The adage that it takes years to build a business and hours to destroy it is very true

For the last eleven years, I’ve worked in the co-working, workspace and start-up sectors. This has been as an operator, a consultant and as a co-founder. Currently, I’m the director and co-founder of the award-winning Ormeau Baths co-working space in the centre of Belfast.

Throughout it all, I’ve learned that when opportunities present themselves, you have to be open.

In fact, sometimes you should say yes to everything. You might regret the decision, but if you don’t try, you’ll never know.

I always remember when Google installed a Bitcoin machine in Shoreditch in 2014. I thought it might be worth a punt, but it was out of service when I visited. I never went back – but you live and learn.

That said: I would have probably spent it all on coffee!

In 2010, I launched a co-working brand on the high street. At the time, no-one really knew what we were talking about.

Our investors didn’t believe us when we said people (like me) worked off laptops in coffee shops –

they were still working in their traditional office, so couldn’t understand how a business could run with just a laptop, mobile and table.

Or that being part of a community of like minded people would help businesses to grow. Who knew?

The lows (and we all have them) have centered around running businesses when the cash flow is close to empty. On the same week one of my businesses held a glamorous 300 person launch party in Shoreditch, I had to ask my wife to loan me money. At the time, everyone thought we were printing cash – but it was all front. We were successful, but also down to three figures in the bank, overdraft maxed out.

The thing is: sometimes you need to push to move to the next stage.

The biggest disappointment is probably that people are not always what they seem. You never truly know anyone, especially in business. There’s always one person who slips through and creates chaos. It’s important to come back from this and view the experience as learning, even when you’re watching everything you built fall away – including the exit payout. The adage that it takes years to build a business and hours to destroy it is very true – but don’t let that define your future.

Creating lasting relationships may sound like common sense, but making effort – listening and talking – creates a deep level of engagement, especially when it’s with your customer.

Taking time out for a chat over some coffee can deliver great rewards.

Plus, you never know what might happen, whether in six weeks, or six months. It’s all about doing things with the right intent. After all, random acts of kindness can create magical moments that define the business, the brand and – more importantly – help people remember them and their story.

So where does the future lie? After years of knowing where I am going and where the goals are, I’m not sure, but I know there needs to be meaning and purpose. Do I have another business in me? The answer is yes – but I’m just working out what that is. For the time being, if I continue to make things happen and do good, the rest will fall into place. So, let’s see what the future holds.