5 Traits of Success

Today my partner Dave asked me a pretty blunt question, and it is one that I want to share with this community as I think it gives perspective to how business (and life) should truly be approached.

Background... I brought Dave in about 7 months ago to help me with a few projects, become a coach, and take a part of my business to the next level. I was inspired by his work ethic, his core values, and his ability to really see the gears that comprise a very lucrative machine. I've been in IM for 17 years now, but only in the last 7 have I focused on the most successful of my ventures, physical products distribution (eBay, Amazon, funnels, etc). I've done over $80M in sales in the last 7 years now. I see Dave blowing my record out of the water.

He said: "What 5 traits do you think separate someone who can crush it in this industry versus the average Joe we normally see? I want to really differentiate. I've been meaning to ask. I want to know what traits or superpowers so to speak that I may possess to really step above the rest."

My response to him was: "Alright here's the deal... you wanted 5 traits, these apply to anyone who will reach levels of success others only hope to...

1 - The ability to stick to it. The road is paved in parts, sometimes fast, sometimes slow. It has turns, detours, and potholes at times. How you go with the flow determines your speed and rate of success.

2 - Intelligence. It doesn't mean a degree or a million certifications. It could mean being smart enough to have a good idea or a place for an idea in a given market. Sometimes it's just having the perception to know a good thing and go with it no matter what.

3 - Support. We are entrepreneurs are nothing without the support of the people around us. So our wives can attest to our being go getters and heads in the clouds, but they stand by us with support no matter what.

4 - Tunnel Vision. Sometimes we need to be able to tune out. This is something that you need to work on a bit, but you're getting better. Being able to know what needs to be done, and not stop until it is. Getting sidetracked is very easy in this business, especially working from home.

5 - Loyalty and honesty. These are the last ones for a reason. In business you need to know where your loyalties are placed, and defend them. Being honest about that is a big deal. I'd rather make $5k/mo working with someone like you, rather than $10k/mo working with someone I don't know or trust.

Does that answer your question?

I think we can take a lot away from something like this... Dave is a go getter, beyond all doubt. He has come from making $40k/yr doing genetic sequencing in a laboratory, to making nearly that much a month. He listened to my advice, took my coaching seriously, and has changed his life. The point is... You can glean useful things from anyone and everyone you meet. The funny thing is, you may meet someone who is as successful as you one day hope to be, and you may impact this person and irrevocably change their life for the better just by being who you are. Dave was my member, became my student, and now is becoming like a brother. He has changed my life, all by being who he is.

Moral of the story folks: Pursue your dreams, and don't stop no matter what. Be true to those who look out for you and your best interests, and do what you can to repay them in your own ways for the influences they have had on your life. I have found that no level of success or money in the bank can ever take the place of having the people in your life that would do anything to help you and support you. Don't take those people for granted.

Have a great day folks!