The thought occurred to me that some of our readers could benefit from a few of the lessons I have learned over the years – both on my own and from observing/working with a lot of successful people in this and other businesses.
Here are a few pointers you should try to implement:
- Be prompt in all replies. Whether it’s an email, phone call, or even a letter – be quick to reply. Everyone will love you for it and you’ll look (and be) on top of your game by not procrastinating.
- Be nice to everyone. You want everyone to love you if you can. Be friendly! Be courteous! Ask a lot of questions. Be interested. Be polite. Be nice! It always pays off.
- Stay up with current events. Pay attention to the news. Know what is going on in the world, your industry, your client’s industry, and your community. Be informed. Don’t be ignorant.
- Don’t let HR problems fester. You know what I’m talking about. Non-performing people. Trouble-makers. Morale destroyers. Move them on now and not later.
- Don’t forget to take care of your people. Your best people probably always deserve more than they are getting from you. Take care of them! Don’t lump them in with everyone else.
- Get out and sell. You have to demonstrate this personally – that you can and do bring home the bacon. This is essential if you expect other people to do it. And selling is all about talking to people. The more you speak with clients the more opportunities you will have.
- Don’t devote any energy to getting back at people. It’s all negative. You need to stay positive. Let it go and move on and be the better person in the end.
- Surround yourself with other positive, successful people. It’s crucial for you to maintain your good attitude and mental state. And they will inspire you to be like them.
- Take care of your family. All work and no family time will result in no family. Make sure you make time for the other people in your life who you care about. It’s how you spend your time that really matters.
- Take care of your health. Cut out the smoking, excessive drinking, watch your diet, and work out three to five times a week. And get some sleep – at least try to. All of these things are essential to your physical health – and your mental health and energy level will follow right along.
Mark Zweig is Zweig Group’s founder and CEO. Contact him at mzweig@zweiggroup.com.
