Do you run a small business, or do you hope to? In Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s 2008 book, 32 Ways to Be a Champion in Business, the former basketball star—now a highly successful entrepreneur—offers practical advice on starting, financing, marketing and growing a business. Among his 32 ways (minus the helpful text after each in the book) are these...
“• Create a guiding vision of where you want to go and what you want to do in life.
• To reap the rewards of business, you have to jump into the game and pursue it passionately.
• Get past fears and insecurities by understanding that the feeling is usually worse than the reality.
• Build on your strengths and you will overcome your weaknesses.
• Always be prepared to jump on business opportunities.
• Smart entrepreneurs don’t avoid risks, they manage them.
• A good business plan is money in the bank.
• Know what you don’t know and listen to those with the knowledge you seek.
• Your brand is your greatest business asset.
• Zealously protect and build your brand.
• Make your bankers believe.
• A good partner can help you build your business faster and farther.
• The quality of the people you hire determines how successful you become.
• Joining forces with other businesses can bring big rewards.
• Buy a good business and make it better.
• The Internet is an entrepreneur’s best tool.
• True leaders don’t just manage a business team, they inspire it.
• Sealing the deal is a skill you must master.
• Employee training begins with the boss.
• Focus on the customer and you will never go wrong."
