What's in the box?

Happy business birthday to me.

This month, AJB HR Consultancy Services celebrates its seventh anniversary.

Regular readers will know that I have worked in a variety of HR roles across a range of big firms.  However, when I got made redundant, starting my own consultancy business was a case of ‘now or never’.

Despite regularly thinking that this will all collapse around my ears, the photos from the last seven years (some of which you can see in the video here) show that a LOT has happened.

A LOT HAS HAPPENED PERSONALLY

In the last seven years, a lot happened in my personal life.

For example, I got married (which, to be honest, was quite a big deal).  We got married in Jamaica and have since travelled to some of the most beautiful places in the world (with an annual trip to Yorkshire being the most beautiful, of course).

While travelling the world, I’ve been to a few Hard Rock Cafes too.  In fact, in our trip to America a couple of years ago, I got a cake and an impromptu party in Las Vegas for visiting my 100^th café in the brand.

We also bought a dog (affectionately known as Knobhead) who keeps me fit and gets me out into the fresh air.

And, of course, I went to a LOT of live music gigs – including artists like Madonna, Elton John, Adele, Ed Sheeran, Kylie Minogue, and Coldplay (amongst many others).  

We also went to a few musicals and, more recently, a lot of football matches too.  In fact, for anyone who follows me on social media (also known as ‘the cool kids’), you will have seen that I’m attending more live matches to watch my team Nottingham Forest in both the Premier League and the Europa Cup.

A LOT HAS HAPPENED PROFESSIONALLY

We all went through the pandemic, which was a very busy time for a HR consultant, helping employers and business owners to find ‘a new normal’ with things like furlough, working from home, and revised contracts and handbooks.

I moved into The Priory (no not that one) which is a lovely office building in the Warwickshire countryside; and I have worked with a lot of major businesses too.  I’m very grateful that my business has grown to a level where I get to work with clients with whom our values align.

Through networking, I have also had a few speaking gigs – sharing my HR wisdom from the stage – and I met some great people along the way, including celebrities, business associates, and a couple of employees too.

Best of all, I’ve made some fabulous friends too.

SEVEN LESSONS

I can’t claim to be the world’s greatest business owner.  I’m sure many of my fellow business owners would agree that we are still learning along the way.

However, getting to my seventh year in business, there are many lessons I’ve learned along the way. Seven years of wins, mistakes, lessons, late nights, good decisions, questionable ones, and a fair bit of growth along the way.

When I look back, there are some things I wish I’d known earlier (and a few lessons I learned from others).  So, if I could sit down with my younger self, here are the seven things I would share.

1. AVOID CHEAP SEATS FEEDBACK

Get help from people who can help, and not those that just 'say' they want to help. You should listen to those who have been where you want to be.

Not all advice is created equal.  In the early days, it’s tempting to listen to anyone who offers an opinion. The louder the voice, the more credible it can seem. But volume doesn’t equal value.

Take advice from people who have actually walked the path you’re on – there’s a big difference between someone who supports you and someone who understands what it takes. Seek out those who’ve built what you’re trying to build.

2. KNOW YOUR WORTH

I love the quote 'my prices are based on my talent, not your budget' - and this is so true. If a potential client doesn't see the value in your work, then find one that does.

Pricing is one of the biggest battles in business.

There’s always pressure to lower your prices, to be competitive, or to fit someone else’s budget – but your prices should reflect your value, not someone else’s expectations.

3. KEEP PERSPECTIVE

I have been known to be negative on some occasions, and I'm always thinking about what could go wrong. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but I do have to regularly remind myself that things could be a lot worse. 

When running a business, a lot of things can be magnified.  When things go wrong, it’s easy to spiral into worst-case thinking.

But perspective is needed.  When you step back and look at the bigger picture, not just in business but in life, you realise that most challenges are temporary.

Sometimes, it takes seeing someone close to you face real-life adversity (like a good friend recently) to remind you what truly matters. Business is important, but it’s not everything.

4. OUTSOURCE

Get rid of tasks that don't add value, and find an extended team that excels at certain tasks better than you do. Build a team around you, even if it’s not in-house.

Trying to do everything yourself is not a badge of honour– it can be a bottleneck.

In the early days in business, I tried to wear every hat – sales, marketing, admin, operations, finance – but I quickly learned that business growth comes when you get support.

When you hand over tasks that others can do better or faster, you free up time to do the work that actually pushes the business forward.

5. NETWORK WISELY

There are a lot of networking events out there, and it's easy to fill your time with unnecessary events. Find good events, and through them you will find good people. Thanks to networking through groups and organisations such as BNI, FindaBiz, and the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, I've made a lot of friends and got a few clients along the way too.

Not all networking is productive - the key is being intentional.  Find the rooms where the right people are; and build genuine relationships rather than collecting business cards.  Over time, those relationships turn into opportunities, collaborations, and friendships.

6. DON’T FOCUS ON COMPETITORS

Comparison is the thief of joy.

There will always be competitors who look like they’re doing better, growing faster, or winning more. It’s easy to get distracted, to second-guess yourself, or to start copying what they’re doing.

It's easy to look around and think that similar businesses are doing things better than you, and it's easier to get sucked into the trap of copying them (and ultimately doing a worse job). Often, when you focus on your own race, you run faster.

7. WALK AWAY FROM TOXICITY

Not everyone is a friend and not everyone has your best interests at heart. Anyone who doesn't wish you success is not someone you need in your life. You will always meet people who don't deserve to be in your life - so my advice is to move away quickly, and let karma do the rest.

The longer you tolerate toxic people, the more it will cost you in the long run.  Whether it’s clients, connections, or even people in your wider circle, learning to walk away is a skill.

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

As I said, I won't pretend to know everything about business, but I know enough (and have learned enough) to be able to pass on a few nuggets of wisdom to my fellow business owners, regardless of how long you've been in business.

Seven years in business teaches you a lot, but it also reminds you how much there is still to learn.

I’m already looking forward to the eight lessons I’ll give you next year.

THE ROLL-CALL OF GRATITUDE

I just want to take this opportunity to give thanks to the people behind the success.

Thank you to my team - Jessica and Louise - for all they do in the business. We've been together for a while and long may it continue.

Thank you to my friends and the extended team including Róisín, Gus, Hana, Craig and Lisa for their support (and there's many more – way too many to mention here – you know who you are).

Thank you to my clients, past and present, for being fabulous to work with.

And finally, a big thank you to my wife Denise, for being by my side through the good and the bad, and for believing in me.

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