TruckTalk:
LESSON 10
The 10 Rules for Business Success
By Kevin Rutherford
If you want to move forward, you’ve got to identify where you are, what’s working, and where you’re not showing up the way you should. I know that sometimes we get caught up in the complexity of business, but the truth is, success isn’t as complicated as we make it.
One of my go-to resources for cutting through the noise is Larry Winget, and today, I’m going to share the first half of his "10 Rules for Business Success." These rules are simple, but they’re powerful, and if you live by them, I guarantee you'll see a shift in your business and personal life.
These are the principles that have worked for me, and for Larry too. They may seem straightforward, but they’re often overlooked in the hustle. So, let’s get into it.
The 10 Rules for Business Success (Part 1)
Rule #1: Do What You Said You Would Do, When You Said You Would Do It, The Way You Said You Would Do It.
This rule is about integrity. You’ve heard me talk about it before: business is about keeping your word. The success of your business is built on trust. If you say you're going to do something, do it. No excuses, no exceptions. When you break your word, you break the trust of your customers, and that’s a death sentence for any business.
Think about it. When you go to a restaurant and they say your food will be ready in 15 minutes and it’s 30 minutes late, what happens? You’re disappointed. But if they give you an accurate wait time and stick to it, your experience is positive, and you’ll likely return.
The same applies to your business. Your reputation hinges on doing exactly what you say when you say it, and doing it the right way. No shortcuts.
Rule #2: A Deal’s a Deal.
If you’re in business, you’ve got to live by this rule. A deal isn’t a deal only when it works for you. A deal is a deal when you’ve agreed to it, and both sides hold up their end, no matter what.
I had to fire a customer once because they kept changing the deal. We'd settle on something in writing, and then a week later, they’d want to renegotiate. You can't run a business like that. You either stick to the deal, or you don't.
If you're willing to back out of agreements when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable, you’re setting a terrible precedent. A deal must always be honored—period.
Rule #3: Do the Right Thing.
This one sounds simple, right? But it’s not always the easiest choice. The right thing often isn't the cheapest or easiest. But doing the right thing builds a reputation of integrity, and that’s worth its weight in gold.
Let me give you an example. I’ve had people ask me, “Is it really wrong if I cut a few corners?” The answer is always yes. In business, when you choose the wrong path, it might seem easy at first, but it always catches up to you. You’ll lose customers, burn bridges, and ruin your reputation.
The right thing isn’t always the most comfortable thing, but it's always the best thing for the long-term success of your business.
Rule #4: Be the Person Others Can Count On to Get Things Done.
In business, your reputation is everything. You want to be the person others turn to because they know you’ll get things done. Your brand isn’t your logo or your slogan—it's your reputation.
If you're consistently dependable and reliable, people will seek you out and trust you. That’s the foundation of good business. Whether you're talking to customers or your team, if you’re the one they know can make things happen, they’ll keep coming back.
Rule #5: Work Hard on Your Job and Work Harder on Yourself.
Success isn’t just about working on your business; it’s about constantly improving yourself. If you’re not growing as a person, your business won’t grow either.
I can tell you from experience—everything in your business reflects who you are. Your team, your profits, your systems—they all reflect what’s going on inside you. If you’re not working on yourself, you can’t expect your business to thrive.
It’s simple: the better you become, the better your business will become.
Action Plan
- Review your current deals. Are you sticking to them, or is there room for improvement in the follow-through?
- Audit your reputation. Do people know you as someone who always gets the job done? If not, start focusing on building that consistency.
- Reflect on the right things you could be doing more of. Are you taking the easy way out? If so, how can you do better?
- Take a personal growth assessment. Are you focusing enough on improving yourself to level up your business?
- Tune in to the AudioRoad Network. It’s your daily shot of clarity, direction, and momentum. We talk business that matters. Call in. Ask bold questions. Challenge what’s holding you back. Change is a choice.
Ask Yourself
- Are there deals I’ve made that I haven’t fully honored? What can I do to fix that?
- How can I be more predictable in my business, ensuring customers can count on me every time?
- What personal growth areas do I need to work on to become a better leader in my business?
Closing Thought
You don't need more complicated strategies or fancy techniques. You need to get back to basics. These first five rules are simple but powerful. Take them seriously, and you’ll see your business transform. It’s time to stop making excuses and start making progress.
Stay tuned for the next part of these 10 rules in the next issue of TruckTalk!
