The idea for this list came from a list Chase Jarvis made for Creatives, which was a variation of a list Guy Kawasaki made titled What I Learned From Steve Jobs.

Here is what I believe when it comes to running a small painting business:

1. There is no substitute for craftsmanship. Be wary of jobs where craftsmanship is not valued. Quality work should be non-negotiable.

2. Work begets work. Not busy enough? Get out there and add value somehow. The easiest way to find work is to be busy working. Too busy doing jobs you hate for people you don't like? Stop doing that, otherwise you will get more of it.

3. Profit is a proportional bi-product of the value you create.

It is an honour to have my painting business featured in Pro-Painter's latest edition. Pro Painter Magazine was a really important way to learn about techniques, business principles specific to the industry, and latest trends when I started my business 13 years ago. Very happy to see it back in publication! You can find it on-line here, and subscribe for a hard copy here.

Check back this weekend for an article on Leveraging Capacity.