Why the secrets of business success do not come from Steve Jobs, Richard Branson and Bill Gates.

When your goal is to become a successful business person your first approach might be to find out exactly what the most famous entrepreneurs did and emulate it.  You may believe that by knowing what someone did to gain success, that you can do the same and get the same result.  This approach can be ultimately flawed and here are some pointers to creating your own success.

Define what success looks like for you?

The myriad of stories of ‘how it was done’ often miss out details such as key failures, key people who were actually ‘door openers’ and the dark days they had.  Many who are heralded as successes may not have great health, relationships, ethics, and actual wealth.  Those who drive the new cars don’t always own them! Take into consideration what success would actually look like for you, not just in business terms but also in a private sense.

Add your own flair.

It’s great to get inspiration, just don’t try and emulate them absolutely.  Add in your own flair, do what is right for you.  Take the pointers which suit your situation or personality.  Many of the most famous and successful people built their businesses by using an approach or idea that was unique to them. Play on your strengths and tell your own unique story.

Be realistic about your growth.

I see piles of books/articles/posts authored, or more often ghost written for the ‘subject’ or by a third party stating how Steve Jobs, Richard Branson, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, and the newbies like Sam Ovens have made it.  Yes we can get inspiration from it but it doesn’t necessarily mean we can get to the same heights.  Sure, some of you will say ‘There is no harm in trying’ and while this is right to a point, we also need to know what  we are capable of, what contacts we have, the current environment that exists, and our risk tolerance as well as skills and knowledge and perhaps the existing intellectual property we currently hold.  Be realistic and set achievable goals with manageable growth.

Celebrate in what you can achieve.

It may not be impossible for me to be good at basketball, but at 175cm and 52 years old I may have a few things against me.  I can still play and enjoy it, but I don’t expect to get signed to the NBA.  I may be able to design a fantastic computer, but probably need to check if there is now room in the market.  I do make excellent hamburgers but do I prefer eating them rather than making them?  While we can be inspired to be #1, I have also learned that there is a great sense of achievement at being number two or number 2000 in some situations.  I am still #1 in that I am happy with my life.

Find someone to challenge your ideas.

And always, always find someone who will argue for what you believe, and someone who argues against it. Somewhere in between you may find the answer!  Learn from both viewpoints and then make your decision.