5 Business Success Principles

5 Business Success Principles

When it comes to life and business, it is no coincidence that some people always seem to fail while others always seem to flourish. For sure, chance plays a role in everything. But as individuals, as business-owners, as thinkers, and as parents, we have a significant degree of control over our lives.

Now, we can use the control that we have to influence outcomes in bad ways. Or we can use it to influence outcomes in our favor; and in the favor of those we care about most.

When we use it poorly or when we don’t use it at all, it should come as no surprise that our outcomes are bad. And when we use it thoughtfully and carefully, it should similarly be less surprising when we succeed.

Let me give you an example. At work, your employer considers you for a promotion; however, at the same time, she also considers several of your co-workers for a promotion, too.

Now, as many do, you might immediately say “there’s nothing I can do to influence my boss in my favor. Instead, this decision will be determined by things that are out of my control.” And, of course, when the day comes, you will not get that promotion.

Instead, someone who pushed hard to demonstrate his worthiness for the position will get the job. And you will be left wondering why that person is always successful; and always gets promotions, raises, and the adoration of management.

You might even feel resentment towards that person, even though you consider him a friend.

When it comes down to it, though, it wasn’t your friend who caused you to miss the promotion (or at least not to give yourself the best shot at getting it). Rather, it was your own behavior that prevented your boss from seriously considering you as a candidate.

Fortunately for you, this post is all about situations just like the one we described above. It’s about feeling powerless when you’re not; experiencing bad outcomes when there’s no reason to; and finally, it’s about making sure this problem stops.

Most importantly, this series of posts are about success. They are about extracting the characteristics of others that make them successful at work, in parenthood, or in the workplace; and then adopting those characteristics for your own use.

So, without further ado, let’s take the plunge. Today, you will stop telling yourself that you have no control over your life; and today, you will learn exactly what it means to take that control, grasp it firmly, and use it to achieve success in all areas of your life.

Let’s get into the first 5 success principles.

Success in Managing or Running a Business

In these next few principles, I will provide you with tips for achieving success in business. It doesn’t matter whether you own a business, want to own a business, or play an important managerial role, there are certain traits and habits that you can adopt that will determine whether or not you can be successful in the long term.

Principle #1 – Stop Complaining

Whenever it comes to success and business, the best place to start is by committing yourself to not complaining. Of course, it is perfectly fine to raise concerns, to question dubious choices, and to remain thoughtful and analytical at all times.

However, needless and persistent complaining generally accomplishes nothing positive. To the contrary, it drags you down, reflects poorly on you, and can transform otherwise productive co-workers into cynical, whining unproductive co-workers.

In short, focus on solving problems, not complaining that they cannot be solved.

Principle #2 – Strive to Reach Your Full Potential

One of the things that prevents many people from achieving the best possible outcome is complacency. Once they begin to do well at something in business— be it advertising, inspiring employees, or something else—they take a miniature mental vacation.

That is—instead of ratcheting things up further, they let things play out and contribute nothing additional. The usual end result of this is generally not positive.

So, instead of being complacent, push hard to reach your full potential at every turn.

Principle #3 – Limit Your Use of Short-Cuts

Of course, some short cuts are a good thing. If you can find a way to go from point A to point B in half of the time and there is no downside to the new route, then you should of course take it.

But in many instances in business, we do face tradeoffs. For instance, we might be able to cut costs by not giving employees a raise, but as a result, they might become disgruntled and intentionally shirk their duties.

So, in general, limit your use of short cuts. But if you see one that’s good and doesn’t appear to have a downside, then seize it, but do so.

Principle #4 – Be a Continuous Learner

People have different learning styles. Some learn all the time; and find ways to incorporate that learning into their lives as they go. These people are continuous learners.

On the other hand, most of us learn in discrete chunks. For instance, we might find out how to use a new software program, but immediately after doing so, we will cease to learn anything new about it until it is absolutely necessary.

In general, those who learn in discrete chunks often find themselves at a serious disadvantage, as they often neglect to learn many important new things about products, people, and tools they interact with on a daily basis.

So try to be a continuous learner. It may be difficult, but you’ll be happy you made the switch. Here’s another way to be a continuous learner.  Read this complete overview of the TCE Cherrington Media Mentorship program.

Principle #5 – Always Have a Plan – Even if You Don’t Use It

Some people serially-plan their lives. For each minute of the day, they have something scheduled. Like clockwork, their days play out with very few unforeseen events.

Initially, you might think this sounds boring and inspiring, but in business, it is the status quo among those who are most successful. And remember, even if you don’t opt to use your plan, at least you will have the option to do so.

There are 5 success principles to start with.  In future posts I will list more for you to incorporate into your days. Meanwhile, check out this post on a Make Money Online Mindset Hack.