Janice called my assistant in an almost desperate state and
left this message, "I need an emergency breakthrough
session!" Janice explained that her passion for her small
business was waning as the reality of her 2005 financial and
business results were revealed in her tax preparation. She
was worried that her business would go under if she didn't
do something real soon.
As we started our session, I asked Janice what she needed
to feel successful again in her business. Without hesitating,
Janice said, "I need to know I can be a successful entrepreneur!
I've been working harder than I ever imagined for less money
- and I'm starting to feel like I have a J.O.B. again!"
As I did a little digging, I realized that Janice, like many
entrepreneurs, started her business because she didn't want
to work for someone else anymore but she had no idea what
it takes to be successful.
So, knowing that Janice is not alone, I thought I'd share
13 Attributes of the Wealthiest, Happiest, and Most Successful
Entrepreneurs on the Planet. Check in with yourself and see
how many of these attributes you have.
Has high self confidence. You have a belief in
yourself that you can do it.
Does not consider failure as an option. You recognize
that failure is a necessary step to finding what does work.
Able to move from ambiguity to clarity. You recognize
that confusion, chaos and lack of clarity are all pieces
of the "playing full out" puzzle. You have a process
that allows you to move through this phase into a state
of power and momentum.
Has perseverance and discipline. You know that
every day you must focus on what must be done, not what
you feel like doing. You engage in consistent, supportive
habits.
Has a plan yet is "flexible." The key
to massive results is setting your mind on a desired outcome
while being willing to "go with the flow" so the
idea can expand and grow with the changing environment.
Sets and attains realistic goals. In my work,
the only difference between goal talkers and goal getters
are how realistic you are about your time management and
abilities.
Takes calculated risks. Risks are necessary -
but they must be tempered against what is good for you and
your business. Learn what your high payoff opportunities
are.
Equally skilled in sales, marketing and "craft."
It's not enough to love what you do; you must become masterful
at bringing in the business opportunities. Otherwise you
will be the best kept secret in the world.
Has financial backing/funding sources. To truly
achieve wealth, you must have access to financial leverage.
As the saying goes, "It takes money to make money."
Enormous passion and drive for the work. When
the going gets tough (and it will) the one thing that will
keep you going is your passion. You have to get up every
day believing that what you do is so vital, so important
and so necessary that you are willing to overcome any obstacles
in your way.
Willingness to learn. You recognize that the minute
you know it all, you are done. Bigger successes come from
continuing to learn, grow and evolve your mind and your
goals.
Surrounded by other successful entrepreneurs.
You invest your time, money and energy in people who are
playing a big game. Choosing an environment to tap into
collaborative opportunities, brainstorming and big thinking
is your way to leaping forward.
Has good health and unbounded energy. The one
thing that is precious that can't be bought once it is gone
is your energy. You make a commitment to maintaining a good
health regime as a priority, not a last resort.
Do you find that you are missing a few of these? Or maybe
you feel a little rusty on a point or two? That's Ok. Develop
a training plan for yourself on how you will learn and develop
the attribute. Set a three month and six month goal and watch
your success begin to soar.
Melanie Benson Strick offers keynotes speeches, mentoring,
coaching, training and products designed to get people out
of overwhelm and onto the success fast-track. For your free
copy of "The 5 Massive Mistakes that can Put you Out
of Business..and How to Avoid them", visit http://www.SuccessConnections.com