What Seperates the Winners from the Losers?

August 27, 2007

Everyone is different. And whilst I don’t think there is a particular set of characteristics you need to have to become successful in business, there is one characteristic that all successful business people seem to share.

That characteristic is persistence. And persistence doesn’t necessarily mean never giving up on a project which isn’t going to work. It means not giving up on yourself.

Some projects just won’t work. And the successful entrepreneurs usually cut their losses when they realise they are flogging a dead horse, and move right onto the next thing.

For example, in 1890 Thomas Edison spent $2 million dollars on a “failed” project. That was an enormous amount of cash to lose in those days. But rather than let it beat him - he simply paid off his creditors, closed the project and moved onto the next thing.

Realise that not everything you do will be a huge success. Richard Branson has had more than his fair share of “failures”. Virgin Clothes and Virgin Cola are two that spring to mind immediately. But Branson will never give up, and the launch of Virgin Galactic is probably his most ambitious attempt yet.

So, if you’re struggling to make your first sale. Or you’ve realised that your chosen business just isn’t going to work out - don’t give up on yourself.

And remember, if you try something and it doesn’t work out - that doesn’t mean that you are a failure. Just ignore the doom mongers and move onto the next thing.

Ian Denny of Phoenix from the Ashes Blog is a great example of someone with a winning attitude to business. Whilst struggling to avoid bankruptcy, instead of just giving up, as many people would, he has already relaunched his business.

If you want some inspiration - do check out Ian’s blog here. And you can also check out his IT business website here.

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Comments

4 Responses to “What Seperates the Winners from the Losers?”

Kyle M. Stephens on August 27th, 2007 2:17 pm

Good post. I saw your comment over at Problogger and just wanted to give you some encouragement. Following stats is addictive, isn’t it! God knows how much time I waste doing it.
cathlawson on August 27th, 2007 7:19 pm

Thanks for the encouragement Kyle. I am always checking stats, and also seeing what keywords I’m getting searched for.

The trouble is, people seem to come to my site through the strangest keywords, rather tha the ones I’m expecting.

Problogger has brilliant blogging tips doesn’t he. I don’t think I would have started blogging at all if I’d not been encouraged by his helpful posts.
Kyle M. Stephens on August 28th, 2007 7:50 pm

He’s definitely on the top of the list. You’re right about the keywords… I’ve gotten more people to my blog putting in Brad Pitt than any other keyword!
cathlawson on August 28th, 2007 8:07 pm

I have had nothing quite so glamorous. Some of the worst keywords I’ve been found under have been
“bad in bed” and “tan tights”

By the way, your site still isn’t loading. Have you checked it at your end?