Do you have a Success
Entourage?
You should.
Like celebrities who require many types of consultants
and advisors to help develop and maintain their star
status, you need a support system too. A
Success Entourage
consists of those who coach you, motivate you and, yes,
who scold you too, so that you excel and stay on top of
your game. Recruit, “adopt,” or formally hire as many of
these folks as you can so that you can be the best you
can be.
Surround Yourself With
Winners
Your Success Entourage
should include lots of movers and shakers. They will be
your key Promoters. These are usually very high energy
people who keep you stimulated and motivated. They spark
your creative thinking and help you set high goals and
aspirations. These people also tend to win. They hit the
targets they aim for and, while not perfect, are great
role models to observe closely. Note the attitudes and
success strategies they use to get ahead, and don’t
hesitate to ask for their guidance. They enjoy coaching
you and take the time and energy to spread the word to
others about your capabilities and achievements. This
helps you to make valuable connections and further fuels
your success.
Learn From Critics
In addition to Promoters, include Critics in your
Success Entourage.
Many successful people fall from their perches because
they only surround themselves with “yes” men and women
who don’t challenge their ideas, don’t set them straight
on what’s going on in the world around them, and don’t
help them regroup, retool, or re-strategize when it is
in their best interests to do so. Be courageous. Take a
deep breath. Suck it up and learn from the critical
feedback that others give you. Remind yourself that, as
members of your Success
Entourage, they mean well and only want
the best for you. Their coaching helps you stay ahead of
the curve, so don’t run from their input. Solicit more
to avoid negative consequences in the future.
Enjoy
Your Fans
Though it is important to accept criticism and to learn
from mistakes, it is also important to enjoy your
success. As your achievements pile up, people will be
very proud of what you have accomplished and will become
your Fans. They are part of your
Success Entourage
too. Many will be family and friends, but others will
become Fans of yours as they have contact with you,
admire what you’re doing, and want to support you in any
way they can. Draw strength from their positive
attention and willingness to help. Soak up the praise
they shower upon you. Enjoy the applause. It really is
okay to savor this adoration and take pride in yourself
for all you’ve done to get this far.
Continue to build your
Success Entourage as you grow. The
combination of supporters, advocates, critics and
consultants you need today may be different tomorrow.
This is especially so as you become more visible and
active in the public -- as you become a “celebrity”.
Your needs become more complex and require more input on
a lot of issues that drive your success. Be prepared for
this day. Keep recruiting and adopting those who can
help you get ahead and, when necessary, hire the
expertise you need.
