By Mike Anderson
I frequently talk about the topic and just about every day, wherever I may be, I get posed this question in one format or another, 'What do I need to do to become a successful business owner or entrepreneur'.
For an entrepreneur, success is just about everything. Entrepreneurs commit their life searching for success. Some make it, many don’t. Success on its own is a powerful word with many interpretations. I would like to define ‘success’ in two words – ‘true happiness’. If you think about it, if you are truly happy as a person, then surely that is success. Your own success is what brings you to ‘true happiness’. It's personal, it's everything and it’s a choice!
How do many mega-entrepreneurs of the world achieve quicker success over those who have given up and failed or taken much longer than ever expected?
I want to highlight some of the points that have been the most obvious:
o They’ve given more thought to planning their business before starting out.
o They build something they believe in; they believe in their purpose and in themselves.
o They love what they do. They have chosen something that is in line with their own personal interest and passion.
o They have business knowledge, experience and interest in the business they ventured into.
o They are willing to put in never ending hours of work themselves. For them, it's also their preferred hobby.
o They dig deep to build something radically different and radically better.
o They never, ever give up control, until they sell. They always remain in the driver’s seat.
o They figure out how to achieve their goals on a tiny budget, and then they cut that number in half. It will always cost twice as much, and take twice as long as you think. Apply the principles of lean to your business from day one. Your goal is to stay alive until you can nail your secret formula for success.
o They take care of themselves and their families. If you aren’t laughing or smiling on a regular basis, recalibrate. The notion that we need to kill our family relationships, personal health or level of sanity to build our own business is sadly misaligned. Just don’t go there.
o Even when they have everything to lose, they act like they don't. Regardless of the amount of money they have or the size of their company or the amount of wealth they have, those people that take action and risk without the fear of failure are the ones that will ultimately take market share.
o They work towards being significant. The key is not to worry about being successful, but to instead work towards being significant, and the success will naturally follow. If you do work that you love, and work that fulfils you, the rest will come. The reason why they have been able to be so financially successful is because their focus has never, ever for one minute been money.
o They have adopted the habit of saving and investing. They have more investment capital of their own and have been less reliant on borrowings.
o They have taken on the role of being the ‘rainmaker’. They secure big clients and conclude big deals. In this way they bring in the money fast and borrow less.
o They have a clear, uncluttered focus and a product or service which appeals to their customer base. Their customers love what they do and are willing to pay for the product or service.
o They learn from the pitfalls of others and get the best advice from the right people.
o They act quickly and change direction when they hit a 'T-Junction' or when something doesn’t work in their business.
o They demand excellence from themselves and take responsibility irrespective of what happens.
o They don’t throw in the towel – they just keep going. They have that built in resilience factor, and are able to without hesitation, bounce back positively and keep moving.
Most businesses do take time for success. Many people give up when there’s no immediate success and the 'entrepreneurial honeymoon' is over after a few months. They’ve only heard about the success stories and weren’t prepared for the unexpected challenges and the price one needs to pay.
Yes, we all hear about these mega-entrepreneurs and the 'wow' success stories attached to them. What you don’t hear are the horror stories. Many of these tycoons have being bankrupt more than once and many up to seven times. What does stand out is that they never give up. Failure has never been an option.
Mike Anderson is Founder & CEO of the National Small Business Chamber (NSBC)
Tuesday, 22 September 2015
Turbo Charge Your Brand TV: By Dave Crane
Hello. Dave here.
Take the time to sign up for Turbo Charge Your Brand TV, the new web based TV show dedicated to discovering the secrets of high achievers, industry experts and thought leaders.
It's time to Turbo Charge Your Brand TV.
http://turbochargeyourbrand.
Click here for Episode 1
http://turbochargeyourbrand.
Grab your own copy of Turbo Charge Your Brand TV episode 1.
http://turbochargeyourbrand.
The first episode is action packed we...
* Look into the mindset of superstar footballer David Beckham.
* Explain how to boost your confidence in seconds.
* Get a sneaky secret on how you can read a new book (cover to cover) every single day.
Plus loads more.
Watch Episode 1 now and start 'Turbo Charging Your Brand' today.
http://turbochargeyourbrand.
Have fun.
Talk soon.
Dave Crane.
The Life Designers
PO Box 67144
Sharjah, Sharjah CPO
67144
AE
info@thelifedesigners.com
971505524316
Take the time to sign up for Turbo Charge Your Brand TV, the new web based TV show dedicated to discovering the secrets of high achievers, industry experts and thought leaders.
It's time to Turbo Charge Your Brand TV.
http://turbochargeyourbrand.
Click here for Episode 1
http://turbochargeyourbrand.
Grab your own copy of Turbo Charge Your Brand TV episode 1.
http://turbochargeyourbrand.
The first episode is action packed we...
