What makes someone successful? Is it more to do with intangible assets like charisma, or personal skills like determination, or technical skills?
So far I have found 5 common traits in highly successful people.
1. They Plan Ahead
They always seem to be ahead of the game and on top of things. That is because what is happening today (whether it’s an “overnight success” or the most amazing press coverage) was in the making for the last 1, 2, 5 or 10 years.
2. They Keep Their Cards Close to Their Chest
They are familiar with Non Disclosure Agreements and patents and they are not afraid to use them. They prefer not to discuss future product or service launches and make sure they protect their intellectual property. Coincidentally, after writing this article I watched Ex Machina (2015, Alex Garland, starring Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, and Alicia Vikander), featuring the signing of an NDA between the CEO and his employee to protect the confidentiality of a secret research project.
3. They Network Constantly
They are well-connected individuals and they know whom to contact (or to connect to someone else) when needed. They look after their network, keeping in touch with their contacts and making sure they reciprocate any favours.
4. They Are Assertive
They are not afraid to ask for what they want when they need to. They know their value and know they are a force to be reckoned with.
5. They Keep a Close Eye on Finances
They are never out of pocket because they do their budgeting, cashflow projections and their sales pipeline.
Do you agree? Let’s discuss – you can tweet me at @paolaenergya