The 7 Traits of an Exceptional and Successful EntrepreneurWritten by Robert Moment
The 7 Traits of an Exceptional & Successful Entrepreneur By Robert Moment © 2004 How often have you either referred to or considered expression, “Success is a journey and not a Destination?” Probably many times, yet often being in a hurry to get there, we forget that success is not an end unto itself, but is instead an ongoing process. Though some people seem to have Midas touch and easily turn everything to gold, most of us have to give our endeavors lots of time, effort and sweat of our brow before seeing things come to fruition. The simple truth is that majority of us are simply not born leaders, but become leaders by who we are and actions we take. Consequently, whether or not you’re an established entrepreneur or just starting out on your journey, there are particular traits you’ll usually find operating within exceptional entrepreneur. In fact there are 7 particular traits you’ll generally discover deeply embedded within exceptional and successful businessperson. If you’ve already taken plunge as an entrepreneur, you know that it takes a great deal of planning, development and strategic marketing to succeed. At any given time, there are changes to be considered and new directions to examine. In which case, whether you’re CEO, CFO, Chief Marketer or Chief Solutions Officer of your company, your journey to success is probably full of trials and tribulations. To support you in your journey to success, be willing to open your mind and sense of reasoning as you consider whether these traits are part of your driving force. If they are not yet ingrained within you, I recommend that you give them some thought. THE 7 TRAITS TO SUCCESS 1) Successful Entrepreneurs Gain Respect of their Peers One of first and most obvious characteristics you’ll see operating in an exceptional entrepreneur is an equitable and unbiased disposition . Plain and simple successful entrepreneur recognizes that no one is above or below. With an attitude of respect for others, successful entrepreneur gains respect from everyone they encounter. Strategies, attitudes and methods filter down to each person and reflect on all actions and activities. A successful entrepreneur gives everyone space to be great. No matter how effective or beneficial your expertise, becoming a successful entrepreneur requires building up of your character muscles, traits and habits, which correspondingly make your dreams a reality. 2) Successful Entrepreneurs Believe and Trust in Themselves The savvy entrepreneur is good at trusting his or her own ideas and instincts. Starting out as an entrepreneur requires persistence, determination and a high level of self-discipline. Continuing as a successful entrepreneur requires even more persistence, determination and self-discipline. The wise and successful entrepreneur knows this and works hard at developing their level of confidence. If you have a strong code of ethics and believe in yourself, then your ideas can work. Having desire and passion are first steps on your journey; getting there requires believing in yourself. 3) Successful Entrepreneurs Follow a Plan The successful entrepreneur follows a plan. Haphazard or trial and error have no place for triumphant entrepreneur, for no one gets to his or her destination without a map or a guide to follow. That doesn’t mean you won’t go off course if another road seems better, but it’s still more effective to have a plan in place. Most successful entrepreneurs start out by writing a basic business plan that acts as impetus and guide for their endeavors. It doesn’t have to be fancy or lengthy but it should include marketing strategies, goals, intentions, ideas and why you can do better than your competition. A business plan should be reviewed and updated periodically for each new idea stirs and inspires other ideas.
| | Surviving Corporate Politics Part 2: Keeping Up AppearancesWritten by Gary Whittaker
Never a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression, or so saying goes. We all know that when someone is introduced into your work environment for first time, their peers size them up immediately. How they are dressed, how they talk, and how they set up their workspace. Especially in large companies, where there is constant personnel movement, keeping up your appearance is a full time task. In smaller companies, how you compose yourself from Day 1 is of utmost importance. We will start with basics: Work Clothes: Dress up. Not in terms of church going attire, but as your immediate superiors. In cases where there is a big gap between your level, and that of your manager, than take all but 1 approach. If your boss wears ties with his suit, then leave that out. If he wears a jacket, but no tie, then wear a nice shirt and pants. In all cases, you have to stand out and be noticed against grain. When companies look to cut staff, they want to keep those that they feel are flexible, and like-minded. Fitting into their image gives your boss impression that you will follow his lead, and make yourself an asset for his goals. The bible has a verse about respecting Sabbath, and keeping it holy. For our corporate survivor, that day is Casual Friday. On Fridays, you should never wear a suit jacket, or a tie. You should also never, under any circumstance, wear JEANS! Talk to your local clothing retailer for some upscale casual wear. For advanced: Keep a spare, neutral colored blazer in office, either at your desk or in a closet. If you find that you do not have enough matches clothes for it, then buy an extra pair to keep at office as wear. Spend money to get your pants and jackets tailored to fit properly. Keep a pair of work shoes for office use only. Work shoes can be fairly expensive, so you will want to make them last. Most importantly, unless you have a sizable budget for clothes, avoid "in" trends. Usually, 1 "in" suit a year is enough. Of course, sitting down with your colleagues, and showing your white, or unmatching socks spoils effect, no matter how expensive attire, so always keep a pair of black socks handy. Grooming: Keep yourself shaved. Mustaches and beards are okay, as long as you keep it trimmed at ALL times. Get your hair cut by a stylist, and not a barber. You are not 12 anymore. If you are going bald, deal with it. You are not fooling anyone by placing pieces of hair over your bald spots. Make sure to take care of any "special" issues you may have, like, for instance, famous Unibrow. You do not want to be thought of as Burt from Sesame Street. Facial piercings are an obvious no, and even earrings should be removed. Your teeth should be in good condition. There are plenty of whitening products on market, so make sure you buy them. Your pockets should always have a breath mint, and NEVER gum. If you drink coffee, or eat, you should be popping those mints right afterwards. It is too late if you run into someone unexpectedly.
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