The Best Advice I Ever Got Return
Tom Harris, the “H” in HMB, and his partners, including John Mackessy, the “M” in HMB, Beanstalk CFO Group clients, have been developing business application systems for over 15 years for large and small businesses and government entities throughout Ohio. They came to Beanstalk CFO, after many years of strong growth, and the realization that they needed to take a harder, more in-depth look at their financial results to ensure they are working as smartly and profitably as they can. We asked Tom to tell us some of the “best” things he would pass on to fellow entrepreneurs.
What’s the best business advice you ever got?
The best advice I ever got was a sports saying that I have heard over the course of many years. “You win with good players”. It is the same in business. You win with good people. From day one, I knew it was important to surround myself with good people, with talented people. I need to provide leadership, inspiration, and direction. And, I need to listen to my “players” and trust them and their opinions and ideas. Clearly, this has been a benefit and an advantage to my company, HMB, and this philosophy permeates throughout HMB. When we hire a new employee, it is largely based on the person’s ability to contribute to our company and to get things done. We grade a candidate based on their track record of being a team player, and making positive contributions, solving problems, and doing it over a period of time. These are the types of “players” we try to surround ourselves with.
What’s the best move you made in your business over the last 3 years?
The best move we made in the last 3 years was to begin to work “on the business” more and “in the business” less. Historically, small business owners tend to want to be involved in everything and control all that goes on. It restricts growth, and can restrict other employee’s goals of gaining more responsibility. The owners at HMB, including myself, have made a concerted effort to build more infrastructure within our business, and at the same time delegating more of the day-to-day operations to our staff, and more than a year ago, bringing in the expertise of companies like Beanstalk CFO Group. This has created an environment and a business model which can sustain bigger and more dynamic growth. We are seeing the fruits of these labors.
What’s the best business book you’ve read in the past 3 years?
I recently read Jim Tressel’s book, The Winner’s Manual. I found many antidotal stories and messages that will help me and my company in business.
Is there anything else you feel should be passed on to fellow entrepreneurs?
Yes. Starting my own business was the best thing I will ever do in my professional career. While it can be scary at times, focus on the positives and never give up. The rewards of hearing someone telling you – “you do things the right way”, or “your people really did an excellent job and made me look good” are the kind of compliments that reinforce our mission. Never, ever give up.
What’s the best business advice you ever got?
The best advice I ever got was a sports saying that I have heard over the course of many years. “You win with good players”. It is the same in business. You win with good people. From day one, I knew it was important to surround myself with good people, with talented people. I need to provide leadership, inspiration, and direction. And, I need to listen to my “players” and trust them and their opinions and ideas. Clearly, this has been a benefit and an advantage to my company, HMB, and this philosophy permeates throughout HMB. When we hire a new employee, it is largely based on the person’s ability to contribute to our company and to get things done. We grade a candidate based on their track record of being a team player, and making positive contributions, solving problems, and doing it over a period of time. These are the types of “players” we try to surround ourselves with.
What’s the best move you made in your business over the last 3 years?
The best move we made in the last 3 years was to begin to work “on the business” more and “in the business” less. Historically, small business owners tend to want to be involved in everything and control all that goes on. It restricts growth, and can restrict other employee’s goals of gaining more responsibility. The owners at HMB, including myself, have made a concerted effort to build more infrastructure within our business, and at the same time delegating more of the day-to-day operations to our staff, and more than a year ago, bringing in the expertise of companies like Beanstalk CFO Group. This has created an environment and a business model which can sustain bigger and more dynamic growth. We are seeing the fruits of these labors.
What’s the best business book you’ve read in the past 3 years?
I recently read Jim Tressel’s book, The Winner’s Manual. I found many antidotal stories and messages that will help me and my company in business.
Is there anything else you feel should be passed on to fellow entrepreneurs?
Yes. Starting my own business was the best thing I will ever do in my professional career. While it can be scary at times, focus on the positives and never give up. The rewards of hearing someone telling you – “you do things the right way”, or “your people really did an excellent job and made me look good” are the kind of compliments that reinforce our mission. Never, ever give up.