Entrepreneur 101, taught by Dad

Dad, with Greg in the background

My brother is the third generation running our family business (cattle, corn, and horses). Lucky me, I got to watch generations #1 and #2 build what Greg sits at the helm of today. It wasn’t until adulthood that it struck me–evenings around our family dinner table doubled as Master Class sessions titled “How to Succeed as an Entrepreneur,” with Dad in the role of Professor.

To this day, those lessons are the ones that guide my professional life:

1. The most valuable assets any business has are its employees. Respect them, appreciate them, and they’ll stay by your side forever.

2. As Grandpa taught Dad, “My word is my bond.” If you promise it, make good on it.

3. Take off the sunglasses, let folks see your eyes when you speak to them.

4. Be fair when being firm. It’s possible to stand your ground without putting the other guy on the ground.

5. Don’t get ahead of yourself; have a plan…and a cushion, in case that plan goes south.

6. Not everyone negotiates fairly or makes good on their promises. Don’t take it personally, and don’t let them pull you down.

7. If you make your customers look good, they’ll make you look even better.

8. Quiet pride goes a long way.

9. Give credit when credit is due. Say thank you. Extol virtues. Reward loyalty.

10. Never, ever put the business ahead of your family. Without them, the rest is worth nothing.

Why no mention of “hard work?” It didn’t require words; he taught us through action.

Make no mistake; Mom was in there too, teaching us kids life lessons that dovetailed beautifully with those from Dad. (Truth be told, I kind of think this was their plan all along, since the two of them were, and remain today, very much a team.)

Happy Father’s Day, Dad, from a daughter who loves and respects you immensely.