11 Things Small Business Owners Can Learn From Michael Dell

1. Think Big ? In college, Michael Dell said he wanted to "beat IBM." While you may not desire to take your small business to such heights, be sure not to limit what you might achieve.

2. Draw Your Own Map ? Michael Dell, Steve Jobs, Richard Branson?each took a different approach to doing better what someone else was doing. Blaze your own trail to success.

3. Learn From Mistakes ? Every company makes big ones ? including Dell ? and the best use mistakes as opportunities to grow and improve their people, products and services.

4. Simplify ? Great leaders have a great ability to break big things into small parts. Share your vision and the steps for getting there with your small business team?in language they understand.

5. Read ? Michael Dell said, "Just work to understand the world around you. Read books. Read websites. Read other people...then build a vision of how it could all be better?"

6. Open New Doors ? Dell continues to innovate?offering cameras, printers, MP3 players, TVs and other electronics. Look for ways to increase what you provide current and future customers.

7. Cultivate Relationships ? "There's no such thing as a self-made success," Michael Dell said. The best opportunity you have to grow your small business is by widening your network.

8. Seek Harmony ? Michael Dell is married with four children, and, when asked about his legacy, said, "That this is a guy who was a great dad and a great husband."

9. Strategize ? With 40,000 employees, Michael Dell admits his ability to impact any other area besides strategy is relatively small. Take time to think about the direction of your small business, because no one knows how to get there better than you.

10. It's All About Winning ? Not about victory over opponents, Michael Dell said; it's about winning the "contest with your own potential" to achieve all you can in life.

11. Don't Be The Smartest Person In The Room ? "And if you are, I suggest you invite smarter people?or find a different room," said Michael Dell. Surround yourself with talented people.

Copyright © 2005 by Success Handler, LLC. All rights reserved.

The Coach, David Handler, is the founder of Success Handler, (http://www.successhandler.com), and specializes in helping small business leaders find clarity and take action. He understands the challenges of running a business, because he's been there ? as a small business owner, franchisee, franchisor, corporate leader and trainer. Much like sports coaches, his coaching will show you how to compete on a level playing field in your industry.

---

Advice for New Coaches: 10 Ways to Attract Your First Paying Client and Receive Endless Referrals

Many new coaches struggle to attract their first client. Often,... Read More

Top 10 Ways to Turn Clients Into Raving Fans

Do you find great joy in being a coach? If... Read More

International Shipping/Freight for Dummies

There are lots of benefits for some businesses to import... Read More

Performance-Stress-Motivation: 7 Sanity Saving Business Boundaries

The lack of strong boundaries is one of the chief... Read More

Entrepreneurs - 7 Business Mistakes You Must Avoid

Many mistakes can be made in business and if you... Read More

Ten Tips For Starting A New Job

1. Get to know people. First meet those people in... Read More

10 Dos and Donts Of Customer Services

Email etiquette is the key to help calm down anxious... Read More

Want a Web Site that Turns Lookie Loos into Buyers? Seven Passion Copywriting Tips

Web Site Blues? Need one, don't know where to start?... Read More

7 Steps Toward a Better Website

Creating a website is one thing, making it better is... Read More

Ten Ways To Sell Your Ideas To Anyone

You have a great idea you know is a winner.... Read More

The Top 7 Marketing Tips You Dont Want To Overlook

1. Combine Emotion and LogicConsumers buy because the want to... Read More

How To Finally Unlock Your True Potential And Discover The Secret To Lasting Success

Did you know that there is one critical difference between... Read More

Ten Tips to Build a Culture of Inspirational Leadership

Leadership, leadership development and leadership training are "Hot" issues in... Read More

10 Nifty Tips for Better Business Cards

Not having a business card is as bad as using... Read More

Managing Your Major Sales - 7 Steps That Could Change The Way You Pursue Business

Ever lost a sale you thought was in the bag?... Read More

Seven Steps to Achieving Your Dream

"Vision is the spectacular that inspires us to carry out... Read More

The Top Ten Ways to Attract Buyers, Not Just Visitors to your Web Site

Have you put a lot of effort, time, and money... Read More

Top 7 Strategies for Writing Accounting Procedures

Part Two of Cash to Cash Cycle SeriesNext: SalesWe've already... Read More

Top Ten Tips When Business is Slow

How's your business going to keep growing with the holidays... Read More

7 Tips on How To Prepare for Business Events

Are you scratching your head after business events wondering why... Read More

5 Things You Must Do Well When Buying a Business to Not Get Burned

Are you not sure what Business to buy? Need to... Read More

10 Steps for Simplifying Business Plan Financial Statements

For most business owners and entrepreneurs, preparing, and communicating the... Read More

Top Ten Tips: Where to Get the Best Business Books Now!

There are many places you can get books, and I... Read More

Top Ten Tips for Online Publishing Success

Use the checklist below to make sure your article, tip,... Read More

Top 10 Tips on How To Write About Yourself

Many people find it really hard to write for business... Read More

Ten Tips for Working at Home

1. Maintain regular working hours and stick to them.2. Get... Read More

How to Hold An Extremely Successful Event - 10 Tips

Every event you hold can be extremely successful. Apply these... Read More

Making Money over the Internet : 5 Cool Tips

The Internet is a fast growing medium, trancending the personal... Read More

Get Your Mailing Noticed - Seven Tips for Effective Direct Mail Pieces

When sending mail to clients and potential clients, make your... Read More

11 Things Small Business Owners Can Learn From Star Wars

1. Great Things Take Time ? Three years passed between... Read More

Brainstorming! The Key To Wealth

Advertising executive Alex F. Osborne first coined the word "brainstorming"... Read More

Top 7 Ways to Profit from Foreign Trade

Here are seven excellent ways to earn income from international... Read More

Shaking Your Money Tree: Seven Ways to Make Quick Cash

Does your business have a money tree you can shake... Read More