When you survey the real estate of your company, what do you see?
I don’t mean your literal real estate. Step outside your office and look around. Now, what do you see? Your company’s most important asset is not the office — it is the people. They are the company’s REAL estate.
In 1994, when I started my first business, The Chattanooga Times published an article — one that is framed and hanging in my office today — in which I stated that I would never have employees. At the time, I had my hands full, and was incapable of managing employees the right way.
However, as the business grew, the obvious next step was to recruit assistance to fully realize the business’ potential. If chosen correctly, employees champion your business’ mission and vision, and play a critical role in determining the company’s success or failure.