Hi, Everyone. Found this article today in a newsletter for real estate agents, and thought everyone here would find it relevant. Enjoy! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Seven Simple Steps to Small Business Success by Brian Tracy Many businesspeople achieve their greatest successes in unexpected areas. They begin a business and then they find that it isn't as profitable as they had anticipated, so they change direction, using their experience and their momentum, and strike paydirt in something else. The most important thing is to begin, to take action. To move forward one step at a time, learning and growing as you go. There is enough information available in virtually every field for you to become knowledgeable enough to achieve success. But action is necessary. The Two Parts of Success Success author Orison Swett Marden once wrote, the first part of success is get-to-it-iveness. The second part is stick-to-it-iveness. Every business beginning requires an act of faith and courage, a bold leap into the unknown. Only one in ten people who want to start their own business ever develop enough courage to begin and enough persistence to continue. Get-to-it-iveness. And stick-to-it-iveness. The fear of failure, more than anything else, holds people back. It paralyzes action. And it makes failure inevitable. Begin With A Dream Fortunately, even if you know nothing about business, you can begin with a dream, a castle in the air, and then build a foundation under it. Seven Simple Steps The starting point of many great fortunes has been these seven simple steps. Number one, set a goal and back it with a burning desire. Number two, begin accumulating capital with a regular savings program. Nothing else is possible without this. You cannot move forward until you start a savings program. Use Your Current Job As A Springboard Number three, use your current job as a springboard to later success. Learn while you earn. Take the long view. Number four, experiment in business on a limited scale so you can learn the key abilities necessary for success. Number five, search for problems, needs unmet, products or services you can supply of good quality at reasonable prices. Read Everything You Can Find Number six, read everything you can find on your chosen field. Remain flexible. Be willing to change your mind if you get different information. And number seven, implement your plans with courage and persistence. Have complete faith in your ability to succeed and never, never give up. Action Exercises Now, here are two actions you can take immediately to start moving toward entrepreneurial success: First, set a goal, make a plan and then launch your plan. Get started. Do something. Begin on a small scale with limited risk and investment but get going! Second, resolve that, no matter what happens, you will never, never give up until you are successful. Before you accomplish anything worthwhile, you will have to pass the persistence test. And the test will come far sooner than you imagine. About the Author: Brian Tracy is a legendary in the fields of management, leadership, and sales. He has produced more than 300 audio/video programs and has written 28 books, including his just-released books "Million Dollar Habits" and "Getting Rich Your Own Way." He can be reached at (858) 481-2977 or www.briantracy.com. --------------------------------------------------------------------- As usual, I have opinions and comments on this article, but I think I'll withhold them this time and give you guys a chance. Any discussion? Cheri

Hey Cheri, Brian Tracey Does Know of what he speaks. Setting Your Dream Goal is a priority. You'll never get anywhere without a destination in mind. And setting financial goals is too vague - break it down into widgets or kibbles & Bits you have to sell to reach that financial goal! Then set interim or small goals that you can accomplished without taking a hit in the guts if it doesn't work out - change, adopt, revamp, restart and all the time keeping an eye on your financial risk factors. Being out of money is like running a car without gas. Now, I'll have to go and take my own advice. So, much for being your own Lawyer! Thanks Cheri for the invite. To Your Success and Wealth maxinvegas ============================================= Your Website Can Make You $100,000 In 4 Short Months Or You Can Kick Us To The Curb And Pay Nothing! What Do You Have To Lose? You Only Lose By Not Acting. Limited Offer. http://goodnewsforall.biz

Hi Cheri, This is some good stuff. I especially appreciate that you acknowledge the scource. There are many posts given here at Adlandpro that are copies of someone else's work. I will never forget reading a story about the "Daffodil principal". The story began "My mother........" so I thought it was a story about their mother and their relationship. Then I found, it was a copied story and there was even a site someone had created on a blog. The forum owner never admitted it was a copied story as most of the posts commented about the wonderful relationship the forum owner had with her mother. To be short, (oh really---am I ever) you give credibility to what you have to share when you let us know of the scource and the author. Again, thanks for the good information.

Hi Cheri, Thank you so much. Brian Tracy is definitely one of my favorites too! :-) His clarity is totally amazing. Thanks for sharing, Jill

Hi, Max (may I call you Max?) Nice to see you here. Your post is interesting...it conveys in a nutshell what it took my first real estate broker six weeks (well, six 2-hour sessions) to teach us newbies. I was very green at the time, and it was a revelation that I should, as Steven Covey says, "Begin with the end in mind." We started by visualizing 20 years into the future, then backed our way into daily goals. It was a very valuable exercise, one I recommend for anyone who has a big dream. The interesting part is going back every few months to see whether you are on track--or whether you have decided on a new destination and need to re-think your plan. Thanks for posting...hope to see more of you here. Cheri