Jack of All Trades

Navigation

Downloads

eBooks

Resources

Articles

Tuesday, February 25

A Few Thoughts about "Success" by Sharon Williams

Extras

Send a greeting card today!

Jack of All Trades

Tuesday, February 25, 2003

A Few Thoughts about "Success"

by Sharon Williams

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Well, success can
be defined by the boundaries you, as an individual, establish.
Personal, business, whatever; if you let others determine the
measuring tool, they also determine your level of success.
However, if you do what you do best - be yourself- success, as
you define it, will follow.

THE BUSINESS
Smile, and have your introductory company ad down to a two or
three minute presentation. That's what the experts say -but what
if you're a poor public speaker? Practice! Practice! Practice!

Some say use props to get your message across. How about
innovative business cards, a company oriented crossword puzzle,
or a catchy looking postcard with follow-up phone call? Any of
the above may help get your message heard, but the best method
is - do what you do best, and success will follow.

WORK WITH OTHERS
If sales is not your forte, joint venture with a sales team.
Design and promotions not your best skill? Then work with a
marketing company. Don't be afraid to network, and barter
services to get your message out. And, offer what you do best
to other companies. You will be surprised at the responses you
may receive.

There are times when the business owner is not the best person
to assess a situation. Being too close to the topic, she tends
to look at it from one frame of reference, ownership and the
bottom line (cash flow), instead of as the consumer. By joining
an "executive dialog group" or similar body, business owners,
managers, etc., bounce their ideas, issues, and problems off of
other non-competing owners, managers, and key personnel. Think
of it as an informal board of directors. It's a way to share
experiences, discuss your topic with issue-oriented persons,
network, and get feedback . . . from your peers. And it allows
you more time to do what you do best - and be a success.

Three strikes does not have to mean you're out
If you try a system that does not work, it could mean it didn't
fit your needs. Of course, investigate before you invest; but,
once you find something you feel comfortable with, go for it! If
it fits your personality and pocketbook, and compliments what
you do well, give it a shot.

Doing what you do best can apply to so many concerns; business,
personal, investments - it's all in knowing yourself, your
positive attitude, where you want to go, and how you want to get
there. If you don't already know, jot down your interest, likes
and dislikes. Then rank them in priority order. Determine the
feasibility of attempting such a venture i.e., time, financial
investment, regulatory requirements, market, family commitment,
etc. Don't reinvent the wheel - somebody out there has probably
tried something similar; and if it fits - do what you do best.
Be you, and success, on some, level will follow.

Everyone is not going to be #1. That doesn't stop us from
striving to reach our personal goal. And, a lot of us don't want
the stress that goes with "success." However, don't lose sight
of your individual essence, or lose confidence because you
stumble along the way. Being yourself always is best - and
success, as you define it, will follow.
_______________________________________________________________
Sharon Williams is a Master Virtual Assistant and president of
The 24 Hour Secretary (www.The24HourSecretary.com). Her company
has been providing administrative, secretarial and virtual
assisting support since 1990. She is the author of Marketing
Your VA Practice: It�s Not About Money, It�s About Having the
Right Strategy. The publication offers business-marketing
strategies that won�t break the bank. For information about the
VA industry, business support or marketing, contact Sharon at:
sharon@The24HourSecretary.com. To order marketing strategies
book, visit: www.The24HourSecretary.com.
_______________________________________________________________