EY Valentines infographic
Running a business can be all consuming. Learn from Valentine’s Day to ensure you don’t neglect the very thing you hold most dear. Maria Pinelli, EY’s Global Vice Chair for Strategic Growth Markets shares her advice for companies ready to scale up their growth.
1. Don’t be selfish
As in mutually
rewarding relationships, business is not just about you. There are two people in a relationship and many more in a business – every stakeholder from your supplier through to your customer must be considered, and no one neglected or you’ll end up with a dysfunctional business. Remember to think global and act local, you are just a small part of the universe. #givemore
2. Embrace the whole family
Don’t forget to spend some time getting to know the in-laws. Treat some of those difficult stakeholders (clients, suppliers, regulators) with disdain and you might be in trouble. Treat them like an extension of your business and you’ll be laughing. How many have you encountered – the person who ‘picks away’ at every negative feature? #moodkiller
3. Say thank you
It’s too easy to allow ambition, drive and a focus on results get in the way of stopping to say thank you to the people that make it possible. Give back to the business; celebrate milestones, appreciate how far you and your team have come together. Thank your people, sincerely. This will help you strengthen relationships, grow networks and retain key employees – all pivotal in the name of scaling up. #gratitude
4. Plan some surprises
In romance, a little change, surprise or time away together is often what is needed. In business, whether it be an injection of new ideas or people, a change of scenery or an away day or team event, don’t be afraid to take a chance to keep things exciting. Innovation depends on it. #spontaneity
5. Listen and communicate
Every relationship relies on communication. And two-thirds of that should involve listening. Listen to your business and all its stakeholders, including the board, to staff on the ground, to your suppliers. A great idea or a looming crisis might be right under your nose. Are you listening to those on the front line? #patience
6. Seek advice
Just like that friend at the end of the phone, a business mentor or strategic advisor who’s been there and done that can help you get through rough patches. Nothing can beat experience and a fresh perspective to turn a crisis into a great opportunity to strengthen and grow. #becurious


Looking for a mentor?
At EY, we run a mentoring program specifically designed to help entrepreneurs scale up their businesses and reach the next set of goals they envision. 
source:forbes

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