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

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Simon Says

Winformation this week...

“I could have done what you’ve done” is something I used to hear quite a bit in social groups. You know the type, the slightly frustrated full time employed “mate of a mate” you get chatting to. In my town they have usually been to private school, got a decent job and they find themselves chatting to me - a tubby ginger fella speaking with a Portsmouth accent and who clearly didn’t set the world alight at his normal comprehensive school. My response is always the same. “yes you could have done, and still could I’m sure, but you didn't”. You see, it's not just working hard, it’s taking the leap. It’s taking the actual risk. At some point the chats in the pub have to stop, and the risk has to start. In today’s One Idea to Win in Business we talk risk, and why it's a necessary evil to succeed.  

Being on top of your time and diary is important. But how many of you are aware of your energy management. This is something I've spent the last few months getting all over. And the results have been unreal. In today’s One Idea to Win in Life I go through it all in detail for you.

One Idea to Win in Business

Working Hard and Little to Show – Then Consider This

This year has been tough hasn't it. I don't care who you are, I think we can all agree with that statement. I'm hearing lots of people both in person and online saying they have never worked harder and yet never had less to show for it.

It's easy to complain and to feel frustrated. It's easy to blame the government, the economy, the people you work with or the market in which you operate. But, whenever you feel this way, ask yourself this. 

"Have I taken enough calculated risk in the last year?"  

Now, listen I'm not talking about gambling. I go to the races every year with the team and I often don't place a single bet. I don't gamble, but what I am comfortable with more than most is a decent level of calculated risk. When judging my own level of current risk I am exposed to, I always remember this quote;  

"Fortune Favours The Brave" 

 The quote isn't fortune favours those that simply work harder than everyone else. You need to work hard, but you need it married to a certain level of calculated risk. You aren't just rewarded for the work you've done, but the risk you took.

If you work hard with no risk, then you're the person who leaves the warehouse job after 40 years of back breaking work with only small pension and some supermarket bought cake in the staff room on your last day. 

If you take on all the risk and don't work hard, then you're the person that sits in the bookmakers into your 70's, no money to pay the heating, and only a pile of losing betting slips to show for it.

To win big, you need the hard work delivered into a framework of calculated risk, over a period of extended time. It’s really only a very select group of people that are prepared to do both, for a long period. That's why in the end you can enjoy the rewards that only a very select group of people ever end up with. Ever heard of the 1%? I rest my case.  

Hard work + Calculated Risk + Time = Success  

But Be Warned... 

If you succeed your life will be awash with people that take one look at you and think they could have done the same. And I truly believe most people are capable of big things. But risk is ever rewarded without a cost. I put my first ever apartment on the line to take out the loan to start my business. I gave back my expensive car and bought a replacement for £250. I drove it for 2 years even after hiring employees. My business over the years has cost me a significant relationship, a house, friendships and at times, my sanity. The risk wasn't rewarded without big costs. I’m not suggesting for one minute you put your house on the line like me. But for me, the risks so far have been worth it. And I don't feel like I've taken my last big risk either...

One Idea to Win in Life

The 6 Energy Rules That Made Me More Productive Than Any To-Do List Ever Did

We talk about managing your time which is important. But if you can’t manage your energy then you are going to come up short. Here’s everything I’ve done in the last months to change things up to feel my best and be my most productive self ever.

1. Test, test, test.  If you can afford to, get your blood tested. I've had 4 tests including allergy tests, vitamin deficiencies and a full wellness test. These were analysed by a doctor and she was incredible about breaking down the results in a way I could understand. I made the suggested changes and it has honestly had a massive impact. I don’t run adverts or paid referrals on this newsletter, but if you want her details reply to this and I’ll forward them to you.

2. Know yourself. Some people are night owls doing their best work in the evening. Others are different. For me, anything creative I need to do has to be from 9 until 12. By lunch I’m done being creative. So, I schedule my diary to cater for this.

3. Reactive work. I found that my energy rises again the afternoon if I'm working with or meeting others. I can react to other people’s energy well, but my own “get up and go” has run out of steam come 2 or 3pm. 2-5 is when I like to therefore schedule my meetings.

4. Triggers. By the same token of understanding your peak performance, it’s good to get a handle on what triggers you. List the things that cause you negativity and make plans to either avoid them. If “that person” asks me for a quick catch up, I don't do this at 8am, I make sure it’s last thing of the day.

5. You time. It’s been a few years now where I block out my lunch and go for a walk around in the PM. I make sure my calls are listed for my walk, but I have that outside time in my diary to enhance my energy. The days I can’t get that in I feel totally different and not in a good way.

6. Not to do list. Although I am passionate about booking in time in your calendar over to-do lists, one idea is to have a not to do list. A reminder of all the things you aren’t going to do on a given day. This might sound daft, but it just serves as a reminder to not use your energy getting drawn into things that aren’t a priority or of high impact. 

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!

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Until next week! 

Let’s win, together!