5 things I’ve learned running my business: David Hallam, OrderWise

David Hallam, director at Lincoln-based OrderWise, tells us what he’s learned running the firm.

Motivate your staff
Having the right staff is only part of a successful business. Having the right staff who are properly motivated and love their role is an award winning combination, but having the right staff who are properly motivated, love their role and are empowered makes a massive positive difference for the business and for customers.

Set deliverables
Never, ever, employ a detractor. Everyone must deliver something to the table. Yet everyone is unique, so adjust your expectations accordingly and set goals for staff individually. Work with your staff to bring out the very best in them.

Set individual goals
Extend the simple courtesy of time and conversation with all staff daily. Be an active part of their world and never a stranger.

Use your ears
Listen very carefully to what your customers have to say and deliver customers what they actually want – not necessarily actually need.

Listen to others… and yourself
Believe in yourself and your ideas but also listen to the management team around you too. You’re not always right! 99% of the ideas you have are rubbish you need help to identify the 1% that drives the company.

Don’t be a control freak
Plan, but only so far. You can’t control everything. You also have to get to your destination and you can’t do that if you plan all the time.