Fred Cary from IdeaPros has noticed that there are patterns in how entrepreneurs function. After all, the modern successful entrepreneur doesn’t have enough time in their day to plan out every detail of their business. Cary’s business, in turn, is built around helping entrepreneurs find their places in the world, and this means that he has to help them overcome typical challenges they may face. He’s managed several startups himself, giving him insight, and over 300 other companies have succeeded thanks to his advice. His research into their success guides those whom he now advises.
Employee Empowerment Comes First
Cary states that he empowers his employees. He knows that his employees make up a critical part of his business’s success. Even more importantly, he sees the potential they can offer to the company. Cary encourages employees within his own enterprise to work on their own projects. This approach is uncharacteristic for a company, but it means his employees display a massive amount of loyalty to his company. Since he sees them as equals, the respect goes both ways, making for a very welcoming work environment.
Independence and Innovation
Cary’s business operates on innovation. Sometimes, his employees are the source of that inspiration. A successful startup must have a strong selling position. Cary achieves this by giving his employees more independence to find solutions on their own. “Micromanagement is counterproductive,” he notes, “because you end up managing everything yourself.”
Employees’ independence shows trust in them. Giving them the chance to experiment is excellent for morale. They eventually offer returns to the business’s clients because of it. Cary actively encourages his employees to maintain their private enterprises. He sees his employees as a group of artists, bringing their talents to the company. Doing their own thing helps keep them focused.
Choosing Clientele Carefully
As Cary says, not every client should be worked with. Cary is selective with clients because he understands his clients’ needs and his role. However, his advice to startup owners is to understand their clientele. “If you have similar values, you’ll work well together,” he explains. “If you’re too different, it’ll lead to conflict.” Core issues like accountability and transparency play a role. With these elements, he knows whether he’ll mesh with a client or not. Those core tenets should align between both client and vendor.
Getting Your Name Out There
Cary believes that clients come to the companies they recognize; they come to the names they know. At the start, getting one’s name out there may seem like an upward battle. However, by dedicating the company to its core values, appreciating its employees, and leveraging their innovation and expertise, the business can accomplish much. Cary advises new entrepreneurs to focus inward while they’re small and pin down these critical elements before moving forward.
