On setting business goals.

If you really believe in your idea - go for it with passion.
Enthusiasm sells like nothing else!
Better to be one day as a lion than to be a thousand years as a lamb.
Be decisive!
Be careful to make sure that the store is better than the story.
Never stand still on product.
Watch, predict and capture trends.
Get in quickly on crazes, but don't forget - get out quickly too!
Establish your uniqueness and then distinguish yourself from the competition.
Look to the future.
Don't be afraid to test new ideas.

On customers

The customer is always right even when he/she is wrong.
Never to lose a customer. Businesses spend fortunes on advertising to attract new customers and are careless in the treatment of their existing customers.
Great customer satisfaction creates oceans of great advertising... by word of mouth.
Your customers will increase your turnover only on condition that they are happy with your product and service.
Discover what your customer wants.
Never underestimate the importance of looking after your customer.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
Keep no sacred cows except the quality of customer care.
A disappointed customer will tell four times as many people as a satisfied one.
See your business from all the angles as your customers would see your business - using their eyes.

On staff

Look after your most important asset - your staff.
Motivate your staff with your own enthusiasm and commitment to the business.
Value their contribution and let them know you that you value their contribution.
Staff can either be your greatest asset or your greatest liability.
Staff are your biggest asset. Treat them as people.
Respond to staff needs and they will respond to yours.

On advertising

Advertising works - use it. Your competitors will.
Try to be innovative with your marketing - people respond to new ideas.

Suppliers

Build up a good rapport with your suppliers - you may need it someday!.
Pay and be paid! Prompt payment of suppliers ensures goodwill and stock availability.

On the Bottom Line

Always be conscious of costs - always!
Get a good accountant to worry about your books and advise on costs, while you do what you are good at - running your own business.
Tight credit management keeps the funds there to do it! Everything is negotiable!!
Never accept any reason as to why any business transaction cannot be negotiated with anyone - including your bank manager.

On general business

Always make time to stand back from the trees to see the forest.
There might be a cliff out there somewhere.
Be critical when looking for faults. It is better that you find them first!
Don't waste space - use it.
Review everything else constantly.
Create a buzz, rattle and hum!

Be courteous and considerate and enjoy the business experience.