Ready for a Marvelous 2010
Are you ready for a marvelous 2010?
I am. I’m always excited to see what’s going to happen during the next year.
I’ve made my predictions and talked about what to focus on for next year (based on what I see working best in client businesses). Today I simply want to talk about a few characteristics I find in those who are most successful in business compared to those who flounder around.
If these traits don’t describe you, work on them. Cultivate them till they’re a part of your life.
Trait #1: Confidence
This one is actually hard for me to describe, but those who become successful often exhibit a confidence even from the beginning. They KNOW they can do this.
In my own life this was true. Even with all the failures I had before I came online, I still somehow “knew” I could do this. Having a wife that kept encouraging me, telling me I could do this, definitely helped.
I also see this trait in some of the questions my clients ask. I’ve never kept any clients from asking the questions they want or need. Remember the old saying, there aren’t any stupid questions.
But I do notice after a while the kinds of questions they ask the most. The clients who are struggling to get confidence are the ones usually asking things like how quickly can I make money…or wanting to confirm every little element of their plan before taking a single action. Since I don’t answer questions on weekends, they may sit around all weekend waiting for Monday so they can ask me whether they should spend two hours trying to write their first article.
The most successful ones will often be running minor tests which I don’t hear about UNTIL after they have a question about the results. They do it. Then they ask what I think of the numbers that came back.
I’m not sure if I’m getting this across correctly here, because it’s not simply that they’re asking basic questions. All beginners ask basic questions. The difference I’m talking about is that willingness to take a few risks…and not have everything laid out perfectly for them (which is impossible no matter how much experience you have because there are some differences in every market).
Business has risks. There is no foolproof plan. I used to write in sales copy that something was foolproof, but I’ve learned better. Anything you say is foolproof hasn’t been tested by enough people yet (no offense intended to anyone in that statement but its true).
There is a reason why many some frozen dinners give you the directions to “defrost first,” Nytol Sleep Aid says “may cause drowsiness,” and the manual that came with the dishwasher says not to allow children to play inside the dishwasher. The spray paint can says do not spray in face. And the drug says for oral use only. 
I bet they’ve all learned from experience that someone has tried it.
If you want to KNOW you’ll earn $20 per hour for your work, it’s called a job. You will take risks in business…and you have to be willing to take those risks. The key is to take very small intelligent risks…that you can grow into successful businesses after testing.
Trait #2: Quick Action
This stands out very obviously to me when coaching. You discuss a new promotion with one of the successful clients, ask them when do you think you can have this sent out. Their answer, “Hmm….kind of busy today…I think we can have it sent in about 3 hours.”
The less successful person’s answer, “about a month.” When a month comes, they still didn’t do it because they bought so-and-so’s course and they talked about doing it this other way.
You have to go from idea to implementation QUICKLY. It’s a key factor in success.
Let’s say for example that you attend a conference. At the conference you hear a dozen things you feel will help your business. That’s OK, but more important are the 3 things you wrote down to finish BEFORE the week is over. Even better if you choose a partner at the event to call and make sure you did it.
We ALL have this issue at some point or another. I have this problem at times just like you do. You hear it…and think that’s a great idea. You’ll get to it eventually. Probably not. The best thing is to break it down or even a small aspect and put it in action immediately…meaning today.
While you’re reading this article, what is it you’ve been procrastinating about your business? Stop reading right here and go DO IT.
What are you still doing here? I told you to go do it. This article isn’t going anywhere. It will be here when you get back.
Trait #3: Willingness to Take the Right Advice
I say “right advice” because a lot of people are willing to give you the wrong advice. They’ve simply read what they’re referring to you somewhere or they’ve had their one shot success story to tell you about.
But I’m wary to say the common, “Only take advice from those who’ve done it.”
Why? Because I’ve experienced people who are able to give excellent advice very quickly. An example of this is when I’ve done website reviews at conferences. You have someone come up and show their website. Then you come up with suggestions to improve the site. After I’ve done a couple of these, the audience could do the rest without any other involvement.
They quickly know exactly what they’re looking for…and ALL of us have experience being a customer online. You’ve had times you were frustrated so you know what frustrates you. You’ve had purchases that you loved so much that you went back to buy more (why did that happen).
