These 40 essential tips I have personally learned in my entrepreneurial ventures; and yet, every successful person (regardless of their pursuit, accomplishments, or successes) has demonstrated these principles, and they are the reason for their success. This is part one of a three-part article series, and below are listed 15 general principles that are written and intended for entrepreneurs, but they are applicable to everyone – regardless of what your goal or dream is in life. The remaining 25 principles will be outlined in the second and third parts of this Entrepreneurial Success article series, and they will be much more specific for entrepreneurs:

1) Entrepreneurs aren’t born – they are created!

2) They dream big, think big, talk big, and act big.

3) They determine and create their own potential, profits, and successes – they recognize it is not determined by others or by circumstance.

4) They understand and implement the laws of success: desire success, believe in themselves and their dream, overcome fears and doubts, persist in action, learn from failure and never quit.

5) They write down their goals, review them often, revise them occasionally, and commit to them daily.

6) They eliminate limiting beliefs and know that they can become and accomplish anything. The words: can’t, impossible, and too hard are not allowed in their thoughts, vocabulary, or actions. They understand that the only limitations in life are the ones we create and nourish within our own minds.

7) They understand that opportunities for greatness always come before they are prepared and leave before they realize it; and thus, they take risks and act now!

They understand that relationships, ethics, and hard work are far more important than the business idea, cutting expenses, or effective marketing campaigns.

9) They give and then receive, and they receive and then give.

10) The never view failures as a dead-end street; rather, failures are seen as road blocks that teach them, gets them one step closer, and causes other competitors to quit.

11) They do not have time to worry about what others think or say about them.

12) They never give excuses. A lack of knowledge, time, or money will never stop them – they are always willing to gain knowledge, make time, and never give any excuse.

13) They are confident in themselves and their abilities. But they are also wise enough and humble enough to surround themselves with more talented, skilled, brilliant, and experienced people then themselves to help them achieve their goals.

14) They take risks, and they never quit!

15) Most importantly, they realize that the real success in life is not found in business accomplishments or wealth obtained, but is determined by their relationship with God, the type of parent and spouse they were, the character they developed, and the people they helped.

1) Entrepreneurial Management: Entrepreneurs (hereafter referred to as ‘they’) work on their business, not in it. They are not the boss or manager – they are the owner and investor. Whether or not they have the skills necessary to do the work of the business, they are smart enough to get others to work for them, attract more talented people then themselves, and build the business – not run it.

2) Passive Income: They understand that all their efforts are to produce passive income. They don’t trade time for money, they don’t seek to be the boss, and they don’t even want to give their lives to eventually being rich. They work hard to create wealth as soon as possible, and then invest every extra penny into assets that make them money, don’t require their time and effort, and produce a continual monthly residual income.

3) Good Debt: They don’t worry about debt – they leverage and manage it. They understand the difference between consumer debt and good debt – and they know that any debt that allows them to buy assets that appreciate, create money, require less of their time and effort, and produce a monthly positive cash flow … this is always good debt.

4) Congruent Progress: True entrepreneurs always have new ideas and business ventures come to their mind, and it is tempting to try those new ideas, achieve new goals, and develop new relationships. However, successful entrepreneurs also know how to focus, commit, not be distracted, and ensure all their new ideas and ventures are building upon what they have already built, are congruent to their talents and interests, relate to their line of business, utilize the current relationships they have worked hard to develop, and will contribute to the accomplishment of their eventual goals. While they are always open to and looking for new opportunities, they also know how to focus on their goal and dream, ensure everything they do works towards achieving success, and never get distracted mid-course.

5) Burn the Midnight Oil: Rather than falling victim to the mentality that 40+ years of working for a company and contributing to a 401(k) will result in eventual financial independence, they are willing at a young age (or any age) to work a lot more and much harder than everyone else, in hopes that the initial sacrifice and effort will create passive income, time freedom, and financial independence – much sooner than later. Heaven forbid having to work more than the typical 9-5 schedule, right; but successful entrepreneurs don’t think that way – and their successes prove that.

6) Rat Race: They understand how detrimental the typical employee mentality is. They realize that working for others will never create financial independence, and rarely contributes to the accomplishment of their other goals and dreams in life. Pay raises and promotions don’t excite them, they limit them. Being in control of their own destiny is far more important than annually getting two weeks off, paid holidays, and the little extra money from overtime or bonuses. They desire the freedom of sleeping in and not having to call the boss with a lie; and they hate feeling like they can’t go to the doctor because they’ve used all their ‘sick days.’ However, they also are wise enough to not fall victim to the thought that being the boss, manager, or even owning their own company is the solution to their problem. The definition of a boss is being paid more to work harder, longer, and dealing with more problems. Ownership, not just management, is their goal. Passive income, not large bank accounts, is the quest. Reaching their full potential, creating time freedom, and accomplishing financial independence as early as possible is the goal – not job security or a nice retirement at age 65.

7) Joint Venture Leveraging: Successful entrepreneurs leverage other people’s time, talents, experience, knowledge, money, efforts, and relationships. Although they are confident in their own abilities, they understand that their talents, knowledge, and efforts combined with others’ are far more effective, will produce greater results and profits, and accomplish much more. They are smart and humble enough to realize that partnering, teaming up with, and utilizing others is – and always has been – the most effective way to accomplish their dreams.

Systematize, Automate, & Scalable: Effective entrepreneurs and businesses create, implement, and follow systems. They automate everything they possibly can, harness the power of the Internet, and make as much of their product, systems, resources, and efforts repeatable. They also insure that their product (or service) is simple and easy to use and understand for both the consumer as well as the employee doing the work. And ideally, their up-front research, development, and efforts allow their product or service to be repeatable.

9) The Human Touch: Successful entrepreneurs understand and take advantage of how powerful, time saving, and effective the Internet is. From auto-responders to emails, websites to automated answering services, and instant messaging to social networking – they save time and money. However, successful entrepreneurs also understand the importance of the ‘human touch.’ Thus, they take advantage of any face to face interactions and networking, they pick up the phone and make calls and do follow-ups, and they ensure relationships are human, not just electronic. Because they both harness the power and effectiveness of the Internet, as well as never lose the ‘human touch,’ they dramatically increase their effectiveness, relationships, and profits.

10) Separation of Work & Family: In most cases, separating business relations from friends and family relations is an extremely wise decision. Smart entrepreneurs ensure that their wife remains the wife, not the secretary – and the brother remains the brother, not the partner. In fact, even more importantly, successful entrepreneurs develop an ability to leave work at work, and ensure their mind, words, and actions are with family when at home.

