Who Is On Your Team?

As I look around my business today, I realize that real success is a team sport, not an individual. I am continually building and revising my team. I did not get to a 7-figure business by myself, nor do I expect to build an 8-figure business on my own. You need a team.

But not just any team, you must have the right team. They must match your vision and goals. They must add value to your dreams. They must have your best interest in mind first. There must be a team synergy.

This does not happen by accident, nor overnight. Team-building is a skill and is one of the most important tools of business leverage. But once you find your team members, then you make sure to integrate them into your company culture, define roles and expectations, and take good care of your people.

You see, people are truly your most important assets, and as you succeed, you want your team to succeed. One of the best ways to stimulate team growth is to empower each member to accomplish their goals, tie their compensation to results, and allow for a training or continuous improvement atmosphere.

Document processes, establish back-ups, cross train and hold regular team meetings for planning, review and improvement. Keep learning new skills and strategies and implement these throughout your business system as applicable. Keep a positive environment, and allow for safe harbor. There are no dumb ideas. Encourage collaboration and harmony within your team.

Everyone should be able to talk to another via phone, email - and be sure to include virtual team members in with face to face members in meetings.

Also, be swift to address unacceptable behaviors and attitudes, and don't talk about people behind their back. Deal with issues honestly, head on, with respect and tact. Don't promise what you can't do. If things change gears, then keep people up to date asap, and plan how to correct. Open communication and massive focused action are key.

Together everyone achieves miracles.

Barry Elrod, The Mentor to Millionaires
Stealth Wealth Partners, LLC
Chicago, IL

Do You Have SMART Goals?

One of the most important things I've discovered along my success journey was the regular and consistent practice of setting and working towards goals. I am sure many people would say "Yes, I have goals." or "Of course I know what I want to be or to achieve." But one of the most amazing things I've discovered is the fact that so many people DO NOT write their goals down at all, much less on a regular and consistent basis.

Here's the drill. First, in order to be a success, you must have what I call SMART goals. Smart goals are:

Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Time-tied

Part of the process of goal-setting is to stretch yourself a bit, but also to have a good chance of achieving them. You also should have Goals for the day, the week, the month, the year and the next 2-5 and ultimately up to 10 years ahead. You should begin with your biggest life goals or dreams and then break them down into manageable pieces. You should end up with a core annual, quarterly and monthly plan - with your weekly and daily activities and habits taking you successfully on the path to accomplishment. And no, I am not just talking about a big TO DO list. Do not confuse activity with accomplishment. You must ask yourself "Is what I am doing right now, today, taking me one step closer to my goals?"

In future posts, we'll cover team building, accountability and the power of focus. But for now, I want you to get into a habit of planning your days, the night before - and plan your weeks every Saturday or Sunday. And finally, make SMART goals for each month that will take you to your annual goals. Be sure to allow for extra time than you think and then work like you have less time than you've planned. Whatever you do consistently for 3-4 weeks will become a habit - so this will only be work for 1 month - but it will produce a lifetime of results.

So have at it. What are your short-term and long-term goals? What do you want to accomplish before this year is out, and what are your plans and dreams for next year and the years to come? If you aren't satisfied with where you are today, then begin to plan, set goals and work towards a better and brighter tomorrow. I look forward to your comments. Until next time.

Barry Elrod , The Mentor to Millionaires
CEO, Stealth Wealth Partners, LLC
Chicago, IL

How Do You Define Success?

Some people define success by winning a game or amassing a great fortune. Others define success by building a profitable company, or having a tight group of friends and family in their lives. So how do you define success?

I have found that success in my life has had many meanings at different times. Most mentors and team members that I associate with agree that success is the progressive realization of a worthwhile goal or dream.

Life is meant to be lived, and success is meant to be pursued and ultimately achieved. But sucess is also never truly ultimately attainable. Once you reach your current goal or dream, there should always be another one. That is true living. And that is a life of real success.

I look forward to sharing with you in your journey towards your success. Until next time.

Yours in abundance,

Barry Elrod, The Mentor to Millionaires