The Real Truth about Success

Any entrepreneur who has been around awhile will tell you that we learn more from our failures than from our successes.  So why is it that when the time comes to share the “truth of our success” many small business owners only emphasize their best decisions and achievements while downplaying the poor choices that initially set them back;  but ultimately laid the foundation for their greatest accomplishments?  For some it may be ego, for others discomfort at sharing such personal and painful remembrances, still others have simply chosen to forget.  Well, we are not ashamed and we have not forgotten.

Here at tonyford.com we are all about sharing the real truth about success.  In fact, the real truth is that there are many truths to be shared and there are still a few truly successful, award winning entrepreneurs willing to open their lives to others who are on the way up.

For over thirty years I have personally had the privilege of learning from these kinds of mentors.  Now it is my mission to tell their stories and my own in support of small business owners and their people.  Initially I will focus on the hard lessons we learned in the midst of overcoming our greatest obstacles.  With the benefit of your questions and feedback, I will begin tackling the tough business issues that are facing you right now.

Here are just a few of the real truths of success we will be discussing as we journey forward with you and your business:

1. Entrepreneurship, ownership, leadership is not for everyone.  Before authority comes responsibility.  If you are not willing to “lead from the front” – step aside before you hurt someone.
2. No one becomes successful on their own – even if they tell you they did.
3. Before you can succeed, you have to start.
4. If you start your business out right, it will run right – If you start your business out wrong, you will spend the rest of your time trying to fix it.
5. The best business idea in the world is worthless without proper execution and follow up.
6. If you think that you have a truly original idea for your business; you are probably wrong – thankfully it is execution not originality that wins.
7. Business success without a balanced, satisfying personal life is empty and insignificant.
8. At some point, early in your business, you will have to decide to be a giver or a taker.
9. The world is filled with really smart, really unsuccessful entrepreneurs; and there is a reason why – It takes a lot more than “smarts” to succeed.
10. Companies are created to serve a variety of needs; but the foundational mission is always the same – continual growth and improvement.
11. No one else in the company will ever care as much as the owner.  Owners who believe otherwise are perpetually disappointed.
12. Pain, heartbreak and disappointment are just as much a part of growing a company as fortune, fame and success.  Get your mind right about the first three and you will truly appreciate the last three.

As you read our articles, meet our partner organizations and take advantage of the world-class subject experts we make available, please know that everything we do at tonyford.com has a common purpose:

We will equip you, the small business leader, with the knowledge; insights and network you need to grow and succeed.

Now go take care of your people,

Tony Ford