Your business idea may be perfect, you may have the figures down, but if you’re not living day-to-day as a successful entrepreneur, then that success won’t be achieved. As a lucrative businessman for many years now I, Trevor McClintock, have taken a lot of great advice, and condensed it into my top 5 tips for any entrepreneur. Whether you’re starting out, or you’ve been in the game for a while, there’s always time to take a look at your habits and work out where you can improve.

A tidy workspace is a tidy mind

This is probably a tip that your mother told you many a time during your schooldays, but it’s something that’s always been a mainstay in the Trevor McClintock household. This applies to your desk, of course, but also to any stock areas, filing spaces and anywhere else that is used by you and your employees.

Tidy as you go, and your whole life will be streamlined. As well as this, no potential client or collaborator wants to see the remnants of your lunch on your desk when they come for a meeting. Project the image of the self you wish to become.

Paper

Smartphones are a revelation, but there is no substitute for good old fashioned pen and paper. Brainstorming thoughts creatively is a cathartic process that forces you to free your mind and work through whatever the problem is. Not to mention the power of a post-it note to help you remember something important.

Of course filing and records need technology, but if you like to keep a paper diary or to-do list, you might find it increases your productivity immensely.

Take criticism

As mentioned earlier, Trevor McClintock is no stranger to taking advice, and because I live in the real world not all of that has been positive. There’s nothing I value more in a colleague than the ability to take criticism and build on it in the future. Remember, people aren’t looking to personally attack you, so if you take it as such it only breeds negativity.

Never settle

People often wonder why people like Richard Branson don’t just sit back and enjoy their success. Well, the reason is because they never settle. Why have just enough when you can have it all?! A goal-orientated lifestyle makes every day a challenge, and keeps you looking forward despite any setbacks you may have.

Love what you do

It’s not just a cliché that if you love your job you’ll never work a day in your life. Business requires self-motivation, and it’s much easier to achieve that with a genuine desire to get into the office every day. Then, your success will just be an added bonus to your everyday enthusiasm and drive.