March 29

7 Principles of Success

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7 Principles of Success

By Deborah Johnson

March 29, 2024

big idea, business principles, Deborah Johnson, determination, flexibility, Goals, perseverance, podcast, principles of success, small business, trust

In this article, we'll explore seven key principles of success that are essential for evaluation, whether it's through quarterly reviews or annual goal assessments. I have found all of these principles important in my own evaluation of my business. Greg joins me in the podcast and his insights from not only a business aspect but financial are very valuable and insightful.

These seven principles include a compelling big idea or product, trust, perseverance and flexibility, honesty with oneself, embracing discomfort, determination, and surrounding ourselves with intelligent collaborators. Be sure to also grab our free download to assess how you measure up in each of these critical areas.

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Women at Halftime by Deborah Johnson 7 Principles of Success with Greg and Deb 4-2-2024
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One: Big Idea or Product

Creating a big idea for a business involves identifying a unique and compelling concept that addresses a significant problem or fulfills an unmet need in the market. It requires innovative thinking, thorough market research, and a deep understanding of consumer behavior and trends.

A successful big idea not only offers a valuable solution but also has the potential to disrupt industries, differentiate a business from competitors, and captivate the target audience. Moreover, it should align with the company's core values, mission, and long-term vision, serving as a driving force for growth and sustainability. (See appendix in Stop Circling for more on Core Values) By cultivating creativity, embracing experimentation, and fostering a culture of innovation, entrepreneurs as well as businesses can develop big ideas that have the power to transform industries and leave a lasting impact on the world.

Two: Sincere and Engaging Personality

Trust is the cornerstone of successful sales relationships, serving as the foundation upon which rapport, credibility, and long-term partnerships are built. In the dynamic world of sales, establishing trust is essential for overcoming skepticism and objections, as it reassures clients that their needs are understood and respected.

Trusted sales professionals are perceived as reliable advisors rather than mere transactional agents, earning the confidence of clients to make informed decisions. Furthermore, trust fosters open communication, transparency, and collaboration, enabling salespeople to navigate challenges, negotiate effectively, and ultimately, deliver value-added solutions that meet and exceed client expectations. Ultimately, cultivating trust in sales relationships is not just a strategy but a fundamental ethos that drives mutual respect, loyalty, and sustained success. (See the book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Covey)

Three: Perseverance and Flexibility

Perseverance and flexibility are indispensable qualities in the journey of growing a business. While having a clear plan is essential, it's equally crucial to remain adaptable in the face of inevitable challenges and unexpected opportunities. Perseverance enables entrepreneurs to weather setbacks, pivot when necessary, and maintain momentum towards their goals despite obstacles.

Simultaneously, flexibility allows for the fluid adjustment of strategies and tactics as circumstances evolve, empowering businesses to capitalize on emerging trends and market shifts. By embodying both perseverance and flexibility, entrepreneurs can navigate the unpredictable terrain of entrepreneurship with resilience, innovation, and a relentless commitment to long-term success.

Seven Principles of Success-Deborah Johnson

Four: Brutal Honesty with Yourself with Resiliency

In business, honesty with oneself is a foundational principle that underpins personal growth and professional development. Acknowledging one's strengths, weaknesses, and limitations enables entrepreneurs to make informed decisions, set realistic goals, and pursue authentic paths to success. This is also important for personal goals, including lifestyle, health and wellness.

Honesty must be paired with resiliency, as setbacks and failures are inevitable in the entrepreneurial journey. Resilience allows individuals to bounce back from adversity, learn from mistakes, and adapt their strategies accordingly. By embracing honesty with oneself and cultivating resilience, entrepreneurs and businesses can navigate challenges with integrity, humility, and a steadfast commitment to continuous improvement, ultimately fostering sustainable growth and long-term success in their endeavors.

Five: Be Uncomfortable

Willingness to embrace discomfort is a fundamental mindset in the journey of growing a business. Stepping outside of one's comfort zone is often necessary to challenge assumptions, explore new opportunities, and push boundaries. It requires entrepreneurs to confront uncertainties, take calculated risks, and embrace failure as an integral part of the learning process. A growth mindset vs. a fixed mindset is necessary to move forward. See book: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success

By being open to discomfort, individuals can cultivate resilience, adaptability, and creativity, enabling one to innovate and evolve in dynamic market environments as well as lifestyle changes. Embracing discomfort not only accelerates personal and professional growth but also fosters a culture of experimentation and innovation, ultimately propelling one towards greater success and sustainability. Remember, in the next 3 years you’ll be the product of the things that you read, the friends you kept and the skills you refined.

Six: Determination

Determination serves as the driving force behind the growth and success of any business or personal venture. In the face of inevitable challenges and setbacks, individuals with unwavering determination possess the resilience and grit to persevere towards their goals. It fuels a relentless pursuit of excellence, propelling one to overcome obstacles, navigate uncertainties, and seize opportunities with unwavering resolve.

Moreover, determination fosters a growth mindset, encouraging individuals as well as teams to learn from failures, adapt their strategies, and continually push the boundaries of what's possible. With determination as their guiding force, entrepreneurs can weather the storms of entrepreneurship, stay focused on their vision, and ultimately realize their aspirations for business growth and achievement.

Seven: Be the Smartest Person in the Room

Being the smartest person in the room refers to one feeling like they have a unique contribution to add. This is especially important with many feeling they are not good enough or battling with imposter syndrome. The biggest sale many of us make is to ourselves. It is imperative to have a growth mindset with openness to recognize personal limitations, which takes the honesty that is  approached in our fourth principle.

Confidence to surround oneself with individuals who possess diverse perspectives, expertise, and skills is often very valuable. Collaborating with a team of talented and knowledgeable individuals fosters innovation, creativity, and robust problem-solving, enabling the business to adapt and thrive in dynamic market environments. Moreover, humility and openness to learning from others are key attributes of effective leadership, allowing one to leverage the collective intelligence of their team to drive strategic growth initiatives.

Application

  • Download the FREE 7 Principles Download on our goals page then spend at least 15-20 minutes evaluating where you are now and where you want to eventually be. You can also break down your large goals into small steps for the most effective approach.

Articles and Podcasts

Quarterly Reviews and Evaluation

Maximizing Your Potential

How to Measure True Success

FREE Goal Setting Worksheets

- about Greg & Deb

GREG joins DEBORAH as a co-host on Women at Halftime Podcast once a month. 

GREG JOHNSON is a former professional athlete, a triple A relief-pitcher with the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) He also has years of experience in sales and as an R.I.A. (Registered Investment Advisor), owning his own business. He & Deb met on a blind date and have been married over 40 years.

Determination serves as the driving force behind the growth and success of any business or personal venture.

deborah johnson

Thought Leader, Keynote Speaker, Author

If you are interested in growing and learning, check out our online courses here: Online Learning

1,710 words

Deborah Johnson

About the author

Deborah Johnson, M.A. has not only written multiple books and albums, but hundreds of songs, three full-length musicals and is the producer of the popular podcast, Women at Halftime. She was past president of the National Speakers Association, Los Angeles and has written & produced multiple online courses. She enjoys being outside and traveling with her husband and also loves spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Up for multiple GRAMMY Awards and spending over 20 years in the entertainment industry, she's built multiple self-driven businesses and is an expert on how to constantly reinvent yourself in a gig-economy. Deborah speaks and performs for both live and virtual events.

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