The most important aspect of my business
As a semi retired 57 year old who sold a business, I have had the opportunity to look back and truly think on the what made me successful.
My own home services startup was quite a ride for 28 years which culminated in a successful exit and sale. During that entire period I was proud to be successful and self sufficient. I also was under the mistaken impression that I was the most important person to the business.
Yet, after I sold the business it still exists and churns out revenue for the company that purchased it. So, if I’m not there and everything still runs, what is the most common denominator?
Great Employees!
I’ve come to the realization that while I made the decisions my staff executed them. And the truth is, they were/are great at it.
Sure, I was there steering the ship, making good decisions in important areas, but I personally had ‘t been an actual field operator
for years!
My saving grace for my own well being is that I treated my 25-30 employees incredibly well. As testament to this I had grown men in my office getting weepy when news of the sale hit. Some of them were actually people who I never thought actually cared about me or the business, but there they were.
I left on good terms with most everyone and some of my old employees are thriving at the new company. Some sadly left as working for a corporation is different than working for a family run operation. I guess that’s just how it goes.
The statement for people wanting to start a business is hire well. The question for current employers is, are you treating your employees as well as you could?