11) Ignore Others: The two greatest challenges that every successful entrepreneur has faced is first overcoming the voices of fear and doubt in their own minds; and secondly, developing the ability to not worry about or listen to what others say, do, or think about them. There will be, and always has been doubters, nay-sayers, and critics who don’t believe in you or your dream / idea, and they will do anything to discourage your from moving ahead. To combat this inevitable reality, these entrepreneurs surround themselves with like-minded people, they pay no attention to anyone who doubts or criticizes their ability or potential, and they recognize that the majority of those who do doubt them have probably never accomplished anything great in their lives because they are too busy preventing others from achieving the very successes they are unwilling to put in the effort to obtain themselves.

12) Revenue Producing Activities: They understand that time can be one of their greatest assets or liabilities, so they use time wisely. Every day they plan their schedule, and create and follow a to-do list. The difference, however, is that each item on their to-do list must be revenue producing. They thus know how to delegate any administrative or non-revenue producing task, activity, or to-do to others. And perhaps most importantly, rather than having the typical 9-5 mentality, they are determined to do whatever it takes and work as long as possible to accomplish every to-do on their list for that day … every day.

1) Master-Mind Group: Successful entrepreneurs surround themselves with like-minded as well as more talented and brilliant individuals than themselves. They seek, listen to, and follow the advice, opinions, and experiences of others. They ensure that every idea, venture, and opportunity is critiqued, analyzed, watched over, and improved upon by those close individuals, associates, and friends in the master-mind group. They understand that developing and strengthening relationships and partnerships is absolutely vital to their success.

2) Step Back & Evaluate: They take time – often – to evaluate, think upon, critique, change, and improve what they are doing. Whether individually, or the business as a whole, they ensure that the goals, objectives, processes, business model, daily habits, revenue streams, work ethic, and relationships are adjusted accordingly, changed if necessary, and improved upon always.

3) Declare: Every entrepreneur starts out small, inexperienced, and unknown. Successful entrepreneurs understand this, but they certainly do not communicate it in their thoughts, words, or actions. In every setting and conversation, they declare what they will be (not necessarily what they currently are). They literally believe and practice the cliche: ‘fake it till you make it.’ Before and after they achieve success, they declare and portray themselves as being experienced, knowledgeable, effective, and successful.

4) Moments of Thinking: Every success in life, and especially in entrepreneurship, starts as a thought or an idea. Because this is true, successful entrepreneurs make time to think. They specifically set time aside, and often, to allow their minds to ponder, reflect, analyze, create, wonder, and think. It is no wonder that during these times that ideas on how to improve their business are thought of, and occasionally new ideas and strokes of genius come.

5) Help to Produce: Similar to the concept of ‘give and receive,’ they take the initiative to help increase the profits for others, grow the business of others, and limit or make easier the work others will need to do. By so doing, these ‘others’ are naturally much more inclined to return the favor and help them do the same. Instead of thinking ‘how can I make money from this relationship or opportunity,’ rather they think, ‘how will they make money?’ This mentality and approach will always be rewarded, because others reciprocate it.

6) Informed Ignorance: Successful entrepreneurs are always staying up to date with the latest information, technology, laws, and developments within their industry. Likewise, they distinctly know and follow what their competition is doing, to ensure their own competitive advantage. At the same time, they ironically develop the ability of selective ignorance. They understand that certain information as well as listening to the news and critiques of others too often will halt their progress. They also are wise enough to realize that obtaining all the knowledge possible and following every new piece of information regarding their industry will never produce any result unless they take action. Being informed, developing selective ignorance abilities, and taking daily action is a large result of their incredible success.

7) Improve vs. Invent: Let’s be honest, the vast majority of inventions are thought of and created by scientists or engineers. Very rarely do successful entrepreneurs actually re-create the wheel – they only make it better. Developing a better but similar product, slightly changing a business model, improving customer service, or even doing what everyone else does with a different company name – this is the reality of most entrepreneurial ventures. Ideas and opportunities are everywhere – successful entrepreneurs look for and take advantage of them. And therein is the secret to their success – that it ultimately is not the business or idea that is all-important – it is the desire, belief, work ethic, and persistence of the entrepreneur that makes the venture a success, not necessarily the product.

Pen & Paper: Isn’t it ironic, considering all the essential elements discussed in this Entrepreneurial Success article series, that perhaps one of the greatest indicators of successful entrepreneurs is that they always carry a pen and small notepad with them. They realize that ideas come to their minds at random times, and they believe the Chinese proverb that says: “the faintest ink is more powerful than the greatest memory.” Their dreams, goals, and successes are dependent upon writing down and acting upon these ideas that often come to their mind. And yet, they also understand that having a pen and notepad and writing down the ideas as they come is not enough – they most importantly act upon and implement those ideas.

9) Time is a Friend: In relation to the point above, while they certainly write down and act upon their ideas, they are also wise enough to realize that after the excitement of a good idea dies down, that logic, practicality, and reason always set in. Thus, rather than rushing into anything, they collaborate with their master-mind group, analyze and ask questions before moving forward, test the market before investing time or money, and they allow time to determine whether the idea is good and will work or not. With that said, unlike the majority of people who have great ideas, they never allow the voices of fear and doubt to dictate their actions – because inevitably, during this time, those voices become very persuasive. If the idea, over time, is still good (or gets better), then they will completely commit to their decision to move forward, take action every day, believe in themselves and their idea, and never quit regardless of what temporary failures happen along the path.

10) Employee Assets: Without question, successful entrepreneurs understand that their greatest assets are their employees. Because of this, they treat their employees accordingly. Now don’t get me wrong, these entrepreneurs still demand that their employees work hard and be honest, they ensure relationships are appropriate and even hierarchical, and provide commission and bonus structures to incentivize ultimate performance. But, they also ensure that their employees are highly valued, appreciated, befriended, recognized, feel important, and that they are engaged, committed, informed, and feel as thought they are contributing to something great.

11) There is No Guarantee: Every entrepreneurial venture ever thought of or attempted has had absolutely no guarantee of success. Successful entrepreneurs realize this, but they choose to focus on the fact that there is also no guarantee that that their venture will fail. Perhaps another word for faith is optimism! The revered U.S. founding father, George Washington, had absolutely no guarantee for victory during perhaps the most important war of our modern day, the Revolutionary War. When all odds were against him, he still took a risk, desired freedom and independence, believed it was achievable, and then went to work every day to obtain it. He had faith and hope, but no guarantee. The victory only came after the attempt. When questioning whether now is the ‘right time’ to attempt your entrepreneurial venture, be wise enough to recognize that there never is a ‘right time’ – you just need to do it, in spite of the fact that there is no guarantee for victory.

