Those who know me well are aware that I prefer a logical approach to my work and pay attention to detail. That is the nature of the business I am in, helping people with their tax problems and teasing out and rectifying problems people have in their businesses. I am not saying that we should not take a step back now and again and look at the bigger picture, but like any mechanic I know that a major problem can arise from just a small failure. It is finding what has gone wrong which is the key to getting on the right track with things ticking over smoothly.
I have a similar approach to running my own business and to my marketing. I test and test what works, and spend money where I think it is best applied. While I have a pretty decent web presence it is not through being flamboyant; just through making friends and trying to help others online which is also really nice even where it makes no money.
I am definitely not an arty person. I can’t draw or paint. I don’t make big gestures. I don’t bother about sparkly things. I don’t throw myself into big campaigns without having some certainty of outcome. Yet those who do launch into major projects blindly, or seriously big marketing or advertising campaigns may come up trumps.
I wonder if deep down our approach to business reflects our personality and we cannot change it. Both methods work; the showman Richard Branson and the understated Warren Buffett. Is it better to be a shining light in the firmament with a Mac and an iPhone and an eye for the bright lights, or like me, an XP, Windows 7 Android sort of person with a touch of Linux, but pretty plain vanilla. Is it all down to our personality Operating Systems?
What do you think?
© Jon Stow 2010
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I think it’s not only to do with our personalities, but with how much discomfort we’re willing to undergo to get where we want to be.
Richard Branson is reputed to dislike public speaking, but does it because it works for the Virgin Empire. He has a burning desire to achieve.
The lengths we go to and the gadgets and equipment we acquire to get us there are usually aligned with the level of our desire to arrive!
Richard Branson may not like public speaking but he is no shrinking violet. He is a high risk flamboyant individual, a daredevil balloonist and a future space explorer. He is a risk-taker. I expect he has every gadget going.
Warren Buffett is a conservative risk-adverse businessman, but just as successful. Some may say more so. I am sure he also had a burning desire to achieve and I bet he still has.
I think our approaches to business and life are ingrained from an early age. There are many different ways to be successful and these two demonstrate opposite ends of the spectrum. Is not our level of tolerance of discomfort a reflection of our personalities? Thanks for your comment, Lesley.