Dan at Starting It shares some lessons he’s learned building his business into a great company. 

First, the company must have a never-ending commitment to being the best. Every decision must be bounced up against the question - "What would a truly great company do on this issue?"

Second, you've got to say you are going to be the best right from the start - when it sounds funny to do so. Then, you've got to say you are the best before most people can even see that it has actually happened.

Third, you've got to be committed to measuring how good you really are on a regular basis and then putting a plan in place to improve the weaknesses. We recommend an annual survey. It can certainly be painful to learn the truth about how you are doing - but that's the only way to get better.

Fourth, you've got to have a core set of principals that you follow on a day-to-day basis.

At Dan’s company, Digital Grit, those principals are:

1) A clear and compelling vision for the future and a demonstrated willingness to make the tough decisions required to turn that vision into a reality.

2) Action vs. inaction - make things happen.

3) A culture of excellence - success, growth, innovative "want to change the world" solutions, hard work, attention to detail, refuse to lose, planning, financial management, and fun.

4) An unwavering respect for each individual. Loyalty, commitment to diversity, accountability, empowerment, recognition.

5) A never-ending desire to learn and a true willingness to be humble.

6) Open, honest and frequent communications at all levels in multiple forms.

7) A commitment to hiring only the best.

What are your company’s core set of principals?