The information to Win in Business, the information to Win in Life, all wrapped up in one winning, weekly email. Winformation Weekly.

My 14 years’ experience of growing a business from £0-£100m as well as the life that goes with it.

No ads. No affiliate links. No BS.

Simon Says

Winformation this week...

I’m getting married today for the 2nd time. Not to someone else, but wedding number 2 to the same person. We cobbled together a quick wedding day in 6 weeks last April so my terminally ill Dad could share it with us. Today, Friday 18th July, is the big day we had already booked. The only other huge partnership decision that changed the trajectory of my life was my choice of business partners over the years. Indeed, my longest business partnership of 15 years has actually outlasted many “life” partners for us over that time. Which business partner to choose is such a huge, monumental decision. I’m shocked at how many people enter into these relationships without the proper due diligence. That’s why today’s One Idea to Win in Business is my ultimate guide to choosing a business partner.

I’m just about to go on my first 2-week holiday since March 2007. To get ready for this, I’ve had to move heaven and earth on some major decisions, projects and team ins and outs. The past 6 weeks have been amongst some of the most focussed and “dialled in” of my career. In today's One Idea to Win in Life we look at how to flick the switch from just “moving forward” to “laser focus” - because there is a difference in approach...and in the results.

One Idea to Win in Business

10 Golden Rules to Choosing a Business Partner

I've been involved in many businesses over the years, and with all but one, I’ve had business partners! These partners have ranged from friends, ex-colleagues, friends of friends, and even my now-wife! After a quick tally, I've worked with 13 different business partners. I can honestly say I've loved working with each and every one of them. I know full well, I wouldn’t have been able to cope half the time if I were doing what I’ve done solo. Partnerships for me are paramount. Some partnerships were more successful than others, and like any relationship, there were definitely ups and downs. However, I’ve never really had a major falling-out. But this wasn’t due to luck.

Over time, I've developed 10 golden rules that I follow when choosing a business partner, some I wish I’d known far earlier. I shared this cheat sheet e-book on my socials, and it’s been downloaded thousands of times! The entire guide is inside the Victory Vault at the bottom of this page.

One Idea to Win in Life

Time to Knuckle Down: Becoming Laser Focused

It’s all too easy to lose focus on the task at hand. Or maybe you have several tasks on the go at once. Particularly today, where there is an expectancy to be continually available. You might be surprised to learn that even a glance at our phone can significantly impact our focus. And get this, apparently even looking at a phone screen for a millisecond has the potential to negatively impact your focus for 40 minutes. One way to manage your efforts is in short, sharp bursts. Here are some quick and easy methods to help you get stuff done.

Quit multitasking. It’s all about the Uni-Task. Yes, you might have multiple projects on, but that doesn’t mean you wade through all of them simultaneously. Research has found that the brain struggles with multitasking. It’s better to do one thing at a time and do it well.

The Pomodoro method. Although we are all different, experts estimate the average time we can remain focused on a task is around 20 minutes. So why not set your focus around that time period? This is called the Pomodoro method. Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on a task. When the time is up, take a five-minute break, then repeat. At the very least, you will see some progress on what you are working on.

Breaks are not for wimps. Breaks are not a thing for lightweights, and heroes don’t skip lunch. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), concentration begins to drop off after half an hour. By taking short breaks, you actually stand a chance of being more, not less productive. Get away from your desk and grab a drink. Anything, but take that mini break.

Get out and walk. Movement and natural light before you dive helps me end with my focus for the day. You need that key signal to transition the brain from rest into work.

Keep it tidy. Some of us are a bit messy, but research suggests clutter can reduce your productivity. Scientists at Princeton University’s Neuroscience Institute found that continued visual reminders of disorganisation can lessen the ability to focus. So, for goodness sake, get those empty yoghurt pots in the bin and take those empty coffee cups to the kitchen. As they say, have a clear desk and have a clear mind.

Win or Wonder?

Ask Me a Question…

No matter where you are on this mad journey. Starting out, scaling up, or somewhere in the messy middle feel free to ask me anything.

Business, life or mindset, I read and reply to every question. The best ones will get featured in future editions of Winformation, with your permission of course!

To ask, just hit “reply”, type away, and send. That’s it. No forms. No fuss.

Until next week! 

Let’s win, together!