A quick background about my situation. I’ve always run my own business until last year.
I’ve had some business success in the past having sold my first business at 24. I have produced millions in revenue and am doing my own property development project. I’ve also had my fair share of failures. I’m 26 now.. I have a broad range of skills in business, marketing, property development and design. I now work for a big time property developer who has billions of dollars worth of projects per year..
My questions are;
– do you think it is worth working for someone to learn? If so for how long? I was originally under the CEO who has 250+ staff, now he is busy so it’s hard to learn from him other than when I’m in meetings and he is present.
– Is it best to just go out and run your own businesses?
– What would you do? What would you look for?
– is there anything wrong with having your fingers dipped in many pies or is it best to laser focus on one specific business or industry
There is definitely a correlation of learning then earning so would love any advice or tips on this. Not sure who else to ask.
Thanks for your time, I really do appreciate it.
Tas
There is SO much here to unpack ......
First, congratulations on your past successes. That has certainly shaped you and made you who you are.
There are benefits to working for someone to learn, but if they simply see you as an employee - a replaceable widget maker - then it is time to move on. I think it only makes sense for you if the CEO or other executive is willing to mentor you in a formal agreement. I don't think waiting around to hopefully learn something is the best use of your time, and your employer may fault you for not doing your job (because you're looking to learn, first, do your "tasks" second).
In short, formalize your expectations with your employer. If it is a good fit for you both, stick around. If you don't feel like you're learning or meeting your objective, move on to something that fills that need.
Finally, read these books:
- "The CEO Next Door" http://amzn.to/2G2d2re
- "Built for Growth: How Builder Personality Shapes Your Business, Your Team, and Your Ability to Win" http://amzn.to/2FnzZV2
All the best,
-Shaun
Regardless of whether you have a "good" or "bad" boss, there is ALWAYS something to be learned. I recently finished out a 2 1/2 year tenure under some of the worst leadership imaginable, and regardless of my own personal angst, I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. By spending time with those I didn't enjoy, I learned so much more about myself, what I need as a budding business owner, and how to clearly define my own values and goals. Rarely will you meet anyone you can't learn at least a little from.
I'd argue it's the best course of action to go out and start your own thing, especially if you feel the itch to do so. Having now spent a little time in a different role within a different company, I'm learning more about my tolerance than ever before. Working for someone else has taught me just how much I hunger to be on my own, with the weight of the business on my shoulders. You may learn the same, or you may not want that burden.
For me, it was about being objective in self-critique. I polled everyone I called a friend via text messages. Not a FaceBook or social media friend, but actual people I spend time with outside of a professional setting. I asked them a few simple questions about what they thought I was good at, what they liked about me, and what I could improve on. The results were shockingly similar across the board, and my inspiration to reach out and help others was born.
There's no such thing as multi-tasking, in my opinion. There may be multiple ideas and behaviors occurring simultaneously, but at some point the aggregate will suffer and not get your best. Find your passion, focus on it until its crystal clear, and then find a way to tell others what you offer regarding it. For me, it's coaching, teaching, and business/personal development. I'd be more than happy to talk with you about it, if you're interested. Many great men that I respect have passed on wisdom that I plan on sharing with other entrepreneurs for the rest of my life.