12) Failures Feed: Successful entrepreneurs understand that failures breed progression, mistakes are lessons learned, weaknesses are potential strengths, and loses precede profits. Every failed attempt should be viewed as a successful step closer to the goal. Ironically, the majority of successes in life are usually accomplished after the individual determines to not give up when they experience failure.

13) It’s Up to You: Successful entrepreneurs never give excuses! While the majority complains that they don’t have the time, knowledge, or money to achieve their goals and dreams, these entrepreneurs make time, acquire the knowledge, and understand that you do not need money to make money. The only limitations in life are the ones we create and nourish in our own minds. In fact, as important as the master-mind group and other relationships are to these entrepreneurs, at the end of the day, they realize that their success is determined by them, and them alone. Their goals, dreams, and potential are determined and achieved not because of talents or brilliance, degrees or awards, race or gender, experience or from others – but because they personally desire success, believe it is possible, think big, take daily action, and do whatever it takes – giving no excuses.

Never forget that entrepreneurs are not born – they are created! Within you already lie the essential elements to be successful as an entrepreneur – and in anything in life – because you literally are capable of becoming and accomplishing anything. Remember though that an understanding of the principles above will certainly contribute to the accomplishment of your dreams and goals, but only if they are applied and acted upon continually. Perhaps most importantly, the attribute, characteristic, and action that will contribute most to your success is determining now to never quit. Despite the fears and doubts, the opinions or critiques of others, and the possible failures – success only comes to the individual who never quits.

To your entrepreneurial and life success!

Financial independence is actually more of a mentality than it is a dollar value in a bank account. It is more about not worrying and having time freedom than it is about being capable of always paying the bills. It is about overcoming fear and taking risks as much as it is about saving for retirement. And financial independence is all about passive income, not the balance of an IRA or 401(k). Unfortunately, the majority of people do not think this way – and this is made evident in the masses who get excited about pay raises and promotions, develop the typical employee mindset, and live far below their potential because they are unwilling to take risks, think and act differently, and understand the essential laws of success that also produce financial independence.

Thankfully, we can change! But even an understanding of the essential steps below is not enough – it is when knowledge and consistent action are combined that our goals, dreams, and financial independence will be realized.

1) Never Fall Victim to the Typical Employee Mentality: Stop thinking in terms of 9-5, manager and employee, weekends and holidays off, that is not my job or responsibility, etc. Doing more than you are paid to do will not only result in success on the job, but will undoubtedly carry over into other aspects of your life. But if you continually trade time for money, believe that job security is actually security, become content with mediocrity and being average, do just enough to keep your job, and actually think that a pay raise or promotion is the solution to your problems … then the only real hope you have is that your IRA and 401(k) will have sufficient funds to keep you alive after you’ve given 40+ years of your life to a company. And by all standards, that is not my definition of financial independence (or happiness). And never forget that the person who is willing to sacrifice freedom for the illusion of security will be sorely disappointed when security is never obtained and freedom is forfeited in the process.

2) IRA’s & 401(k)’s … Not a Recipe for Financial Independence: I find it ironic that our culture successfully convinces us that our family’s financial future will be taken care of by handing over our money to unknown (and often greedy) investors and companies who essentially are only interested in making a dime now – not in 40 years. And yet, what is more surprising is the masses of people who actually believe that financial independence is obtained by devoting (a better word would probably be enduring) 40+ years of our lives to a company, and think that an IRA or 401(k) will be the solution to their retirement and financial problems. Anyone who has ever achieved financial freedom has independently created it themselves, took risks, and was extremely proactive – never did these people depend upon a company or a retirement account to fully reach their goal.

3) Leaving Your Job to Start a Business is Actually Not the Answer: Realizing that a job, being an employee, and trading time for money will not produce financial independence is the first necessary change in mentality we must obtain. However, do not fall victim to the thought that being the boss, starting or running your own company, or even being an entrepreneur is the solution. Financial independence is not defined by having more power or larger pay checks – it is measured by time freedom, no financial worries, being the manager and investor and not the boss, and especially creating passive income. The goal is not to become the boss, the goal is to be the owner and hire a boss to do the work. The goal is to not earn more to be able to spend more, but take the excess money and buy appreciating assets that make you money.

4) Passive Income is the Key: Job security is not the same as financial security. Independence within your job is not even similar to financial independence. And trading time and effort for money is the exact opposite approach as making money work for you. The goal in all of your pursuits, and the key to actually achieving financial independence (hopefully long before the age of 65) is to take every extra dime and invest it into assets that actually make you money on a continual monthly basis. Whether it is cash flow from properties, interest from accounts, or even profits from the work of others from your own businesses – the goal is to create and buy assets that continually bring in a monthly passive income.

5) Change Your Mentality About Retirement: Our culture’s unfortunate perception of retirement entails working hard for 40+ years, trading our time for money in hopes of promotions and pay raises, trusting complete strangers to manage our retirement accounts, and sacrificing pleasure now in hopes of living our dreams in years to come. Truthfully, I want nothing to do with this type of retirement. And because of this, I am thus willing to put in whatever effort necessary, take risks, change my mentality, and learn and implement the principles that will result in financial independence – long before I reach the age of 65.

6) Recognize What Keeps You from Achieving Financial Independence: There are multiple reasons why people do not achieve their dreams and goals in life, but they all can essentially be summarized into three categories: fear, mediocrity, and inaction. Do you fear taking risks, and possibly failing? Do you fear because you think you lack the necessary knowledge or abilities to be successful? Are you content with mediocrity and being average? Is ‘just getting by’ or ‘that’s good enough’ or ‘it’s not worth it’ common thoughts (and thus actions)? Are you unwilling to put in the effort required to achieve success? If so, then financial independence most certainly will be forfeited, and the result may be a good life – but good is the enemy of great!

7) Being Rich is Not the Same as Being Financially Independent: True wealth is not determined by the size of a bank account, the house we live in, or the car we drive. True wealth is a state of mind more than it is an actual dollar figure. The individual who has no financial worries or obligations, has assets and employees working for them, has created a continual monthly passive income, and has resources sufficient to create time freedom and be in a position to help others – this is true wealth (regardless of how much income or profits are actually made). Comparatively, the individual who makes millions of dollars and drives the fanciest car and lives in the greatest mansion, is actually not wealthy at all if their expenditures exceed their income, they are trading time for money, they live in fear of their debts, their lives display being ‘rich’ only to keep up with the ‘jones’, they are entrenched in the ‘rat race’ in hopes that the next promotion will produce more time freedom (which never happens), and most importantly – they have no continual monthly residual income. Financial independence should be the goal – not being rich.

