This is a great piece from long time mentor John LaValle on how successful people show up in our lives;
TRAITS & CHARACTERISTICS OF SUCCESSFUL CONSULTANTS
The question I’ve been asked is, “What makes a successful consultant?” Well, I’ve taken this question and expanded it sideways to include “trainer, teacher, manager, etc.” and expanded it upwards to include “entrepreneur, etc.” because to me, whatever it is you’re doing professionally, it helps to put yourself in the position, or role, of “consultant” at certain times, places and other contexts.
Based on my experience with many different people across many different professions, the ones that are the most successful have or do the following things:
* They are driven – not just ambitious – driven by their passions, their abilities, their purpose. They know themselves so well that they do not need to explain themselves to others. Their behavior “says” it all.
* They are infectious – their above permeates a room, permeates all they meet, their environment. Some will call this charisma, others energy. Whatever you call it, know what it is because you have not only experienced it, but have it.
* They are passionate about whatever it is they do, truly passionate. Even when they have the opportunity to “sell” something, they don’t have to because their passion spills over onto the people listening and/or in their presence. And most people want to have success.
* They know the following that I have been saying for years and years – “No one is good at everything, but everyone is good at something”. They know what they are good at, and they have built on that. They know what they are not good at and pass it up, or pass it along to someone else, when those opportunities come by. They know their niche and have developed their own “expertise” of it.
* They are not afraid of hard work – as a matter of fact, it’s not they are not afraid of it, they don’t equate it with their passion – to them it’s not work, it’s their life; it’s what they love doing. For years I’ve told people: “Do what you love and you’ll never work another day in your life.” And at the same time, working 24/7 is part of it for them. This does not mean that they don’t make time away from their “career”, but there is always that one small wheel clicking away in the back of their mind that keeps them on track.
* They know that making mistakes is part of making decisions. They don’t expect perfection, but they do expect optimization. At the same time, they also have high expectations for themselves, and for others, but they understand how to balance all these towards success.
* They know how to say “I don’t know” with confidence.
* They are continuously learning – not just from seminars, books, tapes, etc., but from the experiences they are having. They are acute observers of their environment and can calibrate interventions well and the results of those interventions, whether theirs or someone else’s, regardless of how subtle.
* They have solid morals and values and their behavior is consistent. They do not waiver. They may change their minds, but only after very careful consideration of new information.
* They keep things simple – their communication, their strategies, everything possible is kept simple, but not at the expense of wasting resources, more appropriately, they keep things precise.
* They are honest and they understand dishonesty and are prepared for it. They have a healthy skepticism of the business environment in which they are operating and have the strategies to evaluate opportunities.
How many of the above do you honestly have and/or do? Happy Consulting, or whatever it is you do.
©2010 La Valle, all rights reserved in all media
About Dr Bill Toth
Bill’s Background
I’m just an average guy who’s learned a few things about Life, Success and Personal Development – thanks to some incredibly good and bad experiences during the past 25+ years. I’ve made many mistakes and have learned to combine down to earth values with a unique ability to distill complex concepts into simple powerful strategies which can be immediately applied to produce measurable results. In short;
“I’ve traveled the territory, drawn a few maps and I’m happy to share them”
I do not consider myself to be an “expert” and my work is never presented as the definitive doctrine on how you should live your life or what it takes to be successful in your business. I am a work in progress and if you were to you join me on life’s journey by hiring me as your coach or partnering with us in business – our learning will very likely be a two way street. In fact, I expect it to be.
“What you know dies with you – what you DO leaves a legacy”
I was raised in upstate New York and eastern Pennsylvania. This rural upbringing is strongly reflected in my personal value hierarchy: Faith > Family > Friends > Fitness and Finance.
Education and a commitment to continuous improvement are next on the list. All these and more are strongly reflected in my coaching, teaching, writing and speaking.
While growing my private practice I also taught Orthopedics and Neurology at both the undergraduate and graduate level, produced a TV show on fitness, appeared on numerous radio and TV programs, authored numerous journal articles, chapters for medical texts, served as vice-president of my state medical association, and started a family. I have had the honor and privilege of consulting with and coaching a diverse population of people from royalty to prisoners, from children to CEO’s, from amateur to professional athletes from 41 countries and people of almost every race, creed, religious belief and nationality.
I am passionately committed to contribution and Living With Intention. Part of my philosophy is to think globally while acting locally. I am a very active member of my church, as well as several community organizations. After church, my favorite philanthropy is the Nourish the Children. I have also performed extensive volunteer work for both the Anthony Robbins Foundation, and the Make a Wish Foundation.
Why become an Entrepreneur?
I became an entrepreneur because after 5 years of Health Care Reform I found I was merely an employee of the various insurance company’s I was interacting with. I became painfully aware I was working more hours for less money and that what I was doing wasn’t working!
At the same time my beautiful daughter, Casey, was born. This was the first time in my life I started to think about my future, and of course hers. When children come into your life, your perspective changes from Firebirds and Ferrari’s to Gymnastics, music lessons, horseback riding and so forth. Suddenly, I had to think longterm – was what I was doing going to provide all the things that a father wants for his children?
In October of 1998 I started my entrepreneurial endeavors on a very part time basis. Less than 3 months later my New Year’s Resolution was to put my practices up for sale. In May of 1999 I sold them and began to work on my dreams and my fortune on a full time basis. From there, it took me a full five years to get to the point where I could do whatever I wanted to do. Along the way I wrote my first book: “Morning Moments”…as well as learning a few things about money, transitioning careers and happiness. I am happy to share what I know, in short again;
“I’ve traveled the territory, drawn a few maps and I’m happy to share them”
In summary; Transitioning careers was the hardest challenge I’ve ever taken up and it’s been the most rewarding! In so many ways, this is the very best personal development seminar I’ve ever taken because I met mySelf and my wife in the process…and every perceived adversity was worth it.
Today, with my wife Julie, we “get to” pay the gift forward by coaching, mentoring others through the same process. There is no greater pleasure than showing others how to earn their freedom and then observing what good they do with it.
Life Will Never Be The Same
