Sales Octane #36

Do you remember your dad's advice?

When I was twelve, I was pitching for my little league team.  My dad was the coach and I had just walked 3 batters in a row.  After the last pitch, when the umpire called "ball 4", he through his hands up and said "time".  Oh, no!  Here was my dad walking to the mound with that look.  Dog-gone I was going hear it now.  My dad looked at me and said with a straight face, "David, if you keep throwing balls you're going to walk the every batter."  Then he smiled as I laughed out loud. 

It was Dragnet stuff in color and without the hat.  Just the facts! 

I have listed 5 basic facts.  My dad would be proud!

1.      Work Only With Good Advisors.     Poor advice can cause you big losses.  Be aware now more than ever of what you vision is about.  Make sure you speak with your advisor or mentor about your vision, goals, strategy and tactics.  These should be written down and discussed.

2.     Watch Your Business Grow Carefully.  Growth is respected in the market place.  It shows you are doing well, but growing without systems in place can be disastrous.  Growth should exceed market growth to be scalable.

3.     Always Carry Out Due Diligence (No Buts or Maybes).  Due Diligence is necessary and is not optional.  No exceptions to this fact.  Due you homework.  Never go with your gut.  If you can't make it work, you can't make it work.

4.     Keep Your Eye on Your Cash - Make sure you understand the importance of managing your cash flow.  Maintain your paperwork and cost standards.  Cash should be tracked daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly.

5.     Be Careful when Bring in New Partners - They should bring Cash into the game.  They should be strong in your weak points and weak in your strong points.  Opposites attract in the partner game. 

Forrest Gump said "stupid is as stupid does".  Follow these 5 basic business facts and your dad will never have to say "I told you so!"