Do you have what it takes?

My friend John Dealy runs a very successful advisory council business and I receive his emails regularly. I thought this one was a great discussion of what it takes to be successful

1.They work smart and effectively.
They intention, they plan and they take action. They take time to play. They get up early, rarely complain. While expecting performance from others, they expect extraordinary performance from themselves. Repeated, high-level success starts with recognition that hard work pays off.

2. They are curious and eager to learn.
They study, ask questions, read and learn - constantly! They apply and/or take advantage of what they learn. Repeated success is not about memorizing facts, it's about being able to take information and create, build, or use it in new and resourceful ways. Successful people want to learn everything about everything!

3. They MasterMind.
They know lots of people, and they know lots of different kinds of people. They listen to, ask questions and interact with friends, neighbors, co-workers and taxi-drivers. They don't have to be 'the life of the party.' In fact many are quiet, some are shy. They have a rolodex full of people who value their friendship and return their calls. Successful people value relationships and they take advantage of the power of the MasterMind in both small conversations and larger group situations.

4. They work on themselves.
Socrates said 'Know Thyself.' Really successful people work on their personality, leadership skills, management skills, and every other detail of life. When a relationship or business deal goes sour, they learn from what happened and do better next time. Successful people don't accept flaws; they fix them!

5. They are extraordinarily creative.
Very successful people go around asking, 'Why not?' They see new combinations, possibilities, opportunities and challenges where others see problems or limitations. They ask for advice, try things out, consult experts and amateurs, and look for a better, faster, cheaper solution. Successful people create marvelous new and exciting possibilities.

6. The are self-reliant and take responsibility.
Successful people don't worry about blame. They don't waste time complaining. They make decisions and move on. Extremely successful people take the initiative, take action and accept the responsibilities for their decisions and the results.

7. They respond wisely to change.
Even in times of stress or turmoil, highly successful people keep their balance. They know the value of timing, humor, patience and being prepared. Extraordinarily successful people breathe easily, ask questions, and make quick decisions, even in a crisis.

8. They have a gift for living in the moment.
Extremely successful people know that 'Now' is the only time they can control. They have a 'gift' for looking people in the eye, listening to what is being said, enjoying a meal or fine wine, music or playing with a child. They never seem rushed, and they get a lot done! They take full advantage of every minute of each day. Successful people don't spend time; they invest it!

9. They custom design marvelous futures.
Living in the present gives them a unique ability to 'look over the horizon' and see the future. They observe trends, notice changes, see shifts, and hear the nuances that others miss. Extremely successful people live in the present, with an insightful eye on the future and build with enthusiasm!

10. They take Action!
When an investment isn't working out, they sell. When they see an opportunity, they make the call. If an important relationship is cooling down, they take time to renew it. When technology, a new competitor or a change in the economic situation requires an adjustment, they are the first and quickest to respond.

Dedicated to increasing your sales,

Colleen