AC Lockyer discusses his entrepreneurial journey and insights for business owners
Key Takeaways
- Success requires being coachable, moldable, and humble - recognizing you don't know everything
- Specialize and focus on one core business rather than diversifying too broadly
- Leverage mentors and coaches, submitting to their guidance and accountability
- Build relationships and get out of the house to grow your business, don't just rely on digital automation
Topics
AC's Entrepreneurial Background
- Started with a $1000 truck and $400 pressure washer, grew to nearly $50 million enterprise
- Built and sold multiple service businesses over the years
- Currently runs SoftWash Systems, operating in 8 countries and 2 territories
Keys to Scaling a Business
- Move quickly from "entrepreneur" to "entrepreneur" mindset
- Be willing to work 80+ hour weeks initially
- Focus on building relationships, not just digital automation
- Develop ability to lead yourself first, then others
- Recognize the business won't outgrow you - "bottlenecks are always at the top"
Importance of Specialization
- Don't try to be all things to all people
- Pick one core focus and become an expert
- Specialists (e.g. toe doctors) make more than generalists
- Avoid constant pivoting to new services/industries
Leveraging Mentors and Coaches
- Mentors: Successful people ahead of you who offer suggestions
- Coaches: Provide accountability and direction you submit to
- Be willing to pay for expertise of those who've "been there, done that"
- Submit to guidance to avoid pitfalls they've experienced
Advice to Younger Self
- Slow down, take a deep breath
- Don't feel pressured to move as quickly
- Grow at the pace of your team to avoid burnout
Next Steps
- Check out AC's books on Amazon: "Five Keys to Pattern Success" and "The Wow Factor"
- Visit softwashsystems.com for more info on the business
- Look into finding mentors/coaches to accelerate growth
- Focus on specialization and relationship-building to scale
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