YOUR Best Business Advice

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received? That was the question the editors of wowOwow.com asked their online community last month as part of a contest to win a copy of my newest book, Women, Work & the Art of Savoir Faire. Here we share with you the ten winning submissions, which are also featured on wow's Website. Read these carefully … they are bits of sage wisdom that I agree wholeheartedly with, and one of them just might become your new motto!  In no particular order: 

Don't think about the cost of doing something, think about the cost of doing nothing.

Robin, NC 

Look where you want to go. It's important, of course, to focus on daily and weekly tasks, doing the best possible job on those tasks. However, it is of paramount importance to always look where you want to go, keeping your future in mind. This perspective will keep you moving forward and making choices that will benefit your long term self. It will also make the trivial daily and weekly tasks have more purpose.

Janet, CA

This old wisdom quote helped me to be clear about not dwelling on negativity in the day-to-day experiences on the job.

SEE THE JOB. 
DO THE JOB. 
STAY OUT OF THE MISERY. 
~ source unknown 

Judith, MD

The best business advice I ever received was from a college professor. The advice: Don't complain about the rules of the game (referring to business). Find out what the rules are and play by them. The advice is short, simple and help me navigate many situations.

Christine, PA

Never underestimate the power you have to be a significant contributor to the success of your employer, no matter what position you hold in the company. Take every opportunity to authentically “shine out”.  Perform both seen and unseen tasks with the utmost energy, grace and enthusiasm to assist those around you to be successful in their individual positions, positively impacting the overall organization. Your outstanding individual contributions will be recognized, and you will be thought of as a huge asset both in your current position in the company, as well as possible future promotions.  The old saying “the cream always rises to the top”, is just as true in today’s workplace. Don’t be afraid to be on the rise.

Tracy, MI

Lead by example and never expect anyone to do something that you wouldn’t do yourself.

Beth, OH

The best advice I received for starting up my business was to make at least one step each day toward my goal.  Some days it was baby steps, and some days it was giant steps. I also found days that felt like I was taking steps backward, but I didn't stop moving!

Latain, MN

Treat your employees as a tangible a ASSET rather than an expense, and remember that for every ounce of mentoring and encouragement you offer them, in the end is pure profit.

Sarah, MI

Focus with crystal clarity, it’s the best advice I have received from a mentor I trust and admire. As a visionary entrepreneur I have had the tendency to flit about from one endeavor to the next with pie in the sky expectations. Grandiose ideas are wonderful, but when I add razor sharp focus, I create new dimensions of what I am able to accomplish. Now I develop plans, priorities and deadlines focusing on the objective. By focusing with crystal clarity on priority tasks, I complete more goals with ease.

Agi, FL

Not everyone wants to see you succeed. Surround yourself with those who want you to succeed.

Emily, GA