The Tribune

By Simon Cooper

Res Socius

While studying for my MBA at the University of Liverpool, I was introduced to a variety of celebrated business names. Some were famous personalities, while others popped by to give a keynote speech. I kept a diary of their key thoughts, and others I discovered in the media. These are my favourite ones I adapted to suit my circumstances. I’ll not deny I’m still trying to get there in terms of implementing them, though.

Lloyd Blankfein, chairman, Goldman Sachs – First hear what others say before you tell them what you think. That way they might even listen to your message, as opposed to waiting to steal a line. Stress is not a threat. Handle it well. People around you will be impressed, which is what you want.

Richard Branson, Virgin pioneer - We all make mistakes. Don’t waste precious time by looking back at them. That’s a waste of energy. Keep moving forward. The secret to surfacing from failures is to learn from them, not dwell on them.

Marissa Mayer, vice-president, Google - We are surrounded by conflicting choices whichever way we look. Which study course to take, which business strategy to implement, which lines you ought to sell. Go for the ones you know you will make the most of, not the ones that others recommend.

Terry Lundgren, Macy’s chief executive - Nothing lasts forever. Play the cards you’re dealt with - and play them diligently - whether as a student, an advisor or as a supervisor/manager. Earn a reputation for superior performance. You’ll be recognized and moved ahead.

Maureen Chiquet, Chanel Global chief executive – Life’s a bit like prospecting. It’s great and you have huge potential all around you. I just wish you’d learn to listen. Right now, you could be trampling over gold.

Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer, Facebook – Consider all your opportunities carefully, especially those that do not fit your current mindset well - or at all, for that matter. All personal growth is good.

Tory Burch, creative director, Tory Burch – By all means listen to what others say, and find out why. When you’ve done doing that, follow the line you sense will be best for you. Profit is reward for taking chances. Follow your instincts and relish risk.

Eric Schmidt, Google executive chairman – Say no to invitations and you could end up with no job, no partner and no kids. Reach back when people reach out to you. Some of my best moments were when I met new people and visited foreign places.

Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway chief executive – Don’t turn new ideas and contacts down flat even if they rub on you. Think about them for 24 hours at least. If you still feel the same way, then disengage politely. Leave networks and bridges everywhere.

Did you enjoy these ideas, and can you use some of them yourself? I’d love it if you called or e-mailed me, and told me what you think. Advice is a free gift. You can accept it or reject it. Or you could file it somewhere as I do, and return to it later when you have a use for it.

NB: Simon Cooper is a founding partner of Res Socius, a business brokerage firm and businesses for sale directory service. Res Socius is authorized by the Bahamas Investment Authority to facilitate the sale and purchase of businesses and provide consultancy services. Contact 376-1256 or visit www.ressocius.com.