Don't hesitate to seek external help or advice where need be. Sometimes, it takes an external, emotionally unattached individual to detect your business flaws and render unbiased advice.

I love stirring the pot. I love giving big companies a run for their money - especially if they're offering expensive, poor-quality products.

So I became a publisher by mistake - well, not quite by mistake, because I wanted to be an editor but I had to make sure the magazine would survive. The point is this: Most businesses fail, so if you're going to succeed, it has to be about more than making money.

Free publicity and word of mouth is probably the best and cheapest form of advertising. Learn to use it to your advantage.

I truly believe that capitalism was created to help people live better lives, but sadly over the years it has lost its way a bit. The short-term focus on profit has driven most businesses to forget about the important long-term role they have in taking care of people and the planet.

We don't actually plan to launch new businesses over the next few years, but we are planning to take the ones we have into new territories.

Most entrepreneurs will admit luck plays a part in success.