How Do You Measure Success?

41 replies
Ah, success. That ever elusive shadow, that never nearer horizon.

But when will you know you've arrived in Successville? What kind
of car will you drive? What kind of house will you live in? Who will
you mix with? What will you do in Successville, to earn your
place and be permitted to breathe that sweet, sweet air of fulfillment?

How do you measure your success? How do you measure your success
against other people's successes (or their failures)?

How long has it taken you to become a success? If you're just beginning
your marketing journey, how long do you believe it will take you to
become successful?

What the heck is success anyway?

Are you a "I'll be successful when I've got XXX money in the bank"
kind of marketer? Do you judge success by your number of sales?
By the number of people you have on your mailing list? Or by some
other, deeper, far more meaningful measure.
#measure #success
  • Profile picture of the author 1 Marketing
    You will enjoy this little American and Maxican Conversation...


    An American businessman was at a pier in a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellow-fin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.

    The Mexican replied, "Only a little while."

    The American then asked why didn't he stay out longer and catch more fish?

    The Mexican said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs.

    The American then asked the Mexican how he spent the rest of his time.

    The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos.

    I have a full and busy life, senor."

    The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing and, with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat, you could buy several boats, eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution."

    "You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually NYC where you will run your Expanding enterprise."

    The Mexican fisherman asked, "But senor, how long will this all take?"

    To which the American replied, "15-20 years."

    "But what then, senor?" asked the Mexican.

    The American laughed, and said, "That's the best part! When the time is right, you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public. You'll become very rich, you would make millions!"

    "Millions, senor?" replied the Mexican. "Then what?" The American said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal Fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."
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    • Profile picture of the author robhud1
      Originally Posted by 1 Marketing View Post

      You will enjoy this little American and Maxican Conversation...


      An American businessman was at a pier in a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellow-fin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.

      The Mexican replied, "Only a little while."

      The American then asked why didn't he stay out longer and catch more fish?

      The Mexican said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs.

      The American then asked the Mexican how he spent the rest of his time.

      The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos.

      I have a full and busy life, senor."

      The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing and, with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat, you could buy several boats, eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution."

      "You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually NYC where you will run your Expanding enterprise."

      The Mexican fisherman asked, "But senor, how long will this all take?"

      To which the American replied, "15-20 years."

      "But what then, senor?" asked the Mexican.

      The American laughed, and said, "That's the best part! When the time is right, you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public. You'll become very rich, you would make millions!"

      "Millions, senor?" replied the Mexican. "Then what?" The American said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal Fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."
      Very nice!!
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  • Success means different things to different people....... only you will know each time you reach success
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  • Profile picture of the author Igor Kheifets
    I would say-when you feel you did.

    Success to me is when I am able to do whatever I want
    whenever I want it with whoever I want.
    I am allready there

    Igor
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  • Profile picture of the author ricaparaleho
    Everyone wants to be a success. As young people, we dream of having all the good things in life--a great job in a career we enjoy, friends, a happy marriage, vacations, opportunities to travel, plenty of leisure time and perhaps even a pet or two. For many, this is success.
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  • Profile picture of the author katherine7
    To me, success has little to do with money. Not to say that money isn't important--it is what we exchange for the things we need. But for me success is freedom. And freedom is the ability to do what you want with the people you want when you want. Work is important, but so is fun and relaxation. I see many people in business who work long hours and make six figures and even multiple six figures a year. Yet they have no time for a family picnic and spend vacations on the beach working on their laptop and cell phone. And I see many people who work low-paying jobs with no over-time who have evenings and weekends free, but can't afford to even go out to a nice dinner! I see so few people who have true success, true freedom!

    What do you want to do, be and have? When you have balanced the time and the money to fulfill these dreams, That is when I would say that you are successful.
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  • Profile picture of the author LoanShark
    Success is being able to look at yourself in the mirror and for you to honestly say that you did your best that day. Not just at work but with your family and friends. Did you make a difference?
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  • Profile picture of the author rootpixel
    I don't there's any way to measure success. Just keep doing your best, put all your efforts and satisfy others.
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  • Profile picture of the author TristinTaylor
    Success to me is measured by lifestyle...working 4-5 hrs a day...living where I want...working on the net...thats about it
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  • Profile picture of the author bbrian017
    I haven't the slightest clue what I can base success on. I think I'm still stuck in the old days when your success was based on how popular you were. I wish I could grow out of this it's very frustrating always worrying what others think about you.
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  • Profile picture of the author Marketingmoore
    Success is measured in so many different ways.

