When it comes to business, some people say you need to be ruthlessness in order to be successful; others pride themselves on dedication and sheer hard work.
But what are the qualities you need in order to be successful in business? Let’s take a look at what makes business people a true success…
1. Motivation.
Although there are an ever growing amount of companies that have an ‘easy-going’ attitude in order attract employees, the appearances of such brands shouldn’t mislead you into thinking the people behind the face of the company share this relaxed nature.
Of course, you don’t have to be neurotic and bouncing off the walls to be successful in business (in fact, it is a key quality to be able to leave your work behind for a healthy work-life balance). But, ultimately, the people behind all businesses, no matter what the company is, are highly motivated and willing to work above and beyond the average 9-5.
Not only do business people have original, unique ideas, they need the drive, energy and confidence to push these ideas forward and get their company out there.
As renowned motivational speaker Erik Thomas puts it, “When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful”.
2. Negotiation.
A successful business person should be able to negotiate in a friendly manner, in a way that does not demand requests or treat other people unfairly, but works in the favour of their business and makes for a positive networking experience and forges useful connections.
3. Reliability.
There is nothing worse than an unreliable product or service, as well as the business person behind the face of the company.
If you’ve ever seen Dragon’s Den, you’ll notice that the Dragons praise entrepreneurs that provide them with exact figures, and frown upon business people that can’t present correct, reliable facts.
Ultimately, a successful business person is reliable and precise. There is not a huge amount of room for careless mistakes in business.
4. Respect.
Similarly to the attitude to negotiation, a successful business person must be likeable. Although there is an element of sheer get-up-and-go, it is important to earn respect and be friendly towards other people.
An arrogant, rude business person is unlikely to have a well-respected, successful business. It is much better to establish strong relationships and be liked by other people. That way, you are much more likely to have returning customers, happy suppliers and potential investors.
5. Determination.
A bit of an obvious one, but determination is the difference between falling at the first, second, third or fourth hurdle, and ultimate success. Richard Branson comments on the power and importance of determination on Virgin Entrepreneur.
A bit of a cliché, but all businesses need to start from scratch and a successful business person recognises this. When the going gets tough, it is sheer determination, gritted teeth and pure hard work that will pull the business through.
Isambard Brunel, one of the greatest civil engineers and businessman to have lived, is a great example of someone with the ultimate determination to succeed in business. Although he had many setbacks and investors constantly breathing down his neck, in the end his determination made him a success.
Are you Successful in Business?
Of course, there are many more qualities that help a business person to thrive. The five qualities above are what make up the skeleton to a successful business person.
Add a little marketing, customer feedback and experience into the mix… And there you have a true high flyer.
