In many ways Colin Chapman is the archetypal self made man. Having been asked to leave school in his teens due to bad behaviour,
The last three decades have seen him ascend the career ladder, to go from a worker on the factory floor to become owner and managing director of the multi million pound architectural facades business, M.Price.
This once unruly school boy now drives a Bentley to work. Keen to find out more about phenomenal metamorphosis, we asked Colin himself what he considered the keys to success in business and what advice he would give to others keen to succeed.
1 Believe in your self
It may sound corny but self belief is a vital tool in business. Nobody is perfect, but believing in yourself will allow you to cope better with problems and recover from the inevitable knocks that are as much a part of business as success. Furthermore self belief and self confidence changes the way people will react to you, think about it like this – If you don’t believe in yourself, you are not going to be able to convince other people to either.
2 Hard work
Success is not easy, it takes dedication and long hours. One of my first jobs after leaving school was in construction, and there were some nights we would just work all the way through till morning to get the job done. The lessons I learnt then still hold true now. Building something, whether it is a sky scraper or a career, takes a great deal of hard work and commitment.
3 Take a chance
There is a lot of truth in the saying ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’.
4 Take advice
In my job I always try and listen to others advice before making a big decision. But I always go with what I believe to be the correct course of action. Sometimes other people’s opinions whether you chose follow their advice or not, are valuable just for having helped you make up your own mind.
5 The best advice is often free
As much as it is always advisable to seek expert opinions, I’ve found a lot of the best advice I have ever received has come from friends. A trusted friend is worth their weight in gold; after all they are few people in your life not trying to sell you anything.
6 Follow your gut instinct
Ultimately it is your decision, so go with what you know to be right. If you always do what you feel is right at the time you won’t regret it later. Follow your instincts and you are unlikely to go far wrong.
7 Help others
Because you never know when you may need help yourself. However, be sure what you’re giving is the correct type of support, and that doesn’t always mean money. Sometimes what people think they need and what they actually need are two very different things.
8 Set yourself goals
Having a goal to focus on will make you concentrate harder on achieving it. Success is often described as a ladder, so no matter what step you’ve reached, be sure to keep your eyes on the next rung.
9 Take time to look back
Catch your breath and learn some lessons. Hindsight can teach you how to avoid mistakes you have made in the past or realise successes. Make time to take a break and take stock, it will help you in future decision making.
10 Trust your people
A major part of being a good manager, at any level, is giving your employees the freedom to do the job you have employed them to do. Not only does this increase productivity but also knowing that you respect them will help your employees respect you.
11 See the wood for the trees
It is very easy to become so wrapped up in your own business that you stop being able to the bigger picture.
12 Keep an open mind
Sometimes the most off the wall ideas are the best. But don’t forget point number 6, and let your better judgement be your guide.
13 Maintain a work home balance
This is my final piece of advice and arguably the most important. It is easy to let your job become your world, but by doing that you may miss out on a lot of the best things life has to offer. In the past, I have not always made enough time for my family and it is something I regret now. Balance is the key to a happy life.
M. Price Ltd are experts in architectural, aluminium and glass facades.
www.mprice.co.uk
020 8443 4343
