Rules of the Road

You’ve heard it said, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” This is good advice on many fronts. When you’re dealing with another country, another language, or another culture, it is critical to learn some of the basic elements that people are expecting so you can show respect in every situation.

Success is a culture of its own. Successful people do different things, act differently, and conduct themselves in unique ways. If you’re going to be accepted in the Roman culture, there are certain specific details expected of you. If you’re going to be accepted in the success culture, you need to understand the rules and expectations.

Here is a checklist that may assist you along your road to success.

1. In every situation, in every contact, and in every encounter, ask yourself, “What would I do if I were amazing?” Winners are winners all the time. You don’t get a day or even a moment off.
2. Remember, you are leaving a trail behind. Your letters and even email messages will be going into someone’s files. It’s not only what you say, but how you say it. Typos and improper grammar do matter. Success is a matter of attention to details. Google yourself, and check out what the world is seeing.
3. Keep a file of birthdays, anniversaries, information about children, parents, etc. and any other details from conversations or correspondence that you can use in future interactions. Your product, service, or business proposal may be like all the others, but if you’re the one who remembered their ailing parent, kid’s little league game, or their recent fishing trip, you are a superstar.
4. Get into a regularly scheduled routine of contacts. When you’re chasing the big fish in your world, they are constantly in the forefront of your thinking, but you have to work to stay on their radar. Clip out an article, and send a handwritten note telling them this reminded you of them. Send them a book you have read with a note about how it reminded you of their success or the potential you feel you may have in a relationship with a successful person.
5. The whole world is, indeed, a stage. Look and act the part. Dress for success. Be prepared with business cards, thank you notes, and promotional material whenever and wherever it may be needed.
6. The handwritten thank you note is still the key to the kingdom. It’s never been more true that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
7. Be sure to make at least half of your conversations and correspondence aimed at you providing value for the other person. It’s easy to fall in the trap of always asking for something when successful people understand the reciprocal nature of achievement.
8. Read the newspapers, magazines, and books that the top people in your field read. Attend the meetings and conferences they attend. It’s not just a matter of what you will learn. It’s a chance to be seen among the successful people or even as one of the successful people.
9. Be polite and professional at all times. You will be known for a career of excellence or a handful of weak moments. Never react or respond in anger. Give it some time and space.
10. Always give back. The people at the top are constantly helping others and providing value for causes that matter to them. They do it because it is the right thing to do, but they receive the added bonus of identifying themselves among the successful people.

In addition to these 10 tips, think of unique skills, talents, or interests you have that might bring some unique value to those around you in the business and success world.

As you go through your day today, don’t guess about what you should do. Just follow the leaders.

Today’s the day!

Jim Stovall is the president of Narrative Television Network as well as a published author of many books including The Ultimate Gift. He is also a columnist and motivational speaker. He may be reached at 5840 South Memorial Drive, Suite 312, Tulsa, OK 74145-9082; by e-mail at Jim@JimStovall.com; or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jimstovallauthor.