It doesn't matter whether you are pursuing success in business, sports, the arts, or life in general: The bridge between wishing and accomplishing is discipline.
A great accomplishment shouldn't be the end of the road, just the starting point for the next leap forward.
There is no shame in taking pride in achievements or position. But nobody gets to the top alone.
Direct your energy toward achieving a goal, and tackle the problems with an emphasis on edging closer to a successful result.
I believe that visualization is one of the most powerful means of achieving personal goals.
None of us got to where we are alone. Whether the assistance we received was obvious or subtle, acknowledging someone's help is a big part of understanding the importance of saying thank you.
You don't need a big close, as many sales reps believe. You risk losing your customer when you save all the good stuff for the end. Keep the customer actively involved throughout your presentation, and watch your results improve.
By getting your customers to agree with you in small steps along the way, you have a better chance of reaching agreement when it's time to do business.
In a litigation-happy society, clear agreements often prevent small disagreements from becoming big ones.
Southwest Airlines is successful because the company understands it's a customer service company. It also happens to be an airline.
Customers are the reason we open our doors every day, and keep the machines humming all night long. Customers determine what we eat, where we live, whether we stay in business.
Amateurs wait for inspiration. The real pros get up and go to work.
You can win more friends with your ears than with your mouth. People who feel like they're being listened to feel accepted and appreciated. They feel like they're being taken seriously and what they say really matters.
A smart manager will establish a culture of gratitude. Expand the appreciative attitude to suppliers, vendors, delivery people, and of course, customers.
Expect to make some mistakes when you try new and different approaches. Sometimes colossal failures lead to spectacular successes.
Most fears of rejection rest on the desire for approval from other people. Don't base your self-esteem on their opinions.
By my count, more business leaders have failed and derailed because of arrogance than any other character flaw.
Your workforce is your most valuable asset. The knowledge and skills they have represent the fuel that drives the engine of business - and you can leverage that knowledge.
If you believe, as I do, that your employees truly are your most valuable asset, you will do whatever you can to help them do their jobs as well as possible.
Fatigue makes fools of us all. It robs you of your skills and your judgment, and it blinds you to creative solutions. It's the best-conditioned athlete, not the most talented, who generally wins when the going gets tough.
