Tony Robbins popularized the saying “Success Leaves Clues”. I love this saying and it is so true.
If you want to be successful, one of the most important things to do is to have the courage to ASK other (successful) people how they achieved their success. Then follow their success clues. This is a classic fearless entrepreneur’s move.
It is natural to fear rejection. Don’t beat yourself about it. But the best way to ward off rejection is to ensure that you are prepared. You can do that by following the clues of success and emulating them.
I was recently asked in an interview who I have asked for help and who has guided my journey to success. I am very intentional about asking for help. I have a “board of directors” of my life – personal friends from church that support me through thick and thin – business friends that can provide perspective on my decisions and then I have a formal board, with a chairman that I respect greatly. He is someone that I know I can count on to work through issues with me or when I have to make a decision on the spot and can’t talk to him first, he can dissect my decision and help me understand the implications and how I might have done it better (or just applaud what I did).
I also have something new called a “sounding board”. The Sounding Board allows me to tap into the amazing talents of some real game-changers. I may not need their help every day, but they remain up to speed on what is going on in my company so that if I need their help, they can parachute in for an hour call, for a day’s consulting or even as an acting “CxO” to help lay the foundation for a new group within the company as we grow and mature.
I run a women’s networking organization and also have an amazing board of directors for that organization. I can call on any of my advisors at any time and I know that they will take my call because I don’t abuse the privilege of having them in my life as that resource.
Who do you look to and who do you ask for help? What are your success clues? How can we learn from you?
Your women’s networking organization sounds wonderful, Chicke. I have a similar resource to tap into. I also have a few successful and very generous in their suggestions entrepreneur friends. I definitely could be asking more though, and your article reminds me of this and I appreciate that. I would be happy to share any knowledge of my journey with those who wanted to pick my brain.