Step1
The first thing, I will talk about is having an idea to bring to the table. This is for anyone wanting to make a difference. There are a billion people out there and what makes you special and a cut above from.
If you have a plan and an idea how to work that plan you are half way there. This tells your employer that you were not just hoping this is a great idea but you have put thought into it and it's been simmering for a while.
Step2
To be successful you must see success. We are our worst enemy. It's not what your uncle said last year at the family reunion that keeps us from trying but what we say to our selves. Clear your vision, by focusing on your end result. In short, your success.
Many successful people see a need and start to plan how they will fill that need. Once you are able to see the product/services needed associate the success that comes with it. You hear of Michael Dell, Bill Gates, and others that saw a need or oppotunity and now they are a household name or product. (I am using a Dell computer and Mircsoft software to write this article. LOL).
Again, see the potential success and move on it. But move with a decisive plan. Planning the road to success is a achievement must.
Step3
Not planning can only set you up for failure. Make a business plan for your business and your life. This will keep you on track and help you avoid any unforeseen obstacles like management or cashflow. Difficulties are easier to deal with if you are somewhat prepared for them. Understanding that not all difficulties can be planned, having a game plan makes it much easier to recover or overcome.
A good business plan should include the following:
Your idea/product.
How does it make a difference and stand apart from like
products/ideas.
Your target audience.
What money is needed for advertising, product/idea development,
staff, packaging, shipping and so on.
What profits you are hoping to make.
If the business plan is for your life the items should be the same with a minor change: Instead of profits you will write about rewards.
Step4
Now let's talk about perservance, discipline and Consistency. I am pretty sure that you may already know where I am going with this but let's add intregrity to the mix.
Most people want to become successful with no work on their part. there are no get rich formulas. You must put in the work to be the recognition from your peers and critics. Perservance will keep you going in the times when it looks like nothing is happening.
Determination will keep you from expereincing the "Burnt Out" feeling. Know where you are going and what your goals are. Plan your dealines in order to keep you fired up. Don't allow yourself to become complacent.
Say this to your self, "hard work and discipline will pay off in the end." You will see the results that you are hoping for. We will see hundreds, actually thousands of "Get Rich Quick" schemes are out there and 99.99% of these schemes are just to make the one that thought of it rich because they get your money and run. While you on the other hand are now struggling to recover from the loss.
Step5
Failure is not a word that you should know as a successful person. Failure just does not explain any of the goals you want to achieve. Look at it this way, many people will tell me that they failed because they did not reach a certain goal. However, they have five other goals of equal importance waiting to encourage them to move forward.
When you seem to be lacking in one area, find someone who can exel in that area. Network and network some more. You should have a air about you that commands respect and people will be drawn to you. However, this is not to say that you should not be friendly. People know when you are about to be the "next big thing" and they will gravitate to you, just don't get distracted. Stay focused on your success.
Remember that you must always conduct business in a professional manner, but you never know when the break you are waiting for will come to you and who that break will be presented by.
Step6
In closing, though I have given you some things to get you pointed in the right direction, I have only scratched the surface. You may have other attributes you deem important. There are more than one path to success and because of that no one way is the best way.
The important things to understand is this success is a reward in and of its self. Successful people are never secure in their fields but with hard work and never giving up, you are bound to become successful. the most important thing you must do on a daily basis is believe.