20 Things I’ve Learned in 20 Years in Business

This month  marks the 20th anniversary of my opening Wags to Riches. What was going to be a one-woman, part time business I could work at while my kids were in school has turned into a 7 employee thriving business. The things I’ve learned along the way have changed my life in more ways than I could ever have believed. Here are my “Top 20″ most important lessons:

1. Listen to your inner voice

2. Make time for yourself-you’ll actually be more productive and relaxed if you regularly schedule time away from your business

3. Be a leader and a mentor

4. Get to know your employees and genuinely care about them

5. Someone can be a great person and not a great employee- you can love them, but if the fit is wrong, they need to move on, for their sake as well as yours

6. Everything gets better if you give it time

7. Don’t be afraid to do things your way (after all, you are the boss)

8. Let your business tell you when it’s time to grow

9. Delegate!

10. Value your time

11. Don’t forget your family and friends

12. Attitude is more important than experience

13. Hire people with great potential and invest in their success

14. Celebrate and reward your staff’s accomplishments

15. Invest in your own professional growth

16. Get the word out – set your business apart from others

17. Make your business a “Gossip Free Zone”- create an environment of support and encouragement

18. Don’t take yourself or things too seriously — even the worst days need a little perspective!

19. Give yourself a break!  Develop systems for the problems that arise repeatedly

20. Have fun- laugh, play music, bring in cupcakes, have a pizza lunch break

And, most importantly…

Don’t forget the things you Love about your business—I know that’s 21, but hey, I’m going to be in business next year, too!!)