* Look into the mindset of superstar footballer David Beckham.
* Explain how to boost your confidence in seconds.
* Get a sneaky secret on how you can read a new book (cover to cover) every single day.
Plus loads more.
Watch Episode 1 now and start 'Turbo Charging Your Brand' today.
http://turbochargeyourbrand.
Have fun.
Talk soon.
Dave Crane.
The Life Designers
PO Box 67144
Sharjah, Sharjah CPO
67144
AE
info@thelifedesigners.com
971505524316
Join 2nd Fastest Growing Co. Information Session Sept 26th
|
Monday, 21 September 2015
Start Your Business Easily: NEURS Can Help You
We're the exclusive marketing division for NEURS.com; a one-of-kind entrepreneurial network that helps aspiring entrepreneurs connect with providers of business opportunities and services that can help them start and grow their businesses.
Our Mission
At NEURS.net we’re on a mission to connect the entrepreneurial world and we've figured out an innovative solution on how to properly compensate our Affiliates for the TOTAL financial impact they make through their marketing REACH; not just the direct referrals they make.
For customer support and frequently asked questions, you can follow this link
Our Team
We have more than 30,000 registered Affiliates in 152 countries. We're an international company led by a group of experienced entrepreneurs like Dr. Denis Cauvier, Frank Codina and Kevin Harrington, world famous entrepreneur and original ABC Shark Tank cast member.
For information about our corporate headquarters.
NEURS LLC
2300 West 84th Street
Miami Lakes, FL 33016
Cape Town: Africa Finance & Investment Forum 2015 will focus on strengthening Africa's private sector through a pragmatic and business oriented approach
PRESS RELEASE
Africa Finance & Investment Forum 2015 Names APO as Official Newswire
THE annual pan-African forum will focus on strengthening Africa’s private sector through a pragmatic and business oriented approach
CAPE-TOWN, South-Africa, September 16, 2015/ -- EMRC (http://www.emrc.be) has named APO (African Press Organization) (http://www.apo-opa.com) as Official Newswire of the Africa Finance & Investment Forum 2015 (AFIF) (http://www.emrc.be/en/events/
Logo APO: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/
Photo APO: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/
AFIF 2015 entitled “Access to Finance & Entrepreneurship” is organized in collaboration with the European Investment Bank (EIB), DEG (German Development Finance Institution) and in partnership with ECOWAS-TEN, Agri Academy (South Africa), Pfizer, BlueCloud (United Kingdom) amongst others.
“The Africa Finance & Investment Forum is a platform which accommodates innovation and brings to the table financiers who are looking to find real projects, investment opportunities and long-term partnerships. There is a spirit to get things done and have real and effective B2Bs. At EMRC we measure the success of our conferences through the partnerships that are forged during/after our Forums… and fortunately we have great success stories. The pragmatic side of our events is what makes partners/speakers/participants keep coming back year after year,” Ines Bastos, EMRC Senior Project Manager. “So, it was logical to link up with APOwhich has such a strong network itself and a similar vision to what EMRC wants to achieve. ”
With an expected 300 people from all over the world, the three days event will see North & South policymakers, financiers, bankers and private sector entrepreneurs discuss and find practical business solutions. It will focuses on strengthening Africa’s private sector through a pragmatic and business oriented approach.
“This year, with AFIF being held in Africa for the first time, the meaning of North & South and South & South partnerships will be truly put into practice. This is the essence of AFIF and we expect that strong business partnerships and results are established. We already have some strong partners and speakers confirmed, which shows how important investing and finance in Africa has become,” Idit Miller, EMRC Vice President and Managing Director.
AFIF regroups three key target groups: Entrepreneurs (project owners, CEO etc..), financial institutions (Banks) and investors interested in investing directly in banks or projects (DFIs/IFIs/Foundations).
"We are delighted to form this partnership. The Africa Finance & Investment Forum is one of the most important event where stories unfold and financial actors put words to action", said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, APO Founder and CEO.
AFIF's press releases will be distributed via Africa Wire® (http://www.apo-opa.com/press_
Used by some of the world’s largest companies, PR agencies, institutions and organisations, APO Africa Wire® has a potential reach of 600 million and guarantees the most extensive outreach in Africa, acting as a channel that allows APO’s clients to target audiences in all parts of the continent and also the world.
APO is NASDAQ GlobeNewswire Authorized Agency for Africa offering unique access to 1.5 Million financial media outlets in North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and more. APO is also CSRwire Authorized Agency for Africa, offering access to a global wire dedicated to corporate social responsibility, health and sustainability communication.
More information about Africa Wire®, the service for newswire press releasedistribution in Africa, is available at http://www.apo-opa.com/
This is a joint press release by EMRC and APO (African Press Organization).
