I’m often asked how have I been successful , and I say that humbly , because what is success ? Well if your life has turned out better than you thought , then if that’s the benchmark then yes I have been successful . There are lots many vary factors that effect your success some in your control and some out of your control. But I believe that there are things that you can do to tip the balance of scales in your direction.
Here are my TOP 3 :
ATTITUDE- This is key and attitude is a choice , your choice . The old saying of cup half full or half empty is referring to attitude , you can choose to be positive or negative about anything , but it’s your choice. If you really believe you can , you probably will , and conversely if you believe you can’t, then you probably won't.
PERSEVERANCE - You have to keep on keeping on , and this is where your attitude will asset greatly . Just keep going , don’t focus on when or how long , anybody who has ultimately been successful , whether we are talking about sport or business , have worked hard and long relentlessly to achieve their goal.
HARD WORK - There is no substitute for this , be prepared to work harder and longer than the others , the ATTITUDE has to be whatever it takes.
Something that I think is really important for people in Business is Networking . Exposing yourself to other people and putting yourself out there . The more contacts that you have then the more potential opportunities that you are creating . Now not
everyone is comfortable going along to networking events where the sole purpose is to promote yourself and business . But in my experience there is one that is available to our whole industry and is a very comfortable environment for plasterers , big and small and that is the AWCIANZ .
For those that don’t know what that is , it is The Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries Australia and New Zealand , our Industry Association . Just by joining you become part of the best opportunity to network ever, with all sorts of people from your industry , Suppliers , Manufacturers , Commercial and Residential Contractors , consultants etc , etc ,etc . I have been a member for 30 years . I was lucky enough for one of my suppliers , and mentors to introduce me and encourage me to join and go to the meetings.
It is fair to say it the best investment I ever made and that you will make, in my opinion, but I am biased. Biased because I know it works. I have met so many people that have added value to my business , contractors that have given me advise or solutions to an issue that I was having . Met suppliers that have added value , and been exposed to many things that have benefited me in many ways. Trust me it works, but you have to get involved , go to the meetings and trade events, go to the Awards nights and National Conference, just by putting yourself in that environment will give you an edge, and at the very least you will make some great friends.
Like anything the more you put in the more you will get out, if you pay your money and don’t avail yourself of what is on offer then you probably will think it a waste, no different to that gym membership we have all had .If you asked what was the single best thing I did for my business , hand on heart it was joining the AWCI and getting involved www.awcianz.org
As they say at NIKE , Just do it …
By Perry Richardson
Founder & Managing Director of Pro Plaster Products
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