There are only 3 Keys to pay attention to if you want to thrive in business world. The beauty of these keys is that when you master them you can always do well. If your current business ends up failing or your industry dies off it won't matter. You are your greatest asset and you can start over and build a new successful business.

Key #1: PROBLEM SOLVING

Business is really just seeing what's needed and providing it. Whether your business is about products, services or both, you are providing a solution to a problem that a lot of people want (not necessarily need) a solution for.

For example, information (or "how to") products give people information they want to be able to do whatever it is that they want to do and don't know "how to" do. Truck drivers provide a solution for how to get products from one place to another. Teachers provide a solution for how to educate our children. I provide a solution for how to use internet marketing to increase profits of any business.

It's same in every industry. Find a problem and offer people a valuable solution at a reasonable price.

Key #2: NUMBERS

To run a successful business all you have to do is track how it's operating and make sure you're taking in more money than you're spending. When you see which systems work, do more of that and you'll make more money.

For example, in direct marketing (online and offline)you always start by researching your product to make sure people actually want to buy it. Then you test and test and test until you have a great headline, great ad copy, and a great sales letter. By great I mean that your sales are skyrocketing.

Once you have those elements tested and proven all you have to do to make more money is to get your ads, headline and sales copy in front of more eyeballs of people who want solution you're providing. Give 'em what they want and they'll buy.

Key #3: ADAPTABILITY

1. Twas night before office holiday party

And you are getting a good night’s sleep after having chosen an appropriate outfit, and gone over your EQ (social skills) because you, Smart Elf that you are, understand “office party” is an oxymoron. You’re going to work and you’re going rested and prepared, just like any other work day.

2. Rudolph Red-Nosed Reindeer?

Remember, he didn't get to play reindeer games. Drink little or none at all. You’re being watched and you need your wits about you.

3. Frosty Snowman was a jolly, happy soul.

Fine line again. It’s that old “business” and “party” combined. Don’t be cold and “businesslike,” it’s time to be warm and congenial. Act like you’re glad to be there! Make it a point to talk with as many folks as you can. But it isn't time to ask for a promotion or raise by trying to do a "snow job" on your boss.

4. Mama in her kerchief and you in your WHAT??

Spare us, spare your job. Dress appropriately. We don’t want to see your hairy chest, new tattoo, naval, cleavage, or top 12” of your thigh. And neither does CFO. You should aim for a festive-but-professional look.

5. HO HO HO

Be full of merry seasonal conversation-starters, like “Did you know that ‘mistletoe’ means ‘dung-on-a-stick’?” j.k. I mean that’s what it does mean, but you might want to save that one. Well, it's "twig," but I ask you, does it matter what your dung is skewered on?

Okay, how about this? Mistletoe etiquette dictates that after you kiss under it, you remove a berry. When all berries are gone, kissing is over. However, don’t eat berry or your kissing days will be permanently over. Holly berries and every part of mistletoe are poisonous. Now isn’t that interesting? No?