Dr. G's success principles.

LATELY, MUCH HAS BEEN WRITTEN ABOUT success; what it really is, how to get it and what to do with it once you've gotten there. Rather than have you wade through 300 pages, I thought I'd narrow it down to ten tools that I've seen the best of the best use. Here they are:

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1. The seeds of greatness are already inside of you. Think of one great thing that you do and remember that greatness in one area spills over into other areas.

2. Listen to your intuition. Trusting your instincts is what the Warren Buffet's and Jack Welch's do on a daily basis. Sure, you might not be right every time, but each success makes your skill set stronger.

3. Your business is a lifetime self improvement course. School is never out for leaders. Continue to educate yourself and learn as much as you can about what you are currently doing and what you want to do in the future. Make sure the people around you do the same thing.

4. The ultimate success is having the ability to live life on your own terms. If you're doing what feels right--trust it. If you want more, declare it for yourself and create an achievable plan.

5. Women and men tend to measure their worth differently. Think about how you would view yourself if you were the opposite gender. Stop trying to "have it all" because somewhere along the line you will accidentally drop something very important. Not to mention--the stress will kill you.

6. Money isn't the root of all evil, people (rich or poor) are. Wealth only corrupts the corruptible. Money makes you more of what you already are. If you don't like what you've become, remember that you have the power to change it. By the way, negative thoughts about money can stop you from making it.

7. Selling is nurturing. Nurture your clients. The best sales people ask a lot of clarifying questions and offer brilliant solutions. There's a lot of power in knowing how to ask the right questions, and there's a lot more power when your clients know you care.

8. Multi-task. Most business/people do not market effectively. You must learn to do many things at the same time. High tech, low tech and high touch are the three effective forms of marketing.

9. The heart weighs more than the wallet. Value people more than money. It's about being able to help people with your success, not about how many toys you can buy.

10. Never stop reading. Make the effort to read material that is outside your normal field or interest. Integrating what you know with new information is where great ideas come from.

The people I know who are truly successful are some of the most gracious and generous individuals on the planet. When one is truly feeling like they are sharing their talents with the world, it gives them good reason to help others by mentoring them and helping improve their lives by being a good example of how living successfully makes you, your company, and the world better.

About the Author: For more than two decades Fortune 500 companies, educational institutions, and government organizations worldwide have relied on Dr. Barton Goldsmith to help them develop creative and balanced leadership. He is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, business consultant and author. His columns appear in over 500 publications, including the Chicago Sun-Times, the Detroit News, and the Los Angeles Business Journal. Considered an expert on small business, he has spoken worldwide to groups of 10 to 5,000, and is in high demand for Keynotes, Training and Consulting. He may be contacted through his web site BartonGoldsmith.com or at (818) 879-9996.

Footnote:

1. The information provided herein is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.

By Barton Goldsmith, Ph.D.