Oh, and I'm a graphic designer.
Whilst many businessmen constantly seek to drive down their costs by either driving hard bargains or switching suppliers, I share James Caan's view that it makes ethical and financial sense to foster positive relationships with your clients by paying a fair and reasonable amount for services or components. That way, mutually beneficial relationships appear with both parties making a margin. I believe the synergy and understanding that can be forged from long term relationships can create a far better end product. After all, what's wrong with asking people if they're happy with their end of the deal?
Just like clients, employees need to feel happy with their deal. The most productive workforces are those who are paid well and motivated in what they do. Whilst a great marketer can be the visionary for change, it is the people around him who must turn it into a reality by sharing the very same vision and enthusiasm. That's where a great marketer must become a great manager.
Many people focus on generating personal wealth, increasing their business' turnover, or eating up market share. However, by doing so, you lose track of one thing that is a sure fire method to grow all three - creating brilliant products and services. I believe you should always keep your focus firmly upon the satisfaction of your customers and that's where really skilled marketers come to the fore.
It is my firm belief that good business accumen cannot be taught and cannot be quantified. The very best entrepreneurs are those that apply the greatest amount of common sense to the situation that surrounds them. This opinion makes me highly skeptical as to the amount of influence academic theory actually has in business practise.
There's only one way to become big, and that's to think big. I will always seek ways in which to upscale operations and my personal quest to create the next big product will never end as long as I have a pen and a pad of paper.
With modern technology bringing such power to the fingertips of the most common of man, anyone can be a successful businessman, as long as they adopt the attitude of a winner.
My first ever company, SuperFlexAmoled is exploring the different applications of flexible active-matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) technology in numerous consumer products.
My second company, MODDEE Ltd, is currently working on a web and mobile product which we believe will become the perfect one stop technical and social networking tool for car enthusiasts.
I’m currently working on a web and mobile project which we believe will revolutionise the way in which students interact with their higher education experience.
@willviles: "
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