Entrepreneurs who want to be taken seriously must act like
champions, maintaining positive attitudes as they pursue their
goals, no matter what the circumstances. Knowing that we can and
will triumph where there is no guaranteed path to success is what
separates us from everyone else.
Your drive is the magnet that draws others to you, cultivating
extraordinary business possibilities for everyone involved. You
earn the respect of others who trust in your fortitude,
professionalism and ability to get things done. Your personal power
increases when other people believe in and support your
efforts.
Energize your champion spirit by stating, "I can and will
find solutions to any problems I encounter." To increase your
personal power so you can continually exhibit the traits of a
champion, try these tips:
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1. Be bold in your actions. Trust your ability to make
the right decisions based on your intuition, your heart and
information you have gathered. Hesitation can be highly visible,
and your inaction may prompt people to question your authority.
Take a step forward, learn, and then decide the next best action to
take. Believe in yourself, and others will, too.
2. Listen more than you speak. My grandfather used to
say, "With two ears and one mouth, you should hear twice as
much as you say." By understanding the circumstances others
encounter in striving toward their goals, you create human
connections that enhance your personal power. Provide people with
ideas for the next logical action they can take to succeed. They
will appreciate your thoughtfulness and will seek your advice for
projects in the future.
3. Take the high road. Champions know to handle both
successes and setbacks with an even temperament and a willingness
to look past frailties. Speak about the positive outcomes that have
resulted from your efforts. Communicating from a foundation of
real-world experience validates your intelligence and competence.
Work with integrity, and success will come to you naturally.
4. Don't take anything personally. We never have all
the information required to make perfect decisions. When something
goes awry, remain calm and in control. If someone offers a remedy,
don't let your ego overrule your personal power. Find validity
in their suggestions. When you value others' opinions, they
will support your success and respect your personal power.
5. Work hard, and persevere. Champions are not made
overnight. The secret of those who accomplish something different
in their lives is their willingness to take continual action toward
their goals. Success and personal power are not developed from a
single victory, but result from steady diligence. Powerful people
wake up each morning determined to overcome the obstacles in their
way and to make their experiences positive.
Your actions define your reputation. Power is not how much
leverage you have over others--it is your ability to respect and
believe in yourself. Share your resources and help others, and
they, in turn, will boost your personal power. The world provides
you with many opportunities to increase your personal power, so
welcome them.
Speaker and consultant Romanus Wolter, aka "The Kick
Start Guy," is author of Kick Start Your Dream Business.