I believe it is because he knows or is supposed to know how to lead, organize, manage and bring together, different units to efficiently function as one. I call such a person a mastermind and I believe that anyone can become one.

As a mastermind you don't need to know everything about a company or an area of business you wish to venture in. A little bit is helpful but not necessary.

People think to become spectacularly successful you need to be highly educated or a genius. I will show you in this short article that you don't need either to become successful beyond your wildest dreams in any area you may choose.

Let me give you a real-life example of someone who didn't know everything yet achieved a lot in many different areas. I'm sure you've heard of British billionaire Sir Richard Branson. One of first ventures that Branson got involved in was music industry. Was he a musician? No! Did he know how music industry worked? No! He didn't know much about music industry except perhaps that there was a lot of money to be made.

Branson started Virgin Records and made a lot of money in a short time. Next he launched an airline called Virgin Atlantic. Following this Branson launched a number of other ventures including a soft drink, Virgin Cola, as well as Fitness clubs. Did Branson know a lot about these industries he got involved in? The answer is again no!

When you jump into free agent arena, it doesn't take long to figure out a new set of rules and expectations exist. Those who know and embrace these new realities thrive. Those who are either not aware or ignore them fail.

Here is a list of 5 realities that are critical to success of any free agent.

1. A different skill set is required

No longer is it enough to only know your area of expertise. That's for employees. As a free agent, you need something different. You need a new skill set that has both technical expertise and knowledge to run a business. Most people do not have any trouble with expertise aspect but have significant difficulties with business functions. Some of necessary business skills are:

* Marketing

* Writing proposals

* Giving effective presentations

* Managing finances

* Adhering to various state and federal rules and laws

You have to be committed to continuously learning a lot of information and comprehending it within a short period of time. If you would rather have a company to look after you and provide structure, you should stick to your current job.

2. Cash flow is name of game

This is most important component of being a free agent. Cash flow refers to amount of money that "flows" through your business. It replaces your paycheck. The first part of cash flow is "cash" or money you receive from clients for work you perform. If you do not have any clients, you will not receive any money. If you do not receive any money, you will not be able to pay your bills.

Next is "flow" aspect. If your monthly bills are more than your monthly income, you have a negative cash flow. If your monthly income is more than your monthly bills, you have a positive cash flow.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that length of your free agent career depends on whether you have more months of positive cash flow instead of negative cash flow.

3. Your reputation is vital