No matter what size of company you are, why settle for running a successful business when you could have an outstanding business?  

Do you know where you want your company to be 3, 5, 10 years from now? Visionary companies have a plan and work toward achievement of that plan and vision.  These are the eight most influential factors in getting the best out of your business:

PASSION. There has to be a burning desire for a successful outcome. In any successful venture, whether it’s a multi-national software company, the lone developer or an IT services company, one thing is guaranteed: it’s led by a monomaniac with a mission.

COMMITMENT. Is there a willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve the goals? Will you and your team go the little extra that others won’t? That doesn’t mean you give up your personal life for the business. Maybe it means making two more client calls, even when you’re not up for it.

PARTNERSHIPS. Lofty goals can’t be achieved alone. Gather the people and other associated (but non-competing) organisations around you who have what you want, and find out how they got it. It’s okay to ask for help. What kind of help do you need? Who can give it to you?

INVESTMENT. Do you have an abundance mentality or a scarcity mentality? Investment to achieve the vision will be a struggle if your investment is lacking and I don’t only mean in money. We also need to invest in time, learning, and anything that will solve the issues holding us back.

HEALTH MAINTENANCE. You and your people are the engine. Failure to take care of this can result in failure. The health of mind, body and spirit of the team are critical for success. People can’t have a successful career if the rest of their life is falling apart.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY. They are the support mechanism and the necessary diversion from the daily grind of work for each and every one of us. They are an oasis where you find rest, relaxation and good fun.

ON-GOING PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. Nothing stands still. There is no finish line as long as you are in business. Learning keeps us sharp and ahead of those who simply go to a job daily.

PERSONAL PRESENCE. People are attracted to personal presence. They feel a kinship that allows them to feel comfortable with you. It gets rid of the barriers that stop productive communication.

Some people in a company go to work each day with personal goals and plans, others just show up.
Whether we like it or not we are all working to a plan.  Question is…..is it your plan or someone else’s?