival and success of any business. Instead of hiring an ‘employee’ think about hiring a ‘partner’ – someone who will lead the business alongside you. Give your leaders unlimited room to grow and develop – and then let go of the ‘power’ and trust them. If you can’t trust the team around you, then there’s only so far your business can grow.
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Be willing to share
“I could have made a lot more money had I structured the business differently, but that’s not the best way to do business.”
A willingness to share your business, your time and your knowledge by inviting partners into your business has many benefits. You will be able to retain the best talent, as your people will have plenty of room to grow and develop and no need to leave the business and go out on their own. Your business will also have the benefit of a number of dedicated ‘leaders’ who are constantly thinking about ways to innovate and improve the business. There is also a great sense of personal satisfaction that comes from seeing others flourish and succeed. At the end of the day, more money doesn’t bring more joy but seeing others succeed alongside you – whether they are your business partners or your customers – this is one of the best things about building a successful business.