“Making it” in the business world can be tough. But many businesspeople have done it, and they all have ONE THING in common. Okay, so maybe the idea that anyone has “made it” is not entirely accurate. Having “made it” implies that success is something static you can arrive at like a destination. In reality, your business life is more like a journey – a continual process of setting and achieving goals. As you reach one level of success, you progress to the next. However, there are many inspiring business people who have come before you and dealt with a lot of the challenges you are facing right now. They’ve successfully mastered some of the issues you’re struggling with and can give you a roadmap for the trip ahead. The ABN has been hosting the Australian Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame for the past 16 years and we’ve been honoured and inspired by the wisdom and practical advice Australia’s top female entrepreneurs have shared with us. Amidst all the great advice they’ve generously given, there is one recommendation that has been repeated over and over… the ONE THING a great majority of our Hall of Fame Inductees say has been a key to their success. And globally recognised business leaders agree with them. Hugely successful people like Oprah Winfrey, Sheryl Sandberg and Richard Branson all credit this ONE THING as being crucial for “making it” in business and in life… and they encourage others wanting to emulate them to do the same. “Whenever I am asked: ‘What is the missing link between a promising businessperson and a successful one?’ [this ONE THING] comes to mind.” ~ Richard Branson “I don’t think anybody makes it in the world without some form of [this ONE THING].” ~ Oprah Winfrey “[This ONE THING] is crucial to success.” ~ Sheryl Sandberg So, what is this one thing? What is this ONE THING that business leaders like Oprah Winfrey and Richard Branson say is crucial for success? What is this “must-do” that almost all successful people do, including the ABN Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame Inductees? Tell me… what is the ONE THING that almost guarantees I’ll stay in business longer and experience more growth if I do it and puts me at risk of stagnating or going backwards if I don’t? Seek out mentors!
People who’ve got the wisdom and learning from past experiences who can give you the right advice at the right moment, make introductions, expand your network and open doors of opportunity for you, as well as inspire and challenge you. Mentors can act as your secret-weapon, a person in your corner who cares enough about your success to provide input and support, but who is detached enough to be objective and help keep you on track. Instead of struggling with an issue, stuck in indecision, or making easily avoidable mistakes that cost you a fortune, working with a mentor can help you get to where you want to go faster and with less headaches.
