Business Success – Do You Have What it Takes?

Donald Trump, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet. What do these names mean to you? If they conjure up images of wealth and success then you are probably well aware that these men didn't get where they are by sitting on the couch all day – each one took action throughout their lives to create immense financial prosperity by creating successful companies.

I am often asked what it takes to be successful and what strategies and tasks need to be in place. While there are many, many things that need to be aligned in order to create a successful enterprise, I have chosen to focus on a ten success points to help you decide what you need to do to be more successful.

Rome wasn't built in a day. To create everything listed below could take a business owner one to two years. So don't be hard on yourself or punish yourself if your score is low.

Circle True or False for each statement below:

1. T/F The firm has a BIG Visionof what it will look like five years from now.

Why? If you don't know what you're building, how can you move forward?

2. T/F The firm has a simple, client-centered Mission Statement.

Why? If you don't focus on what your clients want, you will not create a loyal following

3. T/F The firm has big goalsand everyone is excited about reaching these goals (Sales are consistent and increasing; your team has buy-in).

Why? If you don't have goals you will not be focused on success

4. T/F The firm has a Business Planthat details the sales and marketing objectives and programs for the year.

Why? If you haven't planned for success you will be less likely to achieve it

5. T/F The Business Plan is being used, measured against and updated at least quarterly.

Why? If you don't USE your business plan it's not worth the paper it's written on

6. T/F The firm has a Websitethat attracts leads and encourages visitors to take action on every page.

Why? If you don't tell visitors what to do they won't do anything

7. T/F The firm has a Target Market and a written Ideal Client Profilewhich is featured on the firm's website.

Why? If you don't tell the public who you work best with you will continue to attract less than ideal clients

8. T/F The firm has a well thought out "BRAND"complete with tagline that communicates a benefit to the Target Client.

Why? If you don't brand yourself you won't stand out from the crowd

9. T/F The firm has a written Referral Strategyand measures its success consistently.

Why? If you don't have a written program, you will not focus on getting referrals

10. T/F The firm has the right consultant, coach, banker, CPA, attorney, financial advisor, and other advisorsto guide it properly.

Why? You need a team to assist you in your success. Do you think Donald Trump or Bill Gates does everything themselves?

_______ List # of true statements

IMAGINE…Close your eyes and think deeply about what you want in your life. Do you want to continue working 60+ hours a week? Do you want to continue attracting clients who are not right for you - who are lacking in assets and potential?

What do you want in your life? More income, more freedom, and more happiness? Then my friend, you will have to do some work to get there.

What one statement above do you most need to work on in the next month?? Take the steps to work on your business so that you can move towards having what you want. Print this article from my website and list what you will do and the date you will do it. Tape it on your office wall until you have completed your assignment. Repeat as needed.

My Action Item(s)

I will work on the following: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Date I will do this: ___________________________

CONCLUSION:It's not what you plan to do that will make you successful, it is what you IMPLEMENT and put into practice on a regular basis. Stop planning and start doing!! Make the commitment to yourself today that you will create a financially successful business that will support you in living an extraordinary life.

Get started today!