How do you rate yourself as a 'business person' ?

I realised years ago that as I grew my business I needed a mindset change if I were to survive and grow. In my beginnings I likened what I did to being paid for something I enjoyed doing. Personal/family pressures made me evaluate that position and look at what was needed to be a professional & profitable business. I knew I wanted to employ staff and work with the guys to achieve something special in my mind. I decided I needed to gain experience in areas not directly related to what I did, but related to business. I searched and found a mentor, attended training ran by business link and my local business enterprise group to increase my skills. I know I still have skills to gain / improve, but with presentation & sales skills I set off on my journey to where I am now. So, how do you define a business person in our industry - skills, attributes, personality etc? - How do you rate yourself and DO you rate yourself regularly ? - Do you explicitly put time aside for business or fit it in when you have to ? - What are you doing about any skill deficiencies ? - Do you even enjoy 'business' ? - Would you rather be back employed ? For me there are 3 main phases - winning / closing business - performing the works - the satisfaction of job well done ( I hope ;-) My preference changes depending on my mood. How about for you - what's your preference ? Love knowing what makes people tick ........ Another thread from the series 'the view from the van driving seat.....' :-)

Replies

Claire Brown February 25, 2013 at 4:21pm

it's a great mindset to get in, to realise that Profit isn't a dirty word.

That you have to include time (that you get "paid" for) to plan, and market yourself.

As i'm now setting up a new business, i'm finding it is so much easier because I have already learnt about my customers, about marketing, and about networking