Understand That it is Achieved by Implementing the Laws of Success: As essential as all the principles above are, the reality is that no goal or dream in life is ever achieved unless and until we implement the laws that are foundational to all success. We must first desire financial independence, believe it is possible, have faith that we are capable of achieving it, change our mentality (as described above) and think big, overcome our fears and doubts, work hard every day in pursuit of our goal, and never quit until it is accomplished.

The goal should not be to get rich in life, it should be to enrich your life. Achieving financial independence is much more than not worrying about finances, creating time freedom, having passive income, and being in a position to live your dreams and help others – it is about reaching our full potential and not letting others define or determine it.

One thing that our educational system fails to teach is financial literacy. As important as subjects such as humanities and biochemistry are, for example, the reality is that to the majority of people, these topics have very little real life application on a day to day basis. The study of compounding interest, building and protecting your credit, monthly budgeting, proper use of credit cards, and even retirement investing are unfortunately rarely mentioned (if even offered) in our curriculum. What makes the matter worse is the fact that companies, media, movies, and our very culture daily bombard parents and youth with countless advertisements and opportunities to spend, accumulate debt, obtain unnecessary material possessions, and satisfy the greedy nature within us all.

The solution to such a problem is certainly easier said than done. However, perhaps the real problem does not lie in the youth’s ignorance of finance related topics, or the bombardment of media influences; perhaps the real problem lies in the inability of parents to understand, teach, and exemplify the very principles our youth so desperately need to learn. And what is it that our youth absolutely must learn? Or perhaps better phrased – what is it that parents absolutely must understand, teach, and exemplify before we can ever expect our youth to do the same? Perhaps the 8 tips below will help:

1) What Do Kids Want … That Money Can’t Buy: Our me-oriented culture has ingrained into our minds that to show love or appreciation for another person, we must buy them something. As a result, our children’s closets are full, toys are everywhere, and candy is always accessible. And yet, so many children are still not satisfied and happy. Why? Because ‘wants’ are bought to temporarily replace the essential ‘needs’ each child truly desires. What are those needs? They are: you, family, attention, affection, friends, discipline, acceptance, and someone to listen to and love them.

2) Credit Cards … A Necessary Evil: There are some parents who carelessly hand over their plastic to irresponsible, selfish, and undisciplined children who are allowed to buy whatever, and however much they want – and daddy will pay the bill. On the other hand, there are also ignorant parents who teach that credit cards are evil and refuse to let their children have one. To me, these are both excellent examples of horrific ways to teach basic Finance 101! Credit cards are essential in our day and age to build credit; and if used properly, they can become an asset in every regard. (How? See point #3 below)

3) How to Build Credit … And Protect It: First and foremost, parents should get a credit card for each child (the earlier the better). That does not mean you give the child the credit card, but Dad and/or Mom will occasionally (once a month) make small purchase on the card, and pay it off in full each month. There is the first secret – pay off the credit card balance in full every month. Never miss a payment, or be late. The longer the line of credit is open, the better. Never use more than 25% of the credit limit. And, you should proactively seek to increase the credit limit … often. Then, when a parent feels the child is financially responsible enough to have the card, the child then must make occasional purchases, pay it off in full each month, etc.

However, building credit is half the battle. In our day and age, identity theft protection should be regarded just as highly as life or health insurance. Parents and children should always protect their SSN, never lose their credit cards, protect financial information online, and never answer emails or phone calls asking to ‘update information,’ etc. More importantly, regard your credit as you an asset. Why? Well, do you want lower rates, better jobs, larger loans, better pay, etc.? Than you better protect your credit

4) Consumer Debt vs. Good Debt: Is there actually such a thing as good debt? Of course! While the list is very small, it includes debt for: education, starting a business, and buying a house. Money borrowed to accumulate knowledge or an asset that will make you money, is good debt (although, I would argue that owning a home is a liability in every sense of the word). Thus, anything outside of that parameter would thus be classified as consumer debt … which should be avoided at all costs. If you don’t have cash to pay for it – don’t buy it! If you use your credit card to purchase something, do it knowing that at the end of the month you will be able to pay the balance in full (never justify a purchase because you can afford the minimum payment, or because there is no interest for 12 months, or any other foolish reasoning).

5) Save 10% … Always: Get into the habit right now that whenever you get paid any amount of money, that 10% automatically (without question) goes straight to savings or investments for the future (college fund, money for a rainy day, retirement, etc.)

6) Occasionally Going Without Is Not A Bad Thing: It is true that too much of a ‘good thing’ can actually become a ‘bad thing.’ Regardless of whether parents have the money or not to buy their children what they want, they would be wise to occasionally teach their kids the important lesson of ‘going without.’ Now, of course I am not talking about depriving your children, or withholding the basic necessities of life; but, how many times has a child wanted (not needed) this or that, and daddy bought it for them? All too often, right! This is not to suggest that buying nice things for our children is bad; rather, parents need to stop being guilty of giving too much and expecting too little. Most importantly, we need to teach children how to: sacrifice, work, appreciate, give, share, be patient, and be content and happy with what they have.

7) Interest & Investing – The Good and the Bad: Parents must teach children what good interest is, and what bad interest is (and how to obtain it, and avoid it). In fact, teaching the valuable principle of compounding interest might be best realized by opening an investment account so the child can learn first-hand how to make their money work for them. Just as important, parents must teach and help children invest early in life. Parents would be doing themselves and especially their children a great service by establishing early the habit of contributing often to: savings accounts, college funds, and IRA’s.

Secret To Wealth: Give and You Will Receive: There is a principle that is applicable and true for every aspect of our lives, especially in relation to finances. It simply is: Give and you will receive! I can’t fully explain how or why it works, nor is the medium or the place to do so, but it does work! The more we think of others and help others, the more others will help us.

As is obvious, the principles described above are simply Finance 101. Ironically, as simplistic as they may seem, they are so commonly unknown – or perhaps just not implemented! Considering all the school subjects and life lessons that parents are required, and must, teach to their children, it is understandable how these finance related topics thus rarely ever get mentioned. However, my fear is that they are rarely mentioned not because they are not understood, but because they are not lived by the very parents who must teach them to their children. To teach by example is hard to do when the principles are not understood, believed, or implemented by the parents themselves! And yet, a lack of understanding or implementation of such principles still does not negate the absolute importance of teaching these principles to our children – and living them ourselves!

