I find it very, very difficult to watch myself on TV. Peter Jones More Quotes by Peter Jones More Quotes From Peter Jones So I went and got my first job at 28, trying to think what I am going to do, I've never worked for anybody, so I decided to go and write and send my CV off to everyone. Peter Jones i-am never job think The first thing I think, I was building computers, I started to build a computer when I was 17 or 18 at home, an IBM compatible computer, and then I started to sell computers, and when I sold a computer to a company called Ligo I think, and they were selling systems which became blockbuster. Peter Jones computers think building home I've got my own businesses I run every day and I like to think I'm a nurturer rather than a firer, but the reality is, if somebody continues not to succeed and do the right thing for the business they lose the job because they are affecting the livelihoods of others. Peter Jones do-the-right-thing job day business My kids certainly aren't going to have the money. They don't need it. Peter Jones going need money kids We've all seen those spoiled little brats that end up being given everything and on their 17th birthday get a Ferrari. That whole thing I just can't bear it. Peter Jones end everything being birthday Business is about making money but it is also about having fun, so get your character across. Peter Jones money business fun character If someone comes onto 'Dragons' Den' and annoys me, I'm going to tell them exactly what I think. Peter Jones someone tell think me I'm not a guy who plays political games, and I believe absolutely in one method, which is directness. Peter Jones i-believe political games believe Being an entrepreneur is probably the most lonely thing you can do. Peter Jones being you entrepreneur lonely I always substitute the word 'feedback' for 'failure.' Peter Jones word always feedback failure When people pitch me their ideas in a T-shirt and jeans it shows they can't be bothered. Peter Jones t-shirt me people ideas I never thought I'd be a TV entrepreneur. Peter Jones tv never thought entrepreneur One of the biggest reasons entrepreneurs don't succeed is because they have too many chiefs. You've got to bring in the right people to make the right decisions. Peter Jones decisions you succeed people When you do make losses, or you have businesses that don't succeed, it's about knowing when to stop and do something else. Peter Jones stop something you succeed One of the things that slightly annoys me in business is that we use words like innovation. Young people often think innovation is about doing something new, but actually it's not. It's about doing something better than your competition. Peter Jones me innovation business people There are lots of people who say you are born an entrepreneur - you either have that gene or not. I really disagree with that. Peter Jones you entrepreneur born people I've certainly learnt there's nothing more important than cash - cash flow issues are one of the biggest causes of company failures. Peter Jones more nothing company important I lost my computer business when I was 29 because I gave credit to firms I didn't investigate. I lost my house and had to move back in with my parents and then I lived in an office for six months. Peter Jones parents back business house My father was an air conditioning engineer and we lived in a three-bedroom terraced house in Langley before moving to a four-bedroom house in Maidenhead, where my parents still live. Peter Jones live parents father moving I have seen celebrities whose friends change as they become more successful, but my friends haven't changed over 30 years. I've still got some of the friends I had when I was 14 and I see them regularly with their families. Peter Jones some see friends change
