We are all aware of those clever people who create the anecdotes that make us all think that business is easy. Well the truth is, it's not. So we've asked our friends, colleagues, staff and suppliers to contribute their own anecdotes.
If you have any relevant tips please send them on to us. It's fun and it might actually help somebody.
I have now learnt never to respond straight away to an email that makes me cross. I'll leave it, often to the following day, by which time I've had a chance to calm down and think about an appropriate response. Always the most prudent course of action.
Over the years I have learnt that dimensions from 'other' sources should never be trusted. Always, always, always go and conduct your own survey. Then when it goes wrong you know who to blame.
Whenever a complex or tricky situation arises I have learnt to sleep on it. The following day the problem has sometimes solved itself, a resolution comes to mind or simply the problem doesn't seem so bad. Time is a great friend (apart from the growing old bit that is).
So true this one! Being in the office 12 hours a day might seem impressive but if you're on Facebook or playing solitaire it helps neither you nor your business. So all those managers who think that being in the office for hours is the key, you're wrong. Be the first to go home as tomorrow you might really need your energy!
Now the truth is we all have to keep an eye on our competitors, but remember they are also watching you, probably more closely than you think.
So do what you believe is right and don't feel the need to copy others. Go your own way. Then if you succeed you know who to thank and if you fail you know who to blame.
My mother used to say that 'things are never as bad as you think they're going to be'.
She was right! (I hope).