Nothing is More Important Than Persistence

"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." --Calvin Coolidge

Believe in the goal of becoming a millionaire

" This isn't something to discuss in terms of "possibilities" or "maybes". You must believe that you both deserve to be and will become a millionaire. Many people don't truly believe they deserve more money than what they're already getting. In fact, many people discount wealth as being bad, dirty, an evil and something ignoble to pursue. Yet, this ignores the reality that money creates opportunities both for yourself and for others. With more money, you can help more people just as much as you can help yourself. For example, you will have far greater opportunities to help others through charity donations, mentoring, creating projects that people can be a part of and possible even providing jobs if you're a business person. None of these things are tainted reasons for wanting to be rich."

Excerpt from: 6 Ways to Become a Millionaire

Be Willing To Work Hard

Think Big

Ask For Referrals

Word-of-mouth referrals are probably the least expensive and the most effective way of getting new business. This makes referrals the most important way for home-based businesses to market themselves. Here are several of the best ways of earning great referrals from customers:

• Do great work: When you do great work, your clients are happy to give you great referrals. Do less-than-great work, and you'll be lucky to get any referrals.

• Do your work on time and within budget: If you consistently deliver on your promises, you'll soon have more business than you could ever imagine possible. And you'll earn your clients' referrals.

• Keep your clients well informed: When clients spend their money on you, they want to be kept apprised of your progress, not only to stay in touch with the project, but also to keep a watchful eye out for problems before they get out of hand. Do your clients a favor, and keep them informed about your project's progress. Whether the news is good or bad, your clients and customers will appreciate your forthrightness and candor.

• Be dependable: If anything, you should always keep your word — even when it hurts. If you promise to do something, do everything in your power to keep your promise, no matter what it takes to follow through on it.

• Be flexible: Customers and clients appreciate vendors who are flexible and willing to meet their needs, no matter what those needs are. Not only that, but also, they will pay more for that flexibility. Think what you can do in your business to better meet your customers' needs.

• Thank your clients for their referrals: Everyone likes to be appreciated for what they do. Your customers are no different. Be sure to thank them for their referrals with a hand-signed card or small gift.

Excerpt From How to Succeed in Your Home-based Business

Help Me, Help You

"Your home business is not about the products or services that you sell. Your home business is not about the prices that you charge for your goods and services. Your home business is not about your competition and how to beat them. Your business is all about your customers, or clients, period. After all, your customers are the people that will ultimately decide if your business goes boom or bust. Everything you do in business must be customer focused, including your policies, warranties, payment options, operating hours, presentations, advertising and promotional campaigns and website. In addition, you must know who your customers are inside out and upside down."

Excerpt from 25 Common Characteristics of Successful Entrepreneurs

What is Your Primary Motivation?

"This is one of the most obvious signs of most entrepreneurs heading for doom. If your primary motivation for being in business is to acquire wealth rather than to create and add value, then you’ve started off on the wrong foot. If the drive for money supersedes the drive to create innovative products/services that will add value to your target market, then is time for some serious soul searching."
Excerpt from 7 Reasons Why Most Entrepreneurs Fail in Business