Believe in Yourself : Part 6

Winning Nice: How to Succeed in Business and Life Without Waging War
by Dawna Stone, Matt Dieter

(Page 6 of 6)

Before starting a business, the most important thing is doing your homework - that is, researching the industry you're planning to go into. Before I started my magazine, I spent months learning as much as I could about the magazine industry. I read numerous books and called up magazine editors, publishers, and owners. I was willing to talk to anyone who would give me the time. I even attended two different conferences, and while there, I approached industry experts with questions on everything from circulation to printing and distribution. Once I felt I had a handle on the industry, the competition, and the market, I put together a detailed business plan with five-year projections and worst-case scenarios. Just getting everything down on paper is a great start, as it gets you thinking about your new potential business. If you've never written a business plan before, there are numerous books and Web sites that can help you get started and even give you some examples to base your plan on. When it was finally time for me to launch Her Sports + Fitness, I felt like I was ready.

I also didn't leave my current job until I was sure I was ready to make the jump and start my own company. Having the security of a paycheck while doing all the research was comforting. It did, however, mean that I spent a great deal of time in the evenings and on weekends working on my idea.

Remember, owning your own business isn't just about calling the shots and making your own schedule. Often in a start-up business you work more than you would at any other business, and you also have the added stress of funding your company and paying employees, insurance, rent, and so on. But I also have to say that even for all the hardships, I love owning my own business.

The only other piece of advice I have, and probably the most important, is to make sure you're passionate about the business you choose. Having a passion for what you do is the first step toward having a successful company.

Embrace The Small Things

One of my dogs, Valkyrie (Val), is the most happy-go-lucky dog you could ever meet. Every time I look at her, whether she's walking around, rolling on her back, or trying to catch a lizard, there's something about her energy that puts a big smile on my face. One of my daily highlights is coming home at night and seeing the silhouette of her head in the front window of my house. No matter how tough a day I've had, my mood instantly changes, a smile breaks over my face, and I can't wait to get inside the house and play with her.

While the world has its share of doom and gloom, positive energy is all around you if you look (and if you have children or pets, you probably don't have to look far). Try to find those little things in your everyday life that put a smile on your face and help you stay positive.

Have you ever walked into an office and felt positive energy? We all pick up on energy, and it is much easier to succeed in a positive environment. Do your part to improve your environment for you and those you work with by making some small but noticeable changes. I have a friend who, on hot summer days, sometimes stocks the employee freezer with Popsicles and sticks a note on the door that they're there for everyone to enjoy. Be that person who spreads positive energy to those around you.

Think of the small details that help keep you smiling, and then surround yourself with them at work and at home. Sometimes a few simple things can improve your positive outlook on life:

• Smile.
• Think of something funny.
• Imagine yourself succeeding.
• Listen to uplifting music.
• Keep a plant or bouquet of flowers on your desk or in a communal place in the office.
• Place pictures of your loved ones where you can see and enjoy them.

Spread Positive Energy

There's nothing more contagious than positive energy. If a sports team in your town has ever played in the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, or even the Little League World Series, you've probably seen the whole community come alive with enthusiasm. Strangers talk to each other, people fly banners and put up signs, and the whole city or even state seems to get a huge emotional lift. The energy is palpable.

Whenever I'm able, I tune into one of my favorite talk shows, The Ellen DeGeneres Show. What I really love about the show is the opening sequence, when Ellen segues from her monologue to dancing through the studio. While Ellen's dance style may not rank with that of Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, or Usher, it's full of energy and enthusiasm. Every time I watch her, I can't help but leap out of my chair and start dancing - along with the hundreds of audience members who are grooving right alongside her. In fact, her energy is so contagious, it helped the show earn fifteen daytime Emmys during its first three seasons.

Ellen's opening sequence not only puts her in a good mