Last week I listened as a 25 year old guy shared is plans for his business.
He’s already running a couple of other businesses plus helping out with his partner’s families business.
Before long I was grinning from ear to ear, it was exciting stuff to hear. I was thinking ‘good on him’. He’s got a great idea, has a plan and is 110% giving it a crack.
For a fleeting second the plans for Hardwood Digital felt inferior but I checked myself pretty quickly. I remembered that the plans we’ve made fulfil our goals on multiple levels and we’re making inroads on them. Our measure of personal and business success is different to his.
Over the past two years (and more) I’ve had many people share their business dreams and ideas with me. I love it. It excites me. Some of them are no brainer, off the bat winners. Some of them I know will take a little longer to get off the ground but if they persevere and build a community then they’ll fly.
Starting a business requires hard work.
I don’t think that too many people go into business with their eyes closed on that.
Over time we see a select few rise to the top, others who keep their head above water and then there are those who slowly sink.
It’s important to acknowledge that ‘overnight success’ takes about 7-10 years on average. I’ve heard both Jadah Sellner and Dan Norris talk about this. If you look around and carefully scrutinise successful businesses they are usually built on the back of knowledge and experience.
What combination of attitudes to successful people have that separates them from everyone else?
Successful businesses keep their eye on their core business and don’t get distracted by shiny objects. Have you ever had someone give you advice about your career or business? Me too. It’s always well-meaning but often far from useful.
If you’re clear on your goals and what you want to achieve then any advice should be taken on board with those things in mind. However, it’s also important to be open minded, listen to feed back, consider it and then act in the best interests of your business.
Successful people make sure they understand the important stuff. Understanding the numbers behind your business is key. Don’t stick your head in the sand on this one. It’s important that you know what revenue goals you need to achieve. Be clear on what you need to do in your business to keep moving forward. How many customers/clients/sales it will take and what marketing and systems do you need in place to achieve it.
They back themselves, lean in and steer clear of self-sabotage. It might sound clichéd but they roll up their sleeves, get to work and do what needs to be done. They’re usually pretty good at outsourcing and use their own time in the best way possible.
Successful businesses are focused on finding solutions not problems. They’re consistent and intent on what they’re doing not what competitors and other peer businesses are up to. They don’t just have a plan they EXECUTE it!
Most importantly successful people take complete responsibility for their own success. I think I could write a ream on this particular attitude all on its own.
What traits have you noticed in successful people?
