MICHAEL WALSH BUSINESS DOCTOR: There is a true saying; ‘When you work for yourself you work for a slave driver.’ If you are not passionate about your business then your customers will not be passionate about you. Business is not and never has been a get-out-work option.

For twenty years I called upon and advised small to medium-sized enterprises employers (SME). Most business owners concede that they put far more effort into their business than they would have put into an employer’s business.

During my twenty-year career, I constantly encountered unusual trades. I recall visiting a heavy goods vehicle hydraulic system repair specialist. The work premises seemed very much like any other HGV repair centre.

To complete the vetting procedure, I needed to know as much about the business as possible before completing my assessment. My approach was to ask searching questions.

I discovered that the young engineer, who appeared to be in his twenties, was a specialist in hydraulic vehicle systems. Stupidly, I asked him what happens when I see a 30-tonne HGV up my exhaust pipe just as I need to brake sharply.

‘Am I toast?’ I asked.

My eyes glazed over as with boundless enthusiasm the passionate young engineer took me through the exceedingly complex hydraulic system on the aforementioned lorry that would ensure my survival.

Unable to shut him up I lost the plot about five minutes into his clarification. My host certainly knew what he was talking about; The Ministry of Defence (MoD) called him in when a tank or Army HGV needed attention.

Another thing to remember is that your employees will never be as committed as you are; why should they be? A young builder set up a business on his own and I recall his words:

‘I reckon that 40 per cent of an employee’s effort is as good as you are going to get. If they were as keen on my business as I, am they would be a rival and they would not be working for me,’ he smiled. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK

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THE BUSINESS BOOSTER Michael Walsh during 20 years the Guild of Master Craftsmen helped thousands of businesses to increase profits whilst reducing overheads. EURO WEEKLY NEWS business advice columnist. Perfect gift for the self-employed wherever you are in the world. https://books.by/michael-walsh#the-business-booster