Thrive! A Business Guide to Success

Starting your own business is an exciting but challenging journey. While there’s no single roadmap to success, drawing from years of experience and my recent book Yes, You Can. What I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming a Financial Translator, I’ve distilled key guidelines to set you on the right path.

Be Strategic

The first step to success is defining what it means to you. Do you prioritise independence, financial stability, work-life balance, or passion? Set clear objectives and identify your strengths and weaknesses. A SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) is an excellent tool to align your business with your aspirations.

A well-thought-out business plan acts as your foundation. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should provide direction. Adaptability is crucial—experiment, measure, fail, learn, and refine your approach.

As Alejandro Cremades said: ‘Business success requires business preparation. You don’t have to be a master tactician, but you do need to have a plan in place.’

Systemise and Automate

Efficiency is the backbone of a thriving business. Establish workflows, processes, and systems to streamline tasks. A simple Excel sheet tracking projects, clients, and invoices can work wonders in ensuring financial stability. Templates for emails, invoices, and client communication save time and reduce errors.

The Getting Things Done (GTD) method by David Allen has been invaluable to me in terms of productivity. Organising tasks, setting priorities, and eliminating clutter can significantly boost efficiency.

As Allen wisely put it: ‘You can do anything, but not everything.’

Monitor and Review

Time is money—track how you spend yours. Use time-tracking tools like Toggl to gain insight into your work habits. You may discover that much of your time is spent on non-revenue-generating activities. Identifying inefficiencies allows you to refocus on what matters most.

Peter Drucker famously said: ‘You can only manage what you measure.’

Be Kind

Kindness in business is often overlooked but is a powerful tool. Clients appreciate professionalism, but they remember courtesy. Be respectful, responsive, and approachable. A simple ‘thank you’ can strengthen professional relationships and open doors to future opportunities.

Adrienne Bankert put it perfectly: ‘Kindness is the gateway to new relationships and opportunities.’

Be Visible, But Be You

Make it easy for clients to find and contact you. A professional online presence—whether through LinkedIn, a website, or a professional directory—enhances credibility. But authenticity matters. Your brand should reflect your values, skills, and uniqueness.

As Oscar Wilde said: ‘Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.’

Be Adaptable

Markets evolve, and so should you. Learning new skills, embracing change, and refining your strategy are essential to long-term success. Business, like art, is about iteration—trial, error, and reinvention.

Philip Guston observed: ‘Probably the only thing one can learn, the only technique to learn, is the capacity to be able to change.’

Take Care of Yourself

Burnout is real. Prioritise self-care—whether it’s exercise, meditation, or simply taking breaks. Your business depends on your well-being. Surround yourself with positive influences and create a workspace that fosters productivity and comfort.

Warren Buffett’s advice is timeless: ‘The best investment you can make is an investment in yourself.’

Be Remarkable

Mastery is your ultimate differentiator. Strive to be the best at what you do. Specialise, refine your skills and deliver excellence. A strong reputation takes time to build but offers long-term rewards.

Seth Godin challenges us: ‘How dare you settle for less when the world has made it so easy for you to be remarkable?’

Success isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy, efficiency, adaptability, and perseverance. Plan wisely, build strong systems, track your progress, stay kind, remain visible, embrace change, take care of yourself, and always aim to be exceptional.

Don't forget to check out my book, Yes, You Can. What I Wish I Had Known Before Becoming a Financial Translator.