    I believe the view of success changes with age. Reaching personal goals always seems like a success to me because when you set the little goals that eventually add up to the bigger picture then look back on it. My success should be what I went through to get where i am. The only problem is with the reality factor is that things happen that may change goals or lead you astray and unfortunately life is short for some and they never to a look back to see there success. On a more positive side of that others may notice your success long after you are gone because the things you have done may have paved a way for others.
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  • Profile picture of the author robertsgr
    I think success means to succeed in something: became an appreciate manager, buying a house, a new car, money related things. Measuring success is like measuring your fortune. And I think there is a huge difference between measuring success and measuring happiness. Happiness have just a little linkage with success. Happiness is given by your personal life, your family, your friends. If measuring success means measuring money, measuring happiness is measuring love.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jay Vikaz
    In my Book, Success is achieving what you set out to do in your mind - however large or however small. Society may view you as successful based on what you own or how much you make. Maybe your views of success align with that. But, if you are happy with a certain amount of income and feel a greater urge to something else, say invent something. Then until you have invented what you wanted to invent, you will not feel successful in your mind regardless of what you earn.

    Jay
    WebSupportTeam.com
    Tech Help For Your Internet Business
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  • Profile picture of the author GameOver
    I measure success by the amount of $$ I have in my pocket.

    But recently I have been trying to go by traffic instead.
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  • Profile picture of the author BlueStar
    Banned
    Success has little to do with money. If you have the Lifestyle you want, have enough money to get toys, and you have your Health, then you are successful.
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  • Profile picture of the author Brian W. Wang
    By measuring my progress toward my income goals. If I am meeting deadlines, then I feel like I am achieving great success.

    Then I measure if I met my goals before deadlines. I then compare how many goals I've completed versus how many goals I expected to complete.
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  • Profile picture of the author OmarKhan
    Banned
    I don't believe that one standard definition of success exists. Success in very unique for every individual. At large, however, in my opinion, it is turning dreams into reality..your own dreams or a loved ones.
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  • Profile picture of the author pirdaus
    means of success is different between person in earth
    for me in my life i want achieve something before i dead
    what i want achieve is
    1) i can give my mother money
    2)bring my mother vocation
    3)i can marry
    4)have a children
    5)have house
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  • Profile picture of the author Riz Caan
    obviously i do think i should have certain material possessions but i think if i know i am taking action everyday on my goals then i am a success...because if i take action the success will soon follow and its really as simple as that. knowing that you have done your best today and taken a step forward is a big boost for ones selfesteem.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sonam22
    Six essential qualities that are the key to success: Sincerity, personal integrity, humility, courtesy, wisdom, charity.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gavin Stephenson
    Well True wealth comes for happyness in all these areas.

    Financial
    Phyical
    Spirtitual
    Mental
    Relationships / Emotions

    Once you have mastered all those you have reached true success. You may have the money part but what about your phyical health, do you have a great relationships and so on.

    Success i believe is never ending . We are always driving to have more, Its in all of our nature to grow and develop. Success to me is never to quit.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
      Banned
      Originally Posted by GavinStephenson View Post

      Well True wealth comes for happyness in all these areas.

      Financial
      Phyical
      Spirtitual
      Mental
      Relationships / Emotions

      Once you have mastered all those you have reached true success.


      True.

      A person who's had success in all those areas would typically be considered "successful." However there's absolutely no accurate gauge except the one we decide.

      For instance, if someone working in MacDonald's were to suddenly earn $10,000/Month they'd be considered to be successful. Of course if someone like John Reese were to earn that much he would be considered to be unsuccessful.

      That's the problem with comparing yourself or your achievements to other people: 99% of the time there's always going to be someone who has achieved more than you, objectively.

      So I think it's important to, as I like to say, compete with yourself. And what I mean by that is you judge yourself against yourself. What you've accomplished this week/month/year, compared with last week/month/year because that's what I've found personally fulfilling.

      Still we're all deferent and it's not necessarily a bad thing for people to be motivated by "objective success." I disagree that a person can't have true wealth unless they're successful in all those areas though.

      For instance, the lovely man from "LifeWithoutLimbs.com" Technically he would be considered to be unsuccessful if we're comparing his mobility to other people. However, if we compare his current level of mobility (and - more importantly - his positive attitude) to how he used to be, we know that he's successful.

      So I suppose to point of all this rambling is that, ultimately, it's important for us as individuals to decide how we going to measure success and what success means to us personally.
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      "Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity."―Joseph Sugarman
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  • Profile picture of the author mayapearl
    To succeed is not necessarily going to make you happy, there are many very wealthy seemingly successful and unhappy people out there, but if you are happy with what you are doing you are already successful.

    The measure of one's success is very personal and it can change as we grow, success for a ninety year old is to make it another day. Each step we take is a success if we are to go towards a worthwhile goal, the journey of Life takes on a greater meaning.
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    Maya's Own
    Living green made simple and easy @ Green Living Temple
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  • Profile picture of the author Igor Kheifets
    Mayapearl,

    Successful will make you happy-money won't.
    Don't mix apples with oranges.
    True success is about freedom, not about the money. But money
    is a means to an end.

