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Soul Trader

Putting the Heart Back into Your Business

Rasheed Ogunlaru

Kogan Page, 2012

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Creating a business is hard work and you’ll put in nonstop hours, so select work you love to do. If your heart’s not in your business, you will always struggle. Instead, like a “soul trader,” put your “heart and soul” into your business. Soul traders’ passionate sense of mission makes their work compelling to others. Whether you’re just starting out or your established company needs revitalizing, to make it flourish you must develop yourself and “become who you are.” In this short handbook, personal coach Rasheed Ogunlaru contends that only a business managed from a soul trader’s heart can earn its customers’ love and change the world. Therefore, he advises, you must ground your work in your deepest values. Ogunlaru offers commonsense tips to help you determine what your customers want and provides exercises to help you analyze yourself and your aspirations. If it’s been a while since you reflected on the heart of your business, getAbstract recommends this optimistic shot of inspiration.

Summary

“Soul Traders”

“In the space where you, your business and your customers [and] your market intersect...the exceptional soul-trader business really resides.” This is the sweet spot you must find and build on to become a soul trader, someone whose heart and soul imbues his or her work with meaning. Soul traders have seven strengths that reflect the heart of their enterprises:

1. “Clarity: Know Who You Are; Walk Your Unique Path”

Ask yourself who you are and what you hope to achieve. Understand your aspirations and the expectations you have for your business. Individuals’ goals vary. One person may want to start a retail business that can expand to other cities, an ambition that requires building a team. Another person may want to work alone, but to charge higher fees. Maybe you seek flexibility so you can spend more time with your family. List the values you find meaningful in your career and your relationships in order to define what you want to build. Carefully consider the words that represent your values and clarify them for yourself.

Whether you’re starting out anew or feeling stuck in your existing business, think through your values and your passions...

About the Author

Rasheed Ogunlaru, a business coach in the United Kingdom, works with the British Library’s Business & IP Center and with TiE UK, a consultancy for entrepreneurs.

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j. c. getAbstract 1 decade ago

This is such an inspiring and detailed summary. I felt like I was being personally coached
A. 1 decade ago

Success really stems from purpose. If an employee meets their goals with meaning and passion, they will strive for success. This is why engagement is so important from employees as well as from your customers. Great applicable tip in the summary to create a SWOT analysis on yourself. #5 in the summary really boils down on business acumen and why that is so important to convert contacts into customers. Great read!

Soul Trader

Putting the Heart Back into Your Business

Read, Listen, or Discuss

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Recommendation

Summary

“Soul Traders”

1. “Clarity: Know Who You Are; Walk Your Unique Path”

About the Author

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