Want to Be Successful? FOLLOW YOUR OWN DREAMS By Dave Jakielo, CHBME he only measure of success that really matters is your own personal definition. Too many people allow themselves to be influenced by other people’s characterizations or expectations. Trying to fulfill the dreams of others can lead to a feeling of failure, even when we are successful. I remember back in my school days people would ask, “Why can’t you be more like your cousin John? He gets straight A’s.” Well, my response to that question is, “Because I am not John. I am me and getting straight A’s is not on my list of priorities.” Many times I will hear someone say, almost apologetically, “Oh, I just have a small company.” But there is no clear-cut definition as to what constitutes “small,” and small does not mean the company is not a success. Regardless of the size of your company, whether you are a sole proprietor, or employ thousands, as long as it is profitable and you are content, then it is successful. However, if you do not live up to your personal definition of success, here are some ideas on how you can build your own roadmap to get you where you would like to be in the future. Focus on the following three steps to improve your current situation: • Establish attainable goals • Develop a strategic game plan • Surround yourself with an excellent supporting cast ESTABLISH GOALS: What would you like to accomplish that would enable you to declare, “I am successful?” First, define an economic target. The number you choose should be comprised of what you need to run the business, your desired disposable income, plus at least an extra 20 percent to put away for the future. Determine what size you would like your company to be. Are you happy as a sole proprietor or would you like to also employ others? When establishing these goals it is important to start with the end in mind. Do you want to create a firm that will provide you with a long career and then pass your company on to the next generation, or are you trying to build it and sell it within a decade? Either answer is correct as long as you achieve what you desire. STRATEGIC GAME PLAN: Based on your target, you will next need to devise a game plan to help you achieve your goals. First determine where you are and where you would like to be. Then FROM THE ROAD conduct an honest assessment of what skills you will need to improve upon to help you hit your targets. If profitability is an issue, ask yourself how you can improve your operational efficiencies or reduce your costs. If lack of growth is throwing you off track, start to read books and attend seminars related to sales and marketing. If you find that there are not enough hours in the day, then delegate responsibilities and utilize others’ capabilities to get things accomplished. Remember, you cannot manage time, but can only maximize it by involving others to help you reach your goals. EXCELLENT SUPPORTING CAST: Regardless of your goals, it is awfully hard to accomplish anything all by yourself; it is imperative that you surround yourself with people who can assist you in hitting your targets. There are various approaches to building an excellent team. One way is to bring in qualified folks who have previously accomplished what you want to achieve. Another option is to grow your own. If you make this second choice, you will need to become a thoughtful mentor and an efficient delegator. One of the biggest obstacles to achieving our goals is trying to do everything ourselves. Remember, no single person is as smart as a group of people. Trying to handle everything on your own is inefficient, stressful, and hinders the development of others. Spend some time contemplating what success means to you, and take comfort in the fact that you only have to live up to your expectations. Develop your goals and make sure they are attainable, devise a game plan to use as a roadmap to success, and surround yourself with a competent supporting cast. You will have a much better chance of hitting the bull’s-eye. ■ Dave Jakielo, CHBME, is an international speaker, consultant, executive coach, and author and is president of Seminars & Consulting. Dave is past president of HBMA and the National Speakers Association Pittsburgh Chapter. Sign up for his free weekly success tips at www.Davespeaks.com or text “Davespeaks” to 22828. Dave can be reached via email at Dave@Davespeaks.com or phone, 412-921-0976. T 38 HBMA BILLING • JULY.AUGUST.2014
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