It’s typical to think that entrepreneurs are the only ones who own their own business. But in reality, everyone is really in business for themselves in one way or another, even when you are someone else’s employee. — Ron Hequet
Not long ago, I sat at breakfast with a few cohorts. For a while, we met once a month to discuss business, finance, and other related subjects. With the exception of one bank Vice President, we each were the principals of our businesses.
As we talked about our lives and businesses, we discovered that we all had clients, companies, and customers that were struggling…and those that were experiencing growth.
Since I was the only Management Consultant at the table, the others asked what I had discovered in my experience that separated the successful from those who were struggling. I shared with them the character traits and managing styles that are common in both.
The first characteristic I noted was a difference in approach. Those who struggled focused on bad news, waiting for difficulties to turnaround.
In my mentoring and coaching programs, I have identified people who spend unproductive time watching the stock market, checking email, and generally worrying about things that are beyond their control. Typically, the news media confirms their belief. Add to that conversations and discussions that invoke fear and helplessness like, “The housing market has dried up.” “No one can get credit,” or “Businesses have stopped spending.” Of course, these are not valid statements.
On the other hand, my achieving clients, and others I have met who are enjoying any level of success, had a different approach. The single most common denominator with this group is that they were not going it alone.
They all had invested in the help of outside expertise, whether it was a mentor, coach, consultant, advisory board, continuing education, or something similar.
They certainly weren’t naïve about the real threat of financial calamities. In fact, they watched the same news programs and read the same information as those who struggled. But they did it with a completely different approach.
There’s no denying the economy has regular downturns, but new business realities emerge as a result. Achievers know that the fundamental principles of achievement don’t change, and opportunities always exist. You either choose to see them…or you don’t.
Everyone is Really in Business for Themselves
It’s typical to think that entrepreneurs are the only ones who own their own business. But in reality, everyone is in business for themselves in one way or another, even when you are someone else’s employee.
Look at the difference between the employee mind-set and that of an independent contractor. Most employees seldom think outside the box and are in lock-step with their co-workers and peers. On the other hand, the independent contractor has an entrepreneurial responsibility to maximize and deliver value.
Ask yourself what can you do to deliver your assigned responsibilities with a new approach? How can you be proactive with your talents to create maximum value? This is important, because increasing your value makes your personal stock go up.
You join the ranks of the folks who never get laid off, no matter what the economy is doing.
We live in times when accepting personal responsibility is no longer the norm. We associate ourselves with a group, don’t keep score, and give trophies for losing. However, life does keep score, and losers are cut from the team. The reality is that each of us has our own personal economy that we control. And it is determined more by the value of our personal stock than it is by the economy.
How to Increase Your Personal Value
Achievers invest time and money to increase their value. Most people focus on financial value. However, achievers realize that financial value is the least important measure of achievement. It is only a derivative of other core values.
Among achievers, the same key traits seem to stand out.
Intellectual Value: Essential to increasing their value, achievers contribute ideas, analysis, and logic. As I mentioned earlier, people get sucked into fear and helplessness. They refuse to invest in themselves. However, increasing their value through training and coaching has proven to assure employment and career options.
Organizational Value: Achievers create a personal portfolio of value by investing in alliances within an organization. They are willing to extend themselves and increase the number of people who know and trust them. They volunteer to work on a problem, even when it’s not their job. They deliver more…before it’s expected. That doesn’t necessarily mean working more hours, but if that’s what it takes, they do it.
The greater the gap you create between your value to others (intellectual and organizational), versus what you use up (compensation), the more secure your position and services become.
That’s why it’s essential to deliver your assigned responsibilities with a new approach. Be proactive with your talents in a way that creates maximum value. As you deliver what others value, and not just what you think is valuable, you build up your personal portfolio of value.
When you do, you can expect a better opportunity for increased compensation and other achievement goals.
To get more information and receive other no-cost special audio downloads, reports, articles, blog posts, and more, visit Ron Hequet where I cover valuable topics that every person wanting to grow their business or career needs to know. And, if you’re ready to take your business to the next level, get a free assessment from me personally at Free Business Assessment or for those wanting to build your career go to Complimentary Coaching Assessment