If you want to create a successful business, you need to set an example for others to follow. Establishing and maintaining the right kind of culture is essential in any business.
My decades of experience as an entrepreneur have taught me that it doesn’t matter what kind of person you’re trying to get to work with you. If you conduct yourself in the right way, people will want to invest their time, energy, and money into helping you. It always comes down to attitude. Think about it. Problems are inevitable. So are deadlines. There will always be times when you don’t have as much time or money as you need. What I’m trying to say is: There will always be factors outside of your control. What can you control? How you conduct yourself. How you treat others.
If you want to become a leader, put these qualities into practice immediately. If you do, you’ll develop lifelong fans.
Be patient. Decisions take time. People go on vacation. Always have next steps and deadlines. Let people know what’s required of them in advance so they can account for it.
Be punctual. It’s respectful. Make a habit out of showing up a few minutes early. People will notice. If you respect others’ time, they will respect yours. It’s that simple. Being punctual extends to getting back to people quickly. Who has time to waste?
Be available. Make it easy for people to reach you. It drives me nuts when I have to hunt someone down. I don’t get it. Don’t you want to grow your business? How are people going to get in touch with you about an awesome opportunity? For starters, I think you should list your telephone number beneath your email signature.
Be informed. Study the history of your industry as well as what’s going on in the present. Never stop learning. In time, you’ll become an expert. You’ll know where things are headed. You’ll know how to direct your business. Better still, you’ll become a trusted advisor.
Be proactive. Do you spot future problems on the horizon? Call attention to them. Don’t shy away. Others will start following your lead. As a result, it won’t always fall on you to do the problem spotting.
Be unstoppable. Leaders turn obstacles into solutions.
Be approachable. If you put yourself out there, if you’re willing to be vulnerable, others will respond in kind. They’ll keep it real with you. They’ll be willing to discuss their most vulnerable experiences. That kind of trust is invaluable.
Be helpful. Make time to help others succeed. You never know where they’re headed. What doesn’t require much of you might make a huge difference to them. When someone asks for help, look at is an opportunity to grow your network of loyal partners.
Be understanding. Your ability and willingness to put yourself in others’ shoes will reward you. Your negotiations will go much smoother. And as a result, you’ll move projects forward faster.
It may sound trite, but it isn’t. If you’re remarkable, people will follow you.
Originally published on Entrepreneur.com September 25th 2015.
