As an entrepreneur, you know that your business is more than just a way to earn a living—it’s your partner, confidant, and source of inspiration. To succeed, you must treat your business with the same level of commitment and care that you would give to a significant other. Some entrepreneurs even prioritize their businesses over personal relationships because their business is crucial to their livelihood and financial stability.
Unfortunately, many businesses fail because their owners don’t devote enough time and attention to them. To avoid this pitfall, you should be ready to work on your business around the clock, including outside of regular business hours. It’s crucial to nurture, respect, communicate with, and protect your business as you would a loved one.
Communication is key. Take time to reflect on your business before making major decisions, allowing yourself to consider different options and insights. If you ignore this step, you risk harming your business’s potential for success.
It’s also important to establish a dedicated business location separate from your home to minimize distractions. Many entrepreneurs opt to work from home to reduce costs, but this setup can lead to interruptions that hinder business growth. If you work from home, take the necessary steps to find a suitable space for your business. A dedicated business location can help you focus and avoid the limitations that come with a home-based operation.
Your business should be your constant companion—wherever you go, it should go with you. This doesn’t mean physically carrying your business everywhere, but rather embodying its values and sharing them with everyone you meet. Talk about your business, promote it, and make sure that your friends, family, and acquaintances are aware of it. Introduce your business to people alongside your name.
Your business name should be as familiar as your own. If people can’t remember your name, they should at least know your business name or the industry you work in. If you can, promote your business name to the point where it becomes synonymous with your identity. This approach helps spread the word about your business, reaching those who need your products or services.
Similarly, your business address should be your primary location. More people should visit your office than your home, as this is where you conduct business and build relationships. Business partners, customers, and government agencies typically want to know your business address, while only close friends and family visit your home. As a businessperson, you should expect to spend more time in the office than at home, reinforcing the idea that your business address is your main base.
These principles can also apply to employees pursuing professional careers. Love, respect, protect, and communicate with your job, making your job title your second name and your workplace your primary address.
By following these guidelines, you can set a solid foundation for your business or career, ensuring it meets your financial needs and grows over time.
Uche D. Ononachi
CEO, Omimizaladin Group
