by Andrew Nuttall, Co-Founder, Principal & Financial Adviser
As we reflect on the journey of the past three decades, it’s clear that the lessons we’ve learnt have shaped who we are as a company. These insights are valuable in how we conduct our business and the relationships we’ve built with our clients and partners. Below are the key lessons that have guided us along the way:
Client Relations
- Adding Value and Enhancing Lives
Our team is always looking for ways to add value and enhance our clients’ lives. It’s important that all team members feel confident they are making a positive impact, ‘doing good,’ and helping to make our community a better place. - Responsiveness and Respect
Be responsive to clients. Returning phone calls on the same day and replying to emails promptly are simple yet effective ways to show clients that they are valued. Treat everyone fairly and with respect, ensuring that every interaction strengthens the client relationship. - Building and Maintaining Relationships
Constantly seek to build and maintain relationships with all people connected to the company, including clients, team members, suppliers, and professional partners. Our team’s longevity and commitment have been crucial to our success, and we have all learned much from each other. - Client Enjoyment and Appreciation
Enjoy the privilege of working with and serving so many great clients. The relationships we’ve built over the years are not just professional but have often become personal, leading to greater satisfaction and mutual respect. - Support and Self-Care
We all need support at some stage, even senior people. Taking care of yourself is essential in business. Having a business partner with whom to share thoughts, ideas, and struggles without fear of judgment has been incredibly powerful.
Business Perspectives
- Empowerment and Autonomy
Empower people by giving them the autonomy to use their skills and capabilities. Team members operate best when they are confident in their responsibilities and well-supported by management. Involving team members in the recruitment process ensures that new hires are a good fit, as those working alongside them know best what the role demands. - Learning and Innovation
Learn from mistakes. Over the years, mistakes have provided opportunities for reflection, evaluation, and improvement. Embrace a growth mindset, be a lifelong learner, and continuously seek ways to innovate. Sometimes, a ‘ready, fire, aim’ approach is necessary to avoid being hindered by the pursuit of perfect planning. - Resilience and Long-Term Thinking
Good things take time. Building the company to its current state took years, much like the power of time and compound interest. There have been difficult times, but we emerged stronger and more capable by constantly striving and supporting each other. Tough decisions are inevitable, but facing discomfort now is better than regretting delays later. - Team Spirit and Camaraderie
Enjoy time together away from work. Events like Friday afternoon drinks, Christmas parties, mid-year dinners, and fun activities such as bowling, quizzes, and mini-golf have all contributed to our successes. These moments have helped us build strong bonds and get to know each other better, creating a supportive work environment. - Reflection and Gratitude
In business, the work is never finished. There’s always something that needs consideration or attention. It’s easy to fall into the trap of unmet expectations and disillusionment. Therefore, it’s important to reflect on our progress, acknowledge our achievements, and always find something to be grateful for.
In summary, our success formula can be distilled into the following equation:
PURPOSE + GOALS + GRUNT + REST + TEAM = ACHIEVEMENT + SUCCESS + SATISFACTION + HAPPINESS
These elements have been at the core of our journey, and we are excited to continue building on this foundation in the years ahead.