Andres L•••

About

On the record

After starting many businesses, failing in many, succeeding big in others. After reading hundreds of books, business books, entrepreneurs biographies, stories of companies around the world, history books. After visiting hundreds of companies amongst them customers and suppliers, I have reached some basic business conclusions that helped me every day as we grow our companies. This conclusions I did not invent, but do represent who I am as an entrepreneur and professional I’m sure some will change with time as we adapt to our new environment. Take care of your people and they will take care of your company and your customers. This should be Diamond rule. Borrowing is only for investing, not for spending 3. Only do a business if all parties are making money, a win-win business is the only business possible. All your efforts must be focused on the long term goal, 99 percent of the times short term based decisions are not correct. Listen, listen, listen some more, most answers you find listening to your team, your customers, your suppliers, your friends, your family and people on the Street. Jeje 6. Perseverance is the only way to succeed, it takes time and hard work before you see any results. Never lose your sense of urgency, maybe success is around the corner and you quit 5 steps before you turn. So keep going. Share what you know and what you do with everyone, this is how people know what your business needs and who needs your business. Secrecy is for the FBI unless your business demands it. Cash flow is the blood of the business, never waste your cash flow on personal luxury, vacations, fancy offices, not until your business has some cash leftover. I learned that opportunities knocks the door of the company with cash flow first. Love what you do, if you are bored you are not growing fast enough so step it up or find a new project. Culture is your long term competitive advantage, so get it right.