So almost everyone has at least some experience in the online world…at least from the buying side (think specifically about companies you KEEP buying from – not one time purchases).
And sometimes good advice is just using good common sense…instead of parroting what has been shouted from the rooftops by the gurus.
Here’s a measuring stick to help judge right advice. It should always involve small steps that can be easily tested. It should prove true in multiple different markets. And it should be fine with your conscience (if something doesn’t “feel right” then don’t do it).
How to Start 2010 Out Right
On January 15, 16, and 17, I’ll be speaking in Orlando along with Mark Hendricks and other experts. Our goal is to help you setup that successful internet business that provides the freedom you deserve.
But the best part isn’t just the information you receive. It’s the connections and networking that takes place all during the event. Be surrounded by people who are serious about creating a successful online business – and want to do it right.
And of course I like the fact it’s in Florida. In January. Can’t ask for better weather especially if you live up north (I’m glad to have left the snow behind). Sounds like a good time for a vacation.
Make sure to use this coupon code: 100discount
It entitles you to $100 off the prices you see currently posted on the site. And hurry. The price goes up again in just a few days.
I hope to see you there.
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11 Responses to “Ready for a Marvelous 2010”
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I believe confidence is a key to the success of your business. We all some area in our life where we can do something very well and we can build off of that confident area to step out in faith and build our business.
I like what you said about taking small steps that be easliy tested. I believe that also can build confidence especially when it works for others.
Happy New Year…hope to get the same great advice from you in the coming year.
Terry –
This is excellent advice from you as always. Yet I wish there were some magic powder to sprinkle on people who don’t “get” what you’re saying. I have a client who wants everything perfect so she hasn’t made a decision for months and her project is stalled midway through.
Because of this client’s procrastination I’ve now written a client contract that penalizes clients for not making a timely decision. I’m hoping this financial penalty will help get procrastinators moving.
Happy New Year,
Phyllis
Hi Terry,
This is great info as usual… hope your event goes well. Now, how about creating a product that teaches us how to create high-ticket info products? $1K+?
I’d buy it in a second!
Terry you were the first person in the “Internet Marketing” genre that I ever bought a product from waaaay back in 1997 or so…I think it was some bundled package with Claude Hopkins “scientific advertising” lol remember that?
I have learned so much from you and can see the thousands of people that you have inspired that have gone on to make their millions in their own right…You have truly launched hordes of successful internet marketers over the past 10 years…You have truly put a “dent in the universe”
I have been successful in my own right and am now sharing my knowledge and I can all trace it back that first purchase from you all those years ago…
I can’t wait to see what the next 10 years hold…
Happy New Year
Keith Gill
Number 1 is very important. A lot of people will be pulling you down and you’ll be facing a lot of challenges. If you don’t have confidence in yourself, you’ll have reason to back down and not plow through the challenges. If someone is telling you that what you believe in wouldn’t work, you should have the confidence in yourself that you are making the right decision. But you will need number 3 for that as well. Don’t be over-confident to the point of not asking for counsel from others. Be confident in yourself, and in others.
I’m ready! I want to become fully independent by the end of this year.
Hi Terry,
Definite food for thought on the success traits.
I also find focus and perseverance to be other traits needed for success. I am guilty of being the perfectionist and taking my time, however over the last 12 months I have done a little thing every day towards my online growth and the momentum is what has built my confidence slowly.
I no longer need to be held by the hand, however this has been from learning from mentors and coaches like you.
Happy 2010!
Kind Regards
Jacinta
I think confidence is the key to success. and this is not only for successful venture but also for those that have floundered. It is because of confidence you are all open to take those little steps towards success and in turn gain a lot of experience on what works and what does not.
I really need to start my year right this 2010. Practically we all want to be successful in life. Who won’t?
I could agree with you as your top of the list is “confidence”. Once you are confident in your capability to be successful, start acting to initiate the modification in your life that you want to see. If you want an improved one, start looking every day, or enroll in classes that will help you get it. Immerse yourself in the things that will help you achieve success. Remember, time passes quickly, and if you do not take action now to pursue your goals, you may lose the chance to live up to your dreams.
I think confidence can take you long in the way of success. And that is what will helps you in taking those small risk which are a booster for your business.