From a strictly financial perspective, having a high credit score is absolutely essential. In fact, your credit score is far more important than your GPA, education obtained, jobs and titles held, bank account balances, standardized test scores, and successes displayed on a resume. It is this three digit number that significantly determines whether or not you obtain a certain job, qualify for loans and money being lent to you, the interest rates you pay, the house and car you’re able to buy, the insurance premium rates, the ability to start a business, to small things like buying a new phone and obtaining a credit card.

And yet, what people fail to recognize when talking about this all-important three digit number is how it actually reflects not only their character, but how the attributes and actions that determined their credit score will literally dictate every other area and pursuit in life. Thus, paying bills on time is not so much about maintaining a high credit score as it is about maintaining integrity and dependability – not only with our creditors, but with everyone and everything we encounter in life. The same honesty, integrity, dependability, and hard work that correlate with a high credit score will most certainly carry over into every other aspect of our lives – and it is these attributes that are at the foundation for not only happiness, but any success in life.

Thus, this simple three digit number actually communicates to the potential employer, lender, or landlord whether or not you are a person of their word and have a character of such quality to do business with them. If not, you will either be denied, or you will literally ‘pay for it.’ Understanding this, do you now realize more fully how absolutely important this credit report and score are not only to your financial success, but to your personal character – which determines every other success in life?

Therefore what? Knowing and understanding this principle is important, but like anything in life – thoughts, dreams, ideas, and even knowledge are useless until we put forth action! Below, I have listed 6 tips to help anyone improve, build, and protect their credit. However, as you read and implement these essential tips, understand that the goal should not only be to improve your credit score, but to also improve your character:

1) Identity Theft Protection: Perhaps the most important advice I can give is to insure yourself with identity theft protection. I take no reservation in saying that identity theft protection, in my opinion, is more important than life insurance. It is an investment that is essential to you and your family’s protection, financial security, and eventual financial independence.

2) Credit Cards Are A Necessary Evil: Eliminate from your minds that credit cards are bad. The problem is not with the plastic, the problem is a lack of self-discipline from the owner of the plastic! In order to build credit, one must not only have credit cards (yes – more than one), but also use them properly. Using them properly essentially boils down to two things: 1) Use your credit cards for purchases, but never buy anything unless you have actually have cash to buy it. 2) Ensure that you pay the balance in full at the end of the month, and never pay a dime in interest.

3) Understand The Elements That Effect Your Score: Your credit score is determined by 5 categories: 35% paying bills on time; 30% total balance on credit cards and loans compared to total credit limit; 15% length of credit history; 10% new account or credit inquiries or applications for credit; 10% mix of and types of cards and loans (lines and loans). To put this in much simpler terms – make sure you always pay every bill and payment on time; never use more than about 25% of your available credit; keep credit accounts open; limit new inquiries; and ensure you have various types of cards, loans, and lines.

4) Increase Your Available Credit Limits Often: Every six months you should be calling your creditors and increasing your available credit limits. Yes, you read that right. You do not do this to increase your spending limits, you do this to increase your credit availability which lowers your debt-to-credit ratio (which improves your score).

5) Protect Your Identity: Guard and protect your social security number, and your personal and financial information always. Make it a habit to check your credit score and report often to ensure that there are no mistakes, improper inquiries or loans, and to know what/how to improve your score. Remember that if you have children, protecting their credit and getting identity theft protection for them is just as vital to ensure their future financial success is not hindered.

6) Understand Good vs. Bad Debt: There is actually a thing as good debt; however, I can think of only three things that fall under the umbrella of ‘good debt.’ They are: education, purchasing a house, and a business or investment that makes you money. Everything outside of this criteria is bad debt, or usually referred to as consumer debt. When you purchase something, always ask yourself these two questions to determine not only if you should buy it, but if it is good debt or not: 1) Do I have cash to pay for this? If so, buy it on the credit card and pay the balance in full at the end of the month. If not, don’t buy it. 2) When purchasing something knowing that you’ll have to go into debt to buy it, ask: ‘will this item make me money?’ If not, don’t buy it!

1) Money is NOT Evil – Re-program Your Mentality of Money: The first and most important thing one must do is to completely re-program their mentality towards and misconceptions of money. Unfortunately, the majority of people have ingrained into their minds that money is evil. Money is NOT evil; it is the pride people develop from possessing and accumulating money that causes others to perceive money as being ‘evil.’ A wealthy person’s snobbish attitude, condescending comments, assumed superiority, and arrogant actions are what is ‘evil’ – not the money! ‘But the money created the pride,’ some may wrongfully say; no, the choice to become prideful is what created the pride. Money is absolutely necessary for our daily survival; and if we choose, our excess money can also free up our time and create opportunities and resources that help and bless other people’s lives. We need more people who choose to acquire wealth for charitable purposes, and less people who develop the strength to financially suffer because they ignorantly believe ‘money is evil.’

2) Becoming Wealthy vs. Appearing Rich: Being truly wealthy is completely different than earning substantial amounts of money, owning material possessions, or having large bank account balances. An individual who makes 5 million dollars a year, and yet spends 5 million (or more) a year is not wealthy at all (not to mention the fact that the majority of those who do earn that amount of money spend 80+ hours in the office working each week, which is not my definition of wealth). Likewise, living in a large house, driving a fancy car, wearing nice clothing, and going on expensive vacations is not wealth – these actions are often the mere demonstration of and appearance of wealth, and are usually accompanied by great debt. Wealth is a state of mind and a result from hard work and mental reconditioning. The individual who thinks in terms of buying appreciating assets compared to depreciating liabilities is wealthy. The person who creates passive income, rather than trades time for money (or devotes a ‘career’ to an employer) is wealthy. The individual who works towards financial independence rather than retirement is wealthy (or will become wealthy … much sooner). And although people continually fail to understand this concept, wealth is measured in terms of net worth, not material possessions. Although acquiring wealth certainly requires a lot of work and persistence, the reality is that the reason people are wealthy, and the reason people are poor, comes down to the same thing – what they believe and think in their own minds!

3) Eradicate Excuses & Misconceptions That Limit Your Financial Potential: Far too often, we allow our society to convince us that our success is measured and potential is determined by certain qualifications and circumstances. These fallacies range from GPA’s to standardized test scores, institutions attended to education obtained, work experience to titles held, social connections to family heritage, and from the color of our skin to the anatomy of our body. Other excuses might include how people actually believe they need money to make money, or that they will pursue their dreams when they have more time (which never happens), or that they were not born with the knowledge or talents necessary to be successful. Actually, the reality is that very few are born wealthy or initially have the money to make money; and the people who have become successful are those who made time, obtained the knowledge, and developed the necessary talents. The reality is that we can become and accomplish anything; or, in terms of finances, we can earn as much as we desire. Our potential is created and determined by ourselves. And yet, most people are not ignorant of this reality, they just simply are unwilling to put in the work necessary to achieve success – or wealth!

