Traits of a Fearless Entrepreneur – #9 Follow the Clues
Success leaves clues
Tony Robbins popularized the saying “Success Leaves Clues”. I love this saying and it is so true. If you want to be successful, one of the most important things to do is to have the courage to ASK other (successful) people how they achieved their success. Then follow their success clues. This is a classic move of a fearless entrepreneur.
Be intentional about asking for help
It is natural to fear rejection. Don’t beat yourself about it. But the best way to ward off rejection is to ensure that you are prepared. You can do that by following the clues of success and emulating them.
I was recently asked in an interview who I have asked for help and who has guided my journey to success. I am very intentional about asking for help.
Who is your “board”?
You may not own your own company. Even if you don’t, I would ask you who is providing you consistent direction in your life.
I have a “board of directors” of my life – personal friends from church that support me through thick and thin – business friends that can provide perspective on my decisions.
Then for my company I have a formal board, with a chairman that I greatly respect. He is someone that I know I can count on to work through issues with me or when I have to make a decision on the spot and can’t talk to him first, he can dissect my decision and help me understand the implications and how I might have done it better (or just applaud what I did).I also run the Game Changer Network and also have an amazing board of directors for that organization. I can call on any of my advisors at any time and I know that they will take my call, because I don’t abuse the privilege of having them in my life as that resource.
Next steps
If you do own your own company and especially if you are privately held or even family owned, and you do not have a board, ask yourself why. Having outside board members that can provide you not only clues as to how to be successful, they can actually provide specific direction.
Who do you look to and who do you ask for help?