According to an interview realized by none other than Michael Jeffreys, there are 8 things one should know and must do in order to have a successful business. He has done a research amongst some of the most prosperous people in the world and synthesized the 8 most important factors for success, common for all of them. I don’t remember word for word these factors, but I am pretty sure I got the idea, so here they are for you. This is one really great and motivating article, so take the time to read it, you won’t regret it!
How to Be Successful – Critical Success Factors
1. Be responsible
Once you accept being the victim of society, you are condemning every initiative you take on to failure. It is very easy to claim no responsibility for your actions and the state you are in. Being a victim means being defeated. Do not be defeated, do not act like a victim! The government, the family, taxes, and the old lady you donated to last year are not responsible for your current situation. Take control and responsibility for what you do!
2. Always have a goal
Being an entrepreneur means being a thinker. One cannot have a successful business without innovations and ideas. Be the best with new tasks and keep in mind that motivation is what defines success. Keeping your eye on the goal is the best way to achieve this. The ones who lack this are just wasting away time, money, and precious mind power.
3. Nothing good is free of charge
at least when it is about quality. When you want to have a great business, you need great service and great employees. Be ready to pay a great price for this. Nothing comes free of charge except when it comes to low-quality items that will probably bring misfortune rather than work for you. This is also a main economic law – in an efficient market, quality is never underpriced! Never! No free lunch…
4. Focus! Focus! And Focus!
The everyday life of a businessman is filled with many tasks starting from dozens of phone calls, continuing to emails, office meetings, outside meetings, and employees asking for their employer’s time for what and whatnot. There is also the personal life of the entrepreneur and with this, the challenge becomes huge. What is the challenge? It is staying focused entirely on the future, of your future and your business. What would’ve happened to J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter, if she had given up after the years of declines she received from publishers and agents alike? The same goes for none other than “Chicken Soup for the Soul” – Jack Canfield and Mark Hanson who, without giving up and always keeping their eyes on the goal, were giving tens of interviews per week just to get enough attention so that, hopefully, someone would decide to take in their work. The work that became a worldwide bestseller.
5. Become a guru
The business you’re taking on may originate from a hobby of yours, this is an even better way to do things, however, a positive point of view is not enough to succeed. You need to strive for success and this is done only by improving yourself, putting effort into learning more, and being able to do more. You need to become an expert in your field. Take notice of everything that happens within your office, because it is the mirror that reflects the quality of your work.
6. Write down your goals on a sheet of paper
Write out an action plan/map for how you’re going to achieve your goals. Trying to reach your goals without a plan is like trying to drive from Los Angeles to Chicago without a map. A goal that isn’t written down is merely a wish or fantasy.
7. Never Ever Give Up
Never, never, ever give up. When you’re fully committed to achieving your aim, quitting should not be an option. You have to be willing to do whatever is needed to make it happen. Persistence is a great power. There is a nice saying about this, “inch by inch it’s a cinch”. You just need to move, no matter how fast, just make sure the direction is forward! Never give up! Keep on making small steps ahead every day and sooner or later you will get where you are going.
8. Everybody’s time is limited
Remember this! Nobody will live forever! Every single day you have less and less time to achieve your goals. Sooner or later you will be gone… Not a very nice feeling right? But this is pure truth! So use it in your favor, and stop wasting more time. Be fearless and strive for your dreams. START NOW, and do NOT delay anything! Never wait for the right moment, because it is very possible for it never to come… This can’t be said with better words, than those of Steve Jobs, when he spoke at Stanford University. I highly recommend you to watch this short, but life-changing video: Steve Jobs Stanford Commencement Speech.