APO Contact:
Aïssatou Diallo, bdm@apo-opa.org, +41 22 534 96 97
EMRC Contact:
For further information concerning speaking opportunities and sponsorship, please contact:
Ines Bastos (Sr Project Manager)
Email: ib@emrc.be
Tel: +32. 26 26 15 15
For further information concerning media or advertising opportunities, please contact:
Jessica Frommer (Media and Communication Manager)
Email : jf@emrc.be
Tel : +32 2 626 1510
About EMRC
Established in 1992 in Brussels, EMRC (http://www.emrc.be) is a non-profit International Association composed of a network of entrepreneurs, financiers, consultants and officials based throughout the world. EMRC's mission is to lead the private sector in Africa to sustainable economic development and to drive regional change via partnerships.
Follow us on:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/_EMRC_
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/
About AFIF
The Africa Finance & Investment Forum (AFIF) (http://www.emrc.be/en/events/
About APO
APO (African Press Organization) (http://www.apo-opa.com) is the sole pressrelease newswire in Africa and the global leader in media relations relating to Africa.
APO has a media database comprising over 150,000 contacts and is the main online community for news relating to Africa.
It offers a complete range of services, including press release distribution and monitoring, online press conferences, interactive webcasts, media interactions, strategic advice, public diplomacy, government relations and events promotion. To find out more, please visit http://www.apo-opa.com.
Follow APO on Twitter: https://twitter.com/apo_source
Follow APO on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/
Follow APO on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
SOURCE
Joint press release by EMRC and APO (African Press Organization)
Distributed by :
APO (African Press Organization)
2nd, 3rd and 4th floor
Voie du Chariot 3
1003 Lausanne – Switzerland
Tel : +41 22 534 96 97
Skype: apo-opa
E-mail: switzerland (at) apo-opa.org
www.apo-opa.com
Islamic finance in Africa : New report from ICD unveils encouraging Islamic finance prospects in Africa
PRESS RELEASE
|
New report from ICD unveils encouraging Islamic finance prospects in Africa
|
The new report was released during the Africa Islamic Finance Forum 2015 in Abidjan
|
JEDDAH, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 19 September 2015/ -- A newly-released report “Islamic Finance in Africa: A Promising Future” by the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) takes an in-depth look at the tremendous growth opportunities for Islamic finance to flourish in the region. The new report was released during the Africa Islamic Finance Forum 2015 in Abidjan.
The report is being published as the global banking community comes together to define a transformative new landscape to integrate Islamic finance into the mainstream. Once of interest only to a niche market of Muslim investors, Islamic finance is now venturing beyond its traditional sphere, and is slowly gaining widespread acceptance in Africa. The birthplace of a quarter of the global Muslim population, the report highlights that Africa features a potentially strong demand for Islamic financial services and products. While still comparatively under-developed, Islamic finance is expanding in many parts of the region, and is now present across most of North Africa and in many countries of East and West Africa, particularly those with sizeable Muslim communities. One of the recommendations of the report is that Islamic finance can act as the catalyst in mobilising funding into Africa, thereby resulting in economic growth and sustainable development. It is estimated that the region needed USD93.0bln per year to finance large-scale infrastructure and manufacturing projects, while external funding is also needed to offset ballooning fiscal deficits. Meanwhile, 2 billion adults remain unbanked globally, and currently, sub-Saharan Africa alone accounts for as much as 17.0% of the world’s unbanked adults. In addition, there is a significant funding potential opportunity for Islamic banks in view of the increasing emergence of small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) across Africa. In light of relatively low-income levels, a large informal sector and the prevalence of small businesses in Africa, Islamic microfinance is also a growth area worth looking into. The report also highlights notable progress in the sukuk sector, where recent developments have seen governments focusing more on creating a more enabling environment for sukuk issuances. Some countries which have issued sukuk include Gambia, Sudan, Senegal and South Africa, while Ivory Coast is lining up to issue its debut sukuk at the end of the year. Moving forward, several countries such as Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco have expressed keen interest in tapping the sukuk market for infrastructure financing and have finalized or are in the midst of finalizing their legal frameworks to promote sukuk issuances. Although the Islamic financial services industry in Africa is currently dominated by the banking and sukuk segments, growth potential remains in the asset management and takaful spheres. In its key recommendations, the report underlines that to capture the tremendous potential, the regional industry must overcome various challenges which are broadly similar with challenges faced in other parts of the world. These include challenges on the regulatory front such as regulatory inconsistency, the shortage of qualified human capital, the lack of awareness and financial literacy by many end-users and consumers, and a conducive business landscape which will support the growth of Islamic finance.
Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).
Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD)
Multimedia content
|
Distributed by :
2nd, 3rd and 4th floor
Voie du Chariot 3
1003 Lausanne – Switzerland
Tel : +41 22 534 96 97
E-mail: switzerland (at) apo-opa.org
www.apo-opa.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)