So the apprentice 2014 drew to a conclusion Sunday night with Australian Mark Wright being crowned champion for the sought after title of being Lord Alan Sugar’s business partner. Over the weeks we have all witnessed the candidates juggle different tasks week in-week out with Lord Sugar putting their skills to test all for that title to be the next apprentice. With a final which could have gone either way in a battle between the marketing and hosiery industries with Bianca’s ‘luxury tights’ business concept versus Marks digital marketing agency and the £250,000 investment by Lord Sugar it is undeniable that each venture would have made Lord Sugar a bit richer than he already is.

So what can we all learn from watching the apprentice?

No matter how good you think you are at something there will likely be someone who is better.

Well apart from Mark and Daniel’s so called rivalry/bromance it is clear that no matter how good you think you are at something there will likely be someone who is better. The key is what makes you different? Personality rings a bell here as can be seen throughout the process, brains will only take you so far, but it’s your personally which shines perhaps overshadowing your experience and educational background. It is a phrase most people use and it is true, people buy from people. One may have the most prestige education in the world but without personality going into business is a non-starter. When it comes to business, although education will take you places it is your ability to build relationships which will take you further and that is reflected through various successful businessmen and women such as Lord Sugar himself who did not pursue further or higher education but yet is successful in business.

Learning to work well with others could go a long way, learning to work with people you don’t like could even take you further.

Of course when it comes to business one of the most fundamental qualities is how well you interact with others. Whether you are a sole trader operating in the technical industry or in a partnership, working with others is something you cannot avoid. From sourcing suppliers to negotiating the best deals for your business you will have to interact with people. When your business starts to grow you may well have to employ people and it is these relationships that will keep your business going. It is all well to have a good concept but if no one is behind you or willing to work with or for you then you have missed the mark so it is key to learn how to deal with different people. There will be times when you have to work with people you do not like however such people may be the ones who could help achieve your goals so balancing your personal and business life will surely take you a long way.

We all have ambitions but goals not worked towards are simply dreams.

We have heard the quotes about dreaming and not achieving. Guess what it is true! If you have a business idea it is simply just that. Chances are that there are others thinking about the same idea who are probably working towards realising these goals. If you have a business idea and a passion and desire to bring this to the market then chase that dream as you may never know where it will lead you. After all it is better to try and fail than to live with regret, having that voice in your head constantly reminding you of the what if’s.