20 years and 20 lessons learned

By Tim McAlpine

In January 1990, mid way through my final year of art school, I started a business. I was 20 at the time, had zero qualifications to be a businessman and had only had one real job (if you don't count paperboy at 12 and the fry guy at McDonald's at 14). That one real job was a part-time sign painter in high school and college. I am really dating myself, but my time at art school didn't even include computers (yikes).

20 years later and half my life invested in this business, I've learned a few things.

1. Do what you love
2. Work with people and companies you respect
3. Tell the truth
4. Get really good at something
5. Never stop learning
6. Abandon what's not working
7. Learn to say no
8. Don't take it too personal
9. Strive to achieve a work-life balance
10. Give your people freedom to excel and to fail
11. Have a vision and stand for something
12. Differentiate your offering
13. Don't underestimate the power of luck
14. Learn from your mistakes
15. Don't be afraid to ask for help
16. Treat people well
17. Not everyone will believe in what you are trying to do
18. Don't steal ideas
19. Never screen back red, it just turns pink
20. Laugh often

Thanks to everyone who has enabled me to do what I love and here's hoping for another fun 20 years.

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Comments

1) BenJoeM @ Jan 25, 2010

I hope to learn half of what you have. Congrats man!

2) Carla Day @ Jan 26, 2010
http://www.cuchatup.net

Congrats on 20 years!

Given where my career is right now, your tips were a great reminder of what is really important. Thank you!

3) Ron Shevlin @ Jan 26, 2010
http://marketingteaparty.com

Congrats on 20 years. I think that's a huge accomplishment. And I think your list is great.

Although.... I would like to quibble about one point -- #18. Everyone should steal ideas shamelessly. Just give credit where credit is due.

4) Charlie Trotter @ Jan 26, 2010
http://www.trabian.com

Tim, congratulations on 20 years. That's a big deal. Your good humor and laid-back-ness have surely served you well through the challenges of 20 years of business, not to mention that big bag of talent you drag around.

This makes me miss you. Please bend your creativity to scheming a way to haul yourself, Nala, Cheryl and Gene to Fort Worth for a couple of days (I bet you could fit Caleb in an old steamer trunk if you tried.)

PS: #19 is rock solid wisdom

5) Denise Wymore @ Jan 26, 2010
http://www.denisewymore.com

Congrats on 20 Tim. This year I celebrate my 10th year of self-employment and my 30th year serving credit unions.

So if I had to add 10 to your list - which, btw, is amazing and a great reminder of why I started in credit unions.

21. Don't drop the "f" bomb in the board room.

22. One glass of water after every glass of wine.

23. Not everyone is going to like your crazy hair.

24. Listen carefully to your friends, they are here to help you.

25. Don't ever debate Ron Shevlin in public.

26. Don't ask your friends to debate Ron Shevlin in public.

27. If you get the chance to live in NY, ever, take it.

28. Always wear a slip when on stage.

29. You can't change your laugh, so embrace it.

30. You can go home again......

6) terrell meek @ Jan 26, 2010
http://spendsavelive.com

Wow, Tim, Congratulations. I love your list and I'd like to add that working with you and your team is so much fun. Thanks for all you do.

7) Geoff Edwards @ Jan 26, 2010
http://www.streamworks.ca

Congratulations Tim. I remember your first business venture. Respect...

8) Hunter Boone @ Jan 27, 2010
http://www.HunterBoone.com

Number 7 reaches out to me. Very good tip.

9) Matt Davis @ Jan 27, 2010
http://creditunionwarrior.blogspot.com

I love this post, and hope I'll be able to accomplish in my lifetime what you have over the past 20 years. Thanks for being an inspiration and a friend.

10) Jodi Torres @ Jan 28, 2010
http://www.cutech.com

Congratulations Tim - I love your post. Since I have been at this 30 years myself I was thinking I should suggest 10 more, but Denise already has me covered on this one. Great additions. Here's to you and to 20 more!

11) Ben Rogers @ Feb 02, 2010
http://www.filene.org

Thanks Tim. It's fun to watch somebody do it right.

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