This weekend, I finally got round to reading Michael Hill’s book “Toughen Up.”  For those who don’t know him (US and UK, I’d guess), Michael Hill is the founder of Michael Hill International,  the publicly-listed mid-market jewellery retailer which grew from a single store in small-town Whangarei to a multinational chain spanning New Zealand, Australia, Canada and (recently) the USA. Hill’s story is an inspiration to those who think they’ve left it too late to strike out on their own.  Hill didn’t do well at school, and he wasn’t talented enough to pursue a career in music or architecture, his early passions. When he was 17, his parents arranged a job in his uncle’s jewellery store where, learning from his salesman father who also worked there, Hill discovered he was good at selling jewellery.  For 23 years, he drifted along, eventually running the store despite his uncle’s disdain and repeated refusals to let Hill buy into the business. Everything changed when Hill’s house burned down.  Watching the flames, he had an epiphany, resolving to buy his uncle’s business. When Uncle Arthur again refused Hill’s very generous price, Hill announced he would set up in competition; he was ordered to clear out there and then.  The rest, as they say, is history.

Michael Hill’s book (co-written with Claire Harvey and already in its third print) is a deceptively simple read.  With a light, self-deprecating and chatty manner, he expounds his business insights through his personal and company history. I found myself nodding vigorously at several points, particularly learning not to fight on too many fronts at the same time, keeping things simple, keeping focused on big goals, and being prepared to make mistakes. Several chapters feel like something I might have written myself when explaining business ideas to staff.

Hill’s narrative is interspersed with adoring short notes from some of his staff; some readers may find that it feels too much like a company indoctrination manual.  Even so, persevere. There are some golden nuggets of business wisdom in there. And the title?  It goes back to Hill’s house fire epiphany at age 40.  Times may be tough now, but there is no better time to start something new.