"What a career in superyachts has reminded me about starting a new business.... "
My second born unexpectedly announced after Christmas that he had decided to pursue a career working on a superyacht in the Mediterranean . This was closely followed by the question "So how do you think we can achieve this". The "we", it quickly became apparent, being him and me collectively. Enter 4 weeks of intensive research, having now moved from the lofty heights of being a former CEO to assuming the position of PA and travel agent to a 21 year old.
Training was booked, plane tickets purchased and accommodation confirmed and by mid-March he was off.
At the same time I was putting together my own plans to start a consulting business, having had an almost 12 month sabbatical post sale of our business. The parallels of both tasks weren't lost on me as I helped him on his way. The advice I gave my son included:
Be nice to people and professional where ever you are, you never know when a potential employer could be around you
Be on time and a little bit early (but not too early)
Be curious and ask lots of questions of the people you meet
Show your personality, people want to see the real you if they are going to be working with you (and in his case living with you)
Hustle harder than anyone else looking for a job - persistence will pay off
If you meet an interesting contact ask them if there is anyone else they could refer you to who might be able to help
Hmmm.... sounds like good advice when you are starting a business as well....
What I have been reminded of when watching my son navigate this new goal and challenge, is the sparkly naivety that comes with youthful bravado. The willingness to take a chance, throw caution to the wind and have a "what's the worse thing that could happen" attitude. In my second time around in starting a business there is a lot more caution, the fear of a reputation to protect and the sting of any past failures that sit in the back of my mind.
So in launching my new business I am trying hard to remember back to my glorious naivety the first time around, worry a bit less and enjoy the ride a bit more.
And if my business doesn't work out I like to think I could quite possibly get work on a superyacht in the Mediterranean now that I am an expert from afar .....