An economy has its highs and its lows, its long and short runs, and its paradigm shifts. But as much as things change, the bottom-line principles of success remain the same: no matter the economy, successful people work hard, are self confident, and act and think right. In the specially created compendium, 'Leadership Through the Ages' with its introduction by Rudolph W. Giuliani, Milton Berle is quoted as saying that 'if opportunity doesn't knock, build a door'. In addition, it includes the famous quote by Babe Ruth: 'Never let the fear of striking out get in your way'.
Simon Cowell’s Success Principles
British music executive, television producer and entrepreneur Simon Cowell of American Idol fame reiterated this and more on Oprah Winfrey’s show, ‘Master Class’. In a conversational style, he covered his principles of success in life, namely:
- Patience
- Hard work
- 90% listening and 10% talking
- Confidence: never show fear
- Honesty
- Quality
Simon’s background in business came from starting in the mail room of EMI and listening to people who knew more than he did. He made contacts. He networked. He is now the owner of the television production and music publishing house Syco.
The Importance of Networking
The University of Waterloo promotes its entrepreneurial spirit and one of its successes is its connection with RIM- the developer of the BlackBerry smartphone- founded by Turkish-born Mike Lazaridis of Windsor when still an engineering student at the University of Waterloo.
In an issue of Waterloo, the University of Waterloo’s alumni magazine, there was an article entitled ‘'The Power of Contacts'’. The premise of the article was that, in business you’ve got to be out there. It listed strategies for establishing and building a network, such as:
- Set a goal for the number of people you will be able to call on for help
- Lose the entourage and go it alone
- Plan your introduction: a three part introduction is a classic approach: Who you are. What you can offer. What you're looking for.
- Do things for others
- Get to know your neighbor
It also listed four things that people do wrong:
- Being a snob
- Not taking risks
- Being a taker
- Being unreliable
How to Get or Create a Job
Successful people share many of the same qualities- motivation, creativity, resourcefulness, people skills, flexibility, having a plan- and employ the same strategies- not giving up, volunteering, and networking. But in the final analysis, whether you’re looking for a job or creating your own in a business venture, the primary traits of hard work and self confidence, along with making your own luck still apply.
James Gibson - James Gibson is a retired teacher and small business owner. He is a published writer and has a wide spectrum of interests.
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