    ~Igor
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    • Profile picture of the author mayapearl
      Igor,

      what I was attempting to say is that if you are happy you are already successful, however material success alone may not bring you happiness.
      It is unfortunate that in our society success is measured by how much you money you make.
      Money has it's place too, it has the capacity to make life more comfortable and it can buy you a little freedom. There was a time when I equated the fancy car with success, but that did not make me feel so successful, after all there were people out there with private jets!
      What I am trying to say in an albeit clumsy way is that looking for success on the outside only will always leave wanting something more, success is a feeling of achievement for a life that has meaning, raising your children, helping others, having loving friends, this would be my measure off success.
      Signature
      Maya's Own
      Living green made simple and easy @ Green Living Temple
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  • Profile picture of the author Karate Kid
    Define success. "Success" is just too vague.

    You can be successful at being a lazy, if you get my drift.
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  • Profile picture of the author aQsa08
    measure of success for me is when I have reached all the sorrow.have a happy family,great with my career,good in financial,can help each other
    with the skills I have.
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  • Profile picture of the author ajcox22
    Success for me would be being able to be able to pay for my parents and grandparents retirement, they have worked there buts off for me and i would like to be able to return the favor

    Aaron
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    • Profile picture of the author mayapearl
      Originally Posted by ajcox22 View Post

      Success for me would be being able to be able to pay for my parents and grandparents retirement, they have worked there buts off for me and i would like to be able to return the favor

      Aaron
      This kind of thinking already makes you a successful human being.
      Signature
      Maya's Own
      Living green made simple and easy @ Green Living Temple
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      • Profile picture of the author rocketmail009
        Success is an inside job. To be successful we must first think that we ARE successful.
        Everyone measures it differently. Some measure it by how much money they make. Others measure it by their career path and corresponding title.Then you have the people who measure it by the things that they have such as the size of their house, their art and jewelry and the number of cars that they own. Others measure it by the state of their health.

        Follow your heart because it knows the way.

        If you want to be successful, then you must first think of yourself as successful!
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  • Profile picture of the author betesh
    For me success is having a stable job, that i really really wanted to do. A house that i can call my own. and a family.
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  • Profile picture of the author prime777
    Success for me is feeling that inner fulfillment and joy that no amount of money can really buy.

    Finding that inner sanctuary of Peace and pure silence no matter my physical circumstances is the true embodiment of success for me.
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  • Profile picture of the author baker Steve
    Definition of success is different for different people. Each ones success principle and measurement differs. For me its a journey and not a destination. I see targets once achieved, set new targets so i keep moving on... thanks
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  • Profile picture of the author dgoldie
    I think business success is largely measured financially and with other statistical-type measures (profit, loss, market share, growth rates, etc.). Personal success is less about money and more about being happy and fulfilled in life. Relationships, spiritual fulfillment, family and friends: these are all part of personal success. Interestingly, the more you help others and contribute to the welfare of society in general, the greater your success in both your business and personal life.
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  • Profile picture of the author jennifermL
    Many people think of fame and fortune when they measure success. However, at some point in life, most people come to realize that inner peace and soul-deep satisfaction come not from fame and fortune, but having lived a life based on integrity and noble character. President Lincoln put it this way: "Honor is better than honors." At a Congressional Hearing on ethics in July 2002, Truett Cathy, founder of Chik-Fil-A, quoted Proverbs 22:1: "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." In the final analysis, living an honorable life really is more satisfying than fame and fortune.
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  • Profile picture of the author mark z
    Alexander Graham Bell said:
    "The most successful men in the end are those whose success is the result of steady accretion. . . It is the man who carefully advances step by step, with his mind becoming wider and wider -- and progressively better able to grasp any theme or situation -- persevering in what he knows to be practical, and concentrating his thought upon it, who is bound to succeed in the greatest degree."
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    • Profile picture of the author achivement84
      I think it`s too hard to measure the success , as this word has different phases , which success scope you mean? work? life? social?you may succeed on one of them , but to measure your succes you have to consider all of them.

      Regards
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  • Profile picture of the author jrmnlitt
    I believe success is being able to make your self happy. Money can make you happy but if in order for you to have that money you don't have time for your self or the things that make you happy, then how successful are you really?
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    • Profile picture of the author JoelAnnesley
      I think that if we can't feel successful NOW... then we will NEVER have an opportunity to feel the feelings of being successful. It can be far too easy to slip into the mindset of 'lack', but then again... If I think back at how I imagined what success was when I was 10 years old, then I'm currently EXTREMELY successful.

      So at the end of the day... it's all relative.

      So consider yourself successful in this current moment, and strive for even more success... there's absolutely nothing wrong with that!
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  • Success is measured by your own satisfaction, your self esteem and your general opinion. It's all on you. If you are always tinkering and complaining then you have reached a level you are comfortable with. Success is about reaching milestones and re-evaluating them. At least to me it is.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rob Quieny
    Success is defined differently by different people. It has different meaning for everyone, For me its a journey and not a destination. And every time i achieve something i fix a next target and moreover for me its not wealth that defines success, its the satisfaction or the kick i get whihc makes me feel successful. Thanks
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