Why don’t I just sell up?
This week, it happened - I hit Mount Mood.
“Fed Up” came knocking on my door. I let the wretched thing in, and he stayed for three days.
When he very occasionally shows up, I usually think: Why don’t I just sell the lot, buy more warehouses, and rent them out?
I could live the Instagram lifestyle - and then some. I could have the life most people dream of. It’d be like winning the lottery.
What does it take become an Effective Entrepreneur?
The difference between good and great is just 10%.
Any of you who have been reading this for long enough will know I'm obsessed with the word "effective".
I've also noticed that to be effective in most things, you usually need just 10% more effort, skill or time.
The extra 10% is where all the mastery lies.
But how do you find the time?
Have you heard the saying, "If you want something done, ask a busy person"?
A better spin on this is, "If you want something done, ask a busy, effective person."
Adding that little word "effective" makes all the difference. Plenty of people are busy for the sake of being busy.
Big news: I’m getting into politics.
Here’s a funny thing: a few months ago, I was approached to help in politics.
Something I usually shy away from quite massively.
The funny thing is, when you write newsletters, make podcasts, produce YouTube videos, build businesses, and carry responsibilities - you’ll get asked to do more, and indeed, I was asked.
Responsibility leads to responsibility.
This week didn’t go to plan, but I’m grateful for it
There are a couple of things I make myself do. Religiously.
Continuous learning and dinner dates.
And I usually find myself helping myself to both at the same time.
Learning while tucking into some nibbles is a super-efficient use of one’s time.
You’ve got to eat – so you might as well learn while you’re at it!
Business Lessons from Snowdonia
This weekend, we conquered Snowdon.
The sheer number of people climbing was astonishing. It was incredibly busy.
And then there were the absolute nutters running up it! I've never seen so many crackpots seemingly determined to prove the word "stupidity" right.
I got ripped off…
This weekend I fell victim to what I can only describe as crime, in another twist of sheer terrible customer service and tomfoolery.
Before I tell you more, I have to come clean and tell you I feel like an old codger moaning about the price of things these days.
With every line on my forehead, I find something to grumble about, certainly when I feel ripped off or fall victim to terrible customer service.
Disappointment at not being better.
This weekend, I took a walk around Marsh Farm (one of my companies).
I saw some friendly weeds sprouting up to say hello, some paint that’s fallen out of love with the wood it was laid on, no name badges on our team members, the wrong music playing in certain areas, and three messy crowd barriers that looked as if they'd been on a night out and hadn’t made it home.
I’ve mentioned these friendly weeds - or broken windows - in previous letters.
A ridiculous policy that lost my respect (and business)
I went to the O2 to see Lionel Richie; I’ve seen him loads.
Vegas, Colchester Football stadium and, of course, the O2.
This ridiculous overpriced marquee nestled in the heart of our capital with yellow cocktail sticks for statements - pushed me over the edge this weekend, and I’ll tell you for why in a moment.
Lessons on turning 40
The next time I put pen to paper and flutter through my thoughts with you, I’ll be in a new decade of life, my years on this world will start with a 4!
I was certainly mortified about turning 30, but with this big birthday I have love and warmth - things are good.
The years of wisdom and experience are piling up on me like equity does in your house.
So what has 25 years in business taught me? (yes, I really did start at 15).
I thought I’d share my nuggets that I’ve learned along the way.
So here's some of them to tickle your taste buds.
What I Learned From a Billionaire
If you're choosing the path of an entrepreneur, you'll be a knowledge hunter with the best being exceptional at implementing that knowledge.
That’s the power of doers.
What I admire about successful people I meet is their ability to remain sponges for knowledge, regardless of the treasures and accolades they've won!
These titans never stop learning.
This week, that theory became a fact.
Moments Matter - In Life and in Business
I'm currently in Porta Pollenca celebrating my best mate's 40th birthday, and it's been wonderful.
Lying here in the Mediterranean sun, it's moments like these that remind me how beautiful life is.
We've been making incredible memories, filled with singing, dancing, and enjoying good food late into the night.
This got me thinking about how making memories can be a fantastic way for businesses to build strong customer loyalty.
Money Flows to the Path of Least Resistance
Money is much like water; it finds the path of least resistance.
In our case, as business owners and leaders, money ultimately means customers. The more customers we have, the more money we have.
I've also learned that getting customers to buy once is easy; getting them to repeat buy is the skill.
Repeat business is achieved by creating a great product that can be bought again with little resistance.
3 Reasons Amazon Keeps Beating Everyone
I was pondering a thought that often occupies my mind: the drive to constantly improve and expand.
Unlike many who grapple with imposter syndrome, my inclination has always been to strive for more, fueled by a strong sense of what I believe I can achieve.
This ambition, perhaps coupled with a healthy dose of ego and a lust for success, has served my businesses balance sheet well and earned me some thumbs up from my peers.
I've also consciously positioned myself in environments that nurture ambition and celebrate success.
Why I’m Frustrated (And What I’m Building Next)
I was pondering a thought that often occupies my mind: the drive to constantly improve and expand.
Unlike many who grapple with imposter syndrome, my inclination has always been to strive for more, fueled by a strong sense of what I believe I can achieve.
This ambition, perhaps coupled with a healthy dose of ego and a lust for success, has served my businesses balance sheet well and earned me some thumbs up from my peers.
I've also consciously positioned myself in environments that nurture ambition and celebrate success.
Making Big Decisions
I am off to China on a mega seven-day jaunt across the world’s second-largest economy. I’ll be covering more miles than Eddie Stobart.
These trips are exhausting both physically and mentally, just how I like it.
I can hear your brain cogs whispering, “Get this James Sinclair a doctor!”
My apple health app can’t even compute the steps I’ll do, the travelling to and from hotels, and sleep deprivation are akin to having a newborn.
Want More Profit? Focus on this simple metric
Ideas for these letters usually come from my thoughts throughout the week.
I never plan them; I prefer it that way.
This week, I felt compelled to write after experiencing frustrations from one of the KPIs I track in my business.
I was not happy; we didn't hit the mark.
This prompted me to discuss two related points that come together neatly, like a Yorkshire pudding on a Sunday roast!
Consistency Beats Genius (and tastes like an egg sandwich)
Swipe and Deploy: Become the Implementor
Touring is a regular habit of mine; it's made me millions.
To put it bluntly, I’m touring to steal other people's ideas and be inspired.
I watch in awe at those businesses that have made little 1% improvements, maintained consistency over the long term, and broken the status quo.
Momentum, Trust & Missed Deals: A Lesson on Time
Time kills deals and time in the game makes people do business with you.
Time is our most precious commodity.
Whether you are a prince or a pauper, we all have the same amount of time in a day.
How you use your minutes dictates your results in the pursuit of success in life.
Spending your time effectively leads to breathtaking results.
A £12M Loan, a Delayed Deal, and a Lesson in Resilience
Tough times make tough people.
My God, I have had a tough week. On the face of it, I have experienced some wins.
I secured some amazing deals and obtained funding for future projects.