As both a resident of South Florida and an owner of 12 businesses within the last 25 years, I’ve noticed trends in what leads to success for local businesses.
- They are driven – South Florida is really a beach lifestyle with an economy underpinned by tourism and the influx of snowbirds each year. It’s easy to fall into the ‘part time / laidback / it’ll be fine’ business lifestyle – I know, I’ve done it. Create a routine in your week that keeps you driven to be better tomorrow than you are today.
- They are relentless – Over the years the saying “never give up” has lost its equity. It’s really easy to say it, but not so easy to remain steadfast to the cause. Massive government development projects happening right now in South Florida will mean an influx of entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking to take advantage of the upswing. That also has the potential to create a false belief in the economy.If you believe this is a good time for you to step out on your own, remember, starting a business is HARD, no matter when or where you do it. If it’s a lift in your career you seek, now is the time to ride the movement we are seeing in the local economy. Set your goals, and be relentless in your pursuit of achieving them.
- They are resilient – It’s no secret that there is a business season for many in South Florida. Set your annual plan to ensure you remain motivated and resilient through the off-season such that you can manage the ‘on’ season and take full advantage of it. Business happens in cycles, your competitive advantage lies in your ability to manage the impact a ‘reason or a season’ has on business or your career.
- They are focused on their future, and that of their families – Many successful people build their success around a legacy. What will you leave behind for your family, and your community? The only way to understand that is to have personal vision, and to learn how to match that vision to that of the competitive and community environment in which we work (the local economy, political landscape, changes in your community or industry in South Florida.) Be aware of what is happening around you TODAY, such that you can achieve your success of tomorrow.
- They are PERSONALLY accountable for their vision and the execution of the strategy to achieve that vision. I’ve had an advisory board for 20 years. And I have a local peer group in each of the communities where I work. They hold me accountable to my vision, and they match that vision to the local landscape in which we work -to make sure I am not missing anything.Create a peer group in South Florida and meet with them regularly. These guys are living in your community so they see what you see, or don’t see. And they can help you navigate the local economy. This is particularly relevant if you have just moved to South Florida. When we moved to the USA 7 years ago, I formed a peer group to help me understand what I had to do differently in the local economy if I were to survive the early days. We’re still here, and they still keep me accountable.
Here’s a brief TV clip from Inside South Florida where we discuss a few of these tips:
About Troy Hazard: I am the founder/owner of 12 businesses over the last 25 years, current CEO of Troy Hazard International, author of the book Future-Proofing Your Business, and the former Global President of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization. I have been a franchisee twice and a franchisor while consulting with over 300 brands in 6 countries. You can find me on Twitter @TroyHazard.
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