I've noticed (and I'm sure you have, too), while many companies and individuals might be struggling
right now, that there is also a group of companies and
individuals flourishing. I've also noticed there are some
common characteristics found in these companies and individuals
who seem to be doing well during some of these uncertain
times. Here are five characteristics that stand out:
1. These companies and individuals
operate from a win/win philosophy and inherently value their
business relationships (customers, employees and vendors).
When you understand and appreciate this principle it allows you
to create and receive value both on a short and long-term basis,
as well as recognize and be in line for new opportunities that
begin to present themselves.
2. These companies and individuals have an entrepreneurial
mindset. Although it's true that when a boom is going on the
entrepreneur is often leading the way, I've also noticed that
when the water is high (things are going good), everything tends
to even out (everyone seems to be doing well). But when it
all starts to go south, it is then that entrepreneurs can rise
more quickly and distinguish themselves. Their ability to
take risks, be decisive, recognize and seize opportunity and to
basically "create," allows them to find a way to make
things happen.
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3. These companies and individuals have an excellent work
ethic and focus. In sports, if you were to ask, who in their
respective sport has been a dominant figure, three immediately
come to my mind--Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan and Wayne
Gretzky. Beyond their remarkable ability and talent, there
is also something about these three that help propel them into
greatness--their fierce competitiveness and their incredible
work ethic. How do you beat the most talented person in
the world when they will also out work you and have a "will
to win" that is not to be exceeded? Well, the same is
true in business. The top performers do not get
complacent. They do not rest on their laurels. And they
don't decide that because they are doing well or are on top that
that is good enough. Their work ethic and drive to be
their personal best has allowed previous victories and momentum
to carry over into more success (even in difficult times).
4. These companies and individuals have made a commitment
to succeed. Making a decision is the prerequisite to all
successes. As Jim Rohn says, all good things are upstream,
but the natural tendency is downstream. Commitment creates
the mindset that allows us to face challenges, shut out negative
circumstances and discomfort and then move upstream towards our
goals.
5. These companies and individuals operate out of
faith. Without faith it is impossible to take risk.
Without faith it is impossible to make investments of time and
effort in the present hoping for a future reward. And
without faith it is impossible to make short-term sacrifices on
a consistent basis. Faith allows you to be free to give
and be your best, knowing that the reward will manifest itself
sometime in the future. Faith also allows you to find the
opportunity that often comes disguised in the form of a problem
or challenge. While others are "missing it" or
spending their time and energy complaining, the person or
company of faith is identifying and seizing new opportunities.
Question: How do you rate yourself in these five areas
above? I would estimate much of where you find yourself
today could be directly related to how well you have fared the
past few years in regards to the five points above. The
good news is today is a new day, a new opportunity.
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