4) The Great Flaw of our Educational System: From day one, we are taught to get good grades, study hard, go to college, and get a degree so that we can find a good job. Unfortunately, our educational system ingrains this mentality into us, and the result is the creation of millions of employees who often let the ‘system’ define their brilliance, ability, success, and potential. No – a person’s GPA, standardized test scores, degrees earned, or subjects studied do NOT determine their potential! We should not just get a degree; we must obtain an education and continually increase our knowledge. And yet, never forget that despite our knowledge, despite the degrees earned, despite the GPA’s, and despite the schools attended – we create and determine our own potential. Dreams and goals are realized, and wealth and advancement are obtained most often through desire, belief, taking risks, overcoming fear, learning from failure, taking action and never quitting. This is what our educational system fails to teach!

5) The Typical Employee Mentality Must Be Overcome: What is the ‘typical employee mindset’? It is thinking in terms of 9-5, manager and employee, weekends and holiday’s off, that is not my job or responsibility, and doing just enough to keep the job. Getting out of this mentality though requires one to do more than they are paid to do, to think and be different, to take risks, and to put forth action. Because it is much harder to put forth such action, the majority of employees become content with mediocrity by continually trading time for money, believing that job security is really security, actually thinking that a pay raise or promotion is the solution to their problem, and being convinced that an IRA or company-matched 401(k) is the road to financial independence. This detrimental mentality not only limits one’s ability to earn substantial amounts of money, but unfortunately, it also carries over into every other aspect of our lives and produces people who don’t take responsibility, who are uncreative and risk-averse, who are unassertive and don’t take initiative, and who allow others and circumstances to determine their potential rather than believing in themselves and going against the ‘culture’ to actually achieve their dreams and goals in life. And never forget that the person who is willing to sacrifice freedom for the illusion of security will be sorely disappointed when security is never obtained and freedom is forfeited in the process.

6) Becoming the Boss or Starting a Business is NOT the Answer: Always remember that earning more income, obtaining that next pay-raise, or receiving the desired promotion is not the path that leads to true wealth or financial independence. Usually, as income increases, so do expenses; as promotions occur, responsibilities also increase and free time diminishes. And yet, once people actually see the wisdom in this concept and get out of the typical employee mentality, the natural thought is to start their own business. This approach is certainly a necessary stepping stone, but must not be the end result. Granted, starting a business provides one the opportunity to substantially increase their income, but remember that earning more income is not the same as becoming wealthy. If you become the boss or the business owner and just trade more time for more money, you have defeated the purpose. The goal must be to earn more money to be in a position to buy appreciating assets that create passive income, which eventually allow the business owner to hire others to work for them. Then, this investor (not boss) will wisely take advantage of how their employees, assets, and money will continually be making money for them. This is the great secret of the wealthy – they don’t advance in a career, trade time for money, work towards retirement, or even become the boss – they create passive income, buy appreciating assets, create multiple streams of income, have others work for them, and work hard to obtain financial independence far sooner than retirement would ever come.

Never forget, however, that as important as these financial concepts are to understand, like any other success in life, wealth is obtained by applying the secrets of success. When all is said and done, a person becomes successful and obtains wealth as a result of their desire and belief, ability to overcome fear, willingness to take risks, hard work and persistence, learning from failures, and determination to never quit. Perhaps more importantly, one must always remember that if wealth is obtained at the expense of the much more important priorities in life, then they have not accomplished anything. A person who is truly wealthy is the individual who puts God and family first, develops integrity and character, and uses their time and resources to bless the lives of others.

Listed below are 20 different sales tips, techniques, attributes, mentalities, and actions that if understood and applied will result in effective selling, increased profits, and greater success. Ironically, the same 30 principles are absolutely necessary to know and implement in order to achieve any goal, dream, or success in life.

1) 90% is Mentality: Success in sales is not necessarily determined by the demand for the product, current market conditions, company or location, prospect or customer needs, or even the sales techniques used. The ability to think big, disregard objections and rejections, never worry what others say or think, constantly be enthusiastic and optimistic, overcome fear and doubt, and have confidence and belief in ourselves – this mentality is what is needed to be effective in sales, regardless of what the product is.

2) 10% is Work: Anyone can be effective in sales if they work harder, longer, and do whatever it takes to accomplish their goals. Sales is a numbers game – and the more calls made, appointments set up, or doors knocked, the more success is experienced. Never forget, however, that because it is a numbers game, many of those numbers will be a ‘no.’ And always remember that the greatest baseball players in the world usually only hit the ball 3 out of every 10 times they are up to bat – and they get paid extremely well for striking out or getting out those 7 other times. Sales techniques are secondary to perseverance, daily action, and working hard.

3) ‘No’ Does Not Mean ‘No’: The word ‘no’ means the customer does not understand, does not see the benefit, or needs more information. Successful salesmen understand that hearing the word ‘no’ is nothing personal, signifies more information is needed, and is a necessary step to the word ‘yes.’

4) Assume the Sale: Your mentality, body language, words used, and actions should always communicate that you know that the customer will buy from you. Your approach is not one of hope, but of complete confidence in yourself, the product, and the fact that they need this product – and they thus are going to buy from you.

5) Negotiate a Win-Win: The most successful salesmen actually develop the ability to lose in order to win. They put the customer or potential client’s desires, wants, and needs above their own and ensure that the end result is a win-win for all parties. Losing a little revenue to obtain a satisfied customer has always been a recipe for long-term profits and success.

6) Sell the Benefits – Not the Product: Ultimately, people don’t care about you or the product – they want to know how the product will benefit them.

7) Be Yourself: Developing effective sales techniques should never translate into developing a different personality. People will buy from you if they like you, trust you, and sense genuineness from you.

Engage Them Through Open-Ended Questions: Our typical perception of salesmen is usually someone who is fast-talking, cocky, and greedy. Effective, professional, and ethical salesmen know how to talk and listen, ask sincere open-ended questions, and engage the customer by having them reveal their interests, needs, and concerns.

9) Goals: A sign of effective salesmen is that they have specific short-term and long-term goals. They not only review them, but re-commit to them every day. Their goals, however, are more than a hope or dream because they implement specific daily actions and never quit until their goals are realized.

10) Continually Learning: Successful salesmen know and continue to learn about their products, prospects, customers, market, and industry. Being knowledgeable and a resource of information – call it a sales technique if you wish – is important to their success, and more importantly, appreciated by the customer. Because they know their customer, product, and industry so well, they can thus tailor each approach according to the situation or need of the customer.

11) Comfort Zone: There is no such thing as a ‘comfort zone’ to a successful salesman. They realize that their success is dependent upon taking risks, doing things that are difficult, facing rejection, and persisting despite how hard, awkward, uncomfortable, or unsuccessful it may be at times.

12) Fortune is in the Follow-Up: Enough said, right!

13) Scarcity & Urgency: Unprofessional salesmen use these tactics by lying to obtain sales; effective and professional salesmen implement them properly all the time. Have you ever heard the phrase ‘while supplies last,’ or ‘limited time offer,’ or ‘weekend blowout sale’ or even ‘half-off’? Communicating scarcity, creating a sense of urgency, and advertising discounts initiates increased action by both the salesman and the customer.

14) Attributes & Appearance: Effective salesmen possess (actually, they develop) certain attributes that are necessary to achieve success in anything in life. They are confident in themselves, are excellent communicators, have exceptional people skills, never take rejection personally or worry what others think, always take risks, learn from failure, and continually overcome the voices of fear and doubt in their minds. In addition, they dress for success! Not only do their thoughts and words communicate confidence and success, but so do their actions and body language, clothing and grooming, as well as their appearance and demeanor.

15) Name Dropping, Endorsements, & Testimonials: As effective, knowledgeable, and even hard-working as the salesmen may be, the potential customer wants to know what others say or think about the product. Any effective pitch, promotion, or marketing campaign will always include endorsements, reviews, or testimonials of others – and the more recognizable the names or companies endorsing, the more success will result.

16) Move On: Time is money! Effective salesmen develop an ability to sense when an opportunity is fruitless or a potential customer is not interested. Then, in a respectful way, they move on – and quickly.

17) Ethics & Character: As important as each of these techniques are, they will be ineffective if implemented in a dishonest or unethical way. Of course money can and is made from unethical approaches and tactics; however, those individual salesmen and companies who do this will always be revealed, and failure will eventually be the result. Professional and effective salesmen realize that honesty is just as important as product knowledge, integrity is far more important than sales techniques, and a person’s character, kindness, professionalism, and honesty always result in increased profits, repeat customers, and greater success.

18) Always Be Closing: A ‘close’ essentially is a phrase stating that you are ‘assuming the sale,’ or it is an actual question asked to determine whether or not they are ready to buy, sign, or move forward on the deal. Effective salesmen use ‘soft’ or ‘hard’ closes all the time with the intention of course to get them to buy, but initially to actually allow them an opportunity to reveal their concerns. ‘Closing’ is difficult, takes courage, can be uncomfortable, and can even be risky because it could possibly cause the customer to retreat – but effective salesmen are always ‘closing.’ Read that last sentence again, and therein you will not only find attributes of a good salesmen, but many of the secrets of success to accomplish anything.

19) Persist Always: The majority of personal successes in life are usually accomplished after the individual determines to not give up when they experience setbacks, rejection, or even failure. More important than any of the tactics, techniques, attributes, and actions listed above – the salesman who persists will be the salesman who succeeds.

20) Secrets of Success: As one carefully reviews each of the principles above, it becomes evident that success as a salesman requires implementing the same principles, laws, and recipe to be successful in anything in life. Thus, having the best product, the longest experience, the most effective techniques or tactics, and the perfect market conditions are irrelevant if one does not possess these attributes: a strong desire, belief in self, ability to think big, establishing specific goals, commitment to daily action, creating a positive attitude, overcoming fear and rejection, learning from and getting up after failure, and a determination to never quit until the goal has been realized. Therein is the formula for success in anything in life – including sales!

Fortunately, with a little education, self-discipline, and effort, we truly can ensure that our ‘family finances’ result in ‘family happiness.’ May I suggest 14 ways on how to accomplish this:

1) Establish a budget and live within your means: First, do you even have a budget? If so, do you actually live by it? Do you actually record every expenditure, so that at the end of the month (when you sit down and go over finances together … right) you know where every penny has gone! At the end of the month as you look over the finances, did you purchase something you did not need? Stick to the budget and live within your means!

2) Never accumulate consumer debt: Do you know the difference between Good Debt vs. Consumer Debt? Good debt is when you have to borrow money for some type of an investment: a house, your education, or to start a business, etc. Consumer debt is simply purchasing anything on credit outside of these three areas. If you don’t have the money to buy it – don’t buy it!

3) Credit cards are NOT bad: Now, above on point 2 I mentioned to never purchase anything on credit you don’t need or have money for. That does not mean you can’t purchase your groceries on a credit card (in fact, I encourage you to do that). Using credit cards, properly, is essential to your financial success. What is the proper way to use a credit card? It is simple: never use more than 25% of the credit limit, make your payments on time, and pay off the entire balance at the end of the month.

4) Understand the importance of building and protecting your credit: In my opinion, protecting your credit is just as important as protecting your social security number. Your financial future and success hinges upon that report/score. Do you want lower rates, better jobs, larger loans, better pay, etc.? Than you better protect your credit. I tell people all the time that investing in Identity Theft Protection is just as important as any Life Insurance program in our day and age. Now, do you know how to build and improve you score/report? It really is simple: never use more than 25% of the credit limit, make your payments on time, and pay off the entire balance at the end of the month (sound familiar)!

5) ‘Wealth’ is not the accumulation of money, it is the proper management of it: Our culture and society certainly has a skewed perception of what true wealth is. If, for example, an individual makes 1 million dollars a year, we assume they are wealthy. Well, if that person spent 1.2 million dollars that same year, that certainly is not wealth, is it? In fact, the promotions and pay raises we all seek in our jobs will do little if we increase our spending as our income increases. Robert Kiyosaki refers to this idiocracy as the ‘rat race.’ We need to learn how to properly budget, manage, save, and invest our money – not just spend it. Thus, true ‘Wealth’ is getting out of this ‘rat race,’ it is financial independence, it is passive income, and it is time freedom! Learn now how to manage your money before it manages you! Both men and women would do well to change their perception from ‘how much can my spouse make’ to ‘how well do they manage their finances.’

6) Self-Discipline and Self-Restraint are essential: Self-discipline in regards to money is far more important than any advanced course in accounting or financial management. Parents would do well to develop this ability, and they would be wise to teach this to their children! However, please don’t mis-understand – ‘self-discipline’ does not translate into self-denial or impoverishment. There is nothing wrong with buying ‘things’ that are fun, entertaining, or the kids would enjoy. Where the line must be drawn is in the questions ‘can we afford this’ or ‘is this in our budget’ or ‘do we actually need this’ etc. And, ironically, self-discipline in financial matters will translate into self-discipline in other areas and aspects of life.

7) Saving Saves: That’s it – just save! Learn now to discipline yourselves and budget 10% of all earnings. Save for a rainy day, for retirement, for kid’s college funds, vacations, investments, etc. Avoid consumer debt, prepare for disasters or unemployment, and save 10% of all earnings – ALWAYS!

The importance of Insurance: Do you have proper and adequate home insurance, life insurance, health insurance, and car insurance? If not, you are potentially setting yourself up for financial disaster. And, in our day and age, do you have Identity Theft Protection? It is just as, if not more so, important.

9) Wants vs. Needs: Wise is the wife, husband, parent, or child who can discipline themselves financially. The ability to sacrifice, go without, save, be patient, and determine wants compared to needs is an absolutely necessary attribute to develop; ironically, this attribute is not only necessary for finance-related issues, but every aspect of our lives!

10) Money is NOT Evil: Unfortunately, the majority of people have engrained into their minds that money is evil. Money is NOT evil; it is the pride people develop from possessing and accumulating money that causes others to perceive money as being ‘evil.’ A wealthy person’s snobbish attitude, condescending comments, assumed superiority, and arrogant actions are what is ‘evil’ – not the money! ‘But the money created the pride,’ some may wrongfully say; no, the choice to become prideful is what created the pride. Money is absolutely necessary for our daily survival; and if we choose, our excess money can also free up our time and create opportunities and resources that help and bless other people’s lives. We need more people who choose to acquire wealth for charitable purposes, and less people who develop the strength to financially suffer because they ignorantly believe ‘money is evil.’

11) Communication & Involvement is Essential: If you are married, are both of you involved in, informed about, and joint decision makers in the financial affairs of the family? If not, the very question should reveal the necessary changes needing to be made. Are children simply given money, or are they expected to work for and earn it? Grateful will be the child, and wise would be the parent for teaching their child this reality of life in the real world. And perhaps just as important, are children taught the very principles described in this article – saving, compound interest, credit, insurance, wants vs. needs, etc.? The fact that this article even needs to be written should suggest that our educational system fails to teach these important principles, which should suggest that if any parent is dependent upon others to teach their children these necessary financial principles – they will pay for it, literally!

12) Investing in Appreciating Assets, Not Depreciating Liabilities: How often are we personally guilty of ensuring that our car is loaded with the best features, our clothes are updated with the latest fashions, or our sheds and garages are filled with all the fun toys and tools? There is nothing necessarily wrong with having these (see point #13 below); however, how unfortunate it is when excess funds (or what’s worse – funds/debt obtained from credit) goes to obtain more toys, cars, and clothes rather than assets that will appreciate over time. The key to financial independence is not obtained through pay-raises, promotions, 401(k)’s, or even the lottery – it is obtained by applying the principles discussed in this article, and more importantly, buying appreciating assets rather than depreciating liabilities.

13) Be balanced and enjoy life also: Sometimes I read articles of couples who save every penny (literally) so they can retire at age 40. Some are able to do this, and good for them. But, let’s be realistic and also enjoy life as well. Perhaps it is setting aside a few hundred dollars a month, or just $20 – but take your wife on a date, treat your kids to pizza, go out to a movie, etc. Have fun and be balanced!

14) Give and you shall receive: Ironic that this is on the list – but it is not last suggesting it’s least important. In fact, it should be number one on this list! Learn now the great truth that when you give, you will receive. The ‘giving’ will be different for everyone. For some, it may mean giving to a charity, giving to a neighbor, to a church, to a family member, etc. But, give with no expectation or thought of reward or return, and you will receive somehow in someway – but it will happen!

In conclusion, never forget that this is not about saving, budgeting, or investing properly – this is about happiness in your marriage and family life. A great credit score, a large bank account, an excellent insurance policy, and even a healthy retirement account are comparatively insignificant compared to the marital and family happiness, which can be achieved by applying the principles above.

To put it simply, authors fail because they do not think or act like entrepreneurs! There is a ‘secret’ that most successful entrepreneurs know and apply that is the reason for their success. This same ‘secret’ or formula, ironically, is the same formula needing to be applied to be successful in anything in life. Unfortunately, most authors know of and practice only the first few steps, and then they unfortunately stop (or quit) by not putting into practice the last few steps of these secrets for success. To summarize this formula and apply it to authors (although it applies to anyone and any goal), we need to break it down into 5 simple categories:

1) Desire Success

2) Believe in Themselves and their Book

3) Take Action

4) Learn from Failure

5) Persist and Never Quit

The formula seems simple, right? The reality is that there is much more that goes into it, and it is certainly more difficult than these 5 simple steps make it seem. However, most unsuccessful authors stop after step 3. Every author of course desires their book to be successful, they undoubtedly believe in their book, and they put forth the necessary effort to write the book. However, writing the book is half the battle – promoting the book to make money is much more difficult. Thus, most authors fail because they expect or depend upon others to make their book successful, when those ‘others’ do not have the same desire, belief in the book, and time to put in the effort required to make the book a success.

Keep in mind that best-selling books are best SELLING. That does not mean they are necessarily the best written, most informative or helpful, or even the most entertaining books. Thus, if an author’s book is not making money, rather than assuming the plot, size of the market, or front cover illustration or title is the problem – perhaps the actual problem is within – reflected in a lack of the author’s desire, belief, and work ethic to make the book successful. Every successful entrepreneur (and author) understands that their potential and success is determined by them alone – not the publisher, not the customers, not the economy, not even the business/book idea. They also understand that work will be required every day, overcoming fear and doubt is a constant battle, getting up after failure is essential, re-adjusting the marketing plan is necessary, not giving excuses or expecting others to make them successful is understood, and persisting until their goal is accomplished is what they are committed to doing.

So, where is the manuscript for your book? Is it collecting dust on the shelf, is it already published and in print, is it just thoughts in your mind, or perhaps you haven’t even discovered yet that it is in your mind? Regardless of where it is, the reality is that it can be a success if you personally learn and implement the laws of success to achieve greatness in anything. But never forget that the success of any book is not solely found in the plot, market size, topic covered, or catchy title – it is mainly found and realized because of the desire, belief, and work ethic of the author.

(Matt is the author of the recently published book entitled: Great Games! 175 Games & Activities for Families, Groups, & Children. More than providing a huge resource of fun games, Matt refers to this book as proof that anyone can write a book and achieve any dream. It has been successful not necessarily because of the product, but because of the drive of the entrepreneur behind the product!)