4 great pieces of business advice.

1. LEARN TO SELL: I don’t care what you think about it, like it or not LIFE forces you to sell. And, selling is a science and a learned skill. To be good at it you have to maintain a life long dedication to constantly learning and growing and practicing it. So if you’re going to be in business and expect any modicum of success, you will need to learn to sell. Learn the basics if nothing else.
2. NEVER TAKE A NO FROM SOMEONE WHO CAN’T SAY YES! One of my very first business mentors taught me this. It’s based on the simple fact that you can waste a lot of time dealing with someone, in virtually any phase of business, who can say NO to your proposal but has no authority to say yes. Just ask a few questions and find out where the authority lies and save yourself, days, weeks, months, maybe years in time and frustration.
3. BE PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT YOU’RE DOING, OR DON’T DO IT! If you’re an entrepreneur who’s selling an idea, a product or service, or working for someone, selling your boss on giving you a raise, much of your success will be determined by how passionate for your work you are. Prospects, customers, bosses, bankers and board members can see, feel and smell your passion or lack thereof. It’s not always the most talented that wins. Sometimes pure passion, drive and belief will overcome talent alone.
4. WORK REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY HARD! My Grandfather was a Kansas farmer whose business advice i recall every day. His most powerful message to me, so many years ago was very simple. No matter what it is that you do, work hard and win the award for the best at what you do. Even if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, hard work and high quality performance will be a reputation that will follow you where ever you go!