7 lessons learnt from 7 years in business

OKAY...There are probably more than just seven lessons learnt but we've narrowed it down
to make a good read over coffee....and in no particular order....because life doesn't come in any order.

Lesson 1
Hang out people who are genuinely happy for you when you succeed. Their company, friendship and genuine support is rare.
Some people truly want to see you fail so use this as fuel to prove them wrong.
Be your own cheer leader and ultimate fan! Write down achievements and when you are feeling
down or full of doubt, refer to this list to spur you onwards and upwards.

Lesson 2
Cash flow is king. If it's not coming in, you'll dig yourself into debt and start
using your own personal savings which is not ideal.
Make sure nobody owes you money and jobs are paid for up front or on completion.

Lesson 3
Don't work for free. Your time and experience is worth money and you need to be compensated for it.
There are small things you can do that are complimentary, just ensure your client knows about it.
This helps build rapport, respect and loyalty.

Lesson 4
A bad paying customer is a bad customer full stop, so let them go. If it takes two months to get
paid, it's not worth having them as a customer to being with - refer lesson 2. Find another client to replace them with and long term you'll be thanking yourself for it.

Lesson 5
Outsource the work you are not a specialist in and don't love doing. See what we did there? We outsource our bookwork to an accountant, laundry to the drycleaner, so why do everything yourself and spread
yourself thin and possibly make mistakes and costly ones at that. 
The relief of the time saved and the burden off your shoulders feels great and allows you to do more valuable work with your time.

Lesson 6
Make time for yourself to have fun and relax. Working 15hrs a day for yourself is not fun.
Schedule in time to have lunch, have a break, catch up with a friend, read a book - recharge so you
are at your best self mentally and physically.

Lesson 7
You have one life and you must enjoy what you do otherwise change jobs or do something else that
makes you happy. There is no point working just for the money and being miserable or hating what you do. 
Being in business for yourself means you get to decide how to spend your time - and that is the greatest reward and goal we are all trying to achieve in life.

We have our heart in our business and our business in our heart. This will never change.
Thank you for your support from the very beginning, right now at present and into the future.

Giulia, Pedro and Team Auto Outsource Pty Ltd