10 business leaders share their secrets to success

Ahead of the 13th season of hit TV show, The Apprentice in the UK,ten business leaders share their secrets to success.

We all need a little motivating every now and then. Looking out at other entrepreneurs who have found success, it is easy to slip into a mentality that you can never emulate other businesses success.

Words of wisdom are often helpful, particularly if they reflect your current problem and assist you in overcoming it. With The Apprentice (UK) kicking off its 13th season this week, many business owners are looking to learn a few lessons from the trials and tribulations of the contestants.

With that in mind, we asked ten business leaders what motivational words they would offer entrepreneurs to help them find success.

Angela da Souza, founder, Women’s Business Club

Set boundaries.

“Office hours are yours to define, they can be any time of the day or night which is one of the great benefits of working from home, however, no matter when you choose to work make sure that you are setting the boundaries so that work doesn’t take over your life.”

Tim Berry: founder and chairman of Palo Alto Software

Find a work-life balance.
“Don’t lead your life to make your business better. Run your business to make your life better.”

Tink Taylor: founder and president of dotmailer

Team management is key.
“Your staff are your most important asset; look after them, and they will look after your prospects and customers.”

Chris Brogan: CEO of Owner Media Group

When you’re in a rut…
“When you’re stuck, be helpful. When you’re down, be helpful. Helping others is the secret to finding your own success.”

David Williams: CEO and chairman of Fishbowl Inventory

To find success…
“Promises must be more than words, even if they require sacrifice.”

Christos Pittis: Microsoft Dynamics lead consultant at Ocean Dynamics Group LTD

Make the most of networking.
“Once you start learning how to fight your cognitive biases, important people may want to have a cup of tea with you.”

Michael Litman: CEO of Burst Insights

Follow your ideas through.
“Ideas are everywhere, but great execution is hard.”

Ed Relf: digital entrepreneur

Ed Relf

Beat the competition.
“When developing a strategy, think of the three things your competitors would hate the most, then do them!”

Ian Calvert: VIP Futurist at IBM

Develop your business in line with technology.
“As the world becomes more mobile, if you aren’t making your business mobile, every minute your potential customers are passing you by and using companies that do use the #NewWayToEngage.”

Jason Downes: managing director at Powwownow

Jason Downes

Empower others.
“We should all take some time to consider how our own words impact those around us, whether making someone feel more confident or helping empower your colleagues at work.”

See also: Leading a fast-growth business

Owen Gough

Owen Gough

Owen Gough is a reporter for SmallBusiness.co.uk. He has a background in small business marketing strategies and is responsible for writing content on subjects ranging from small business finance to technology...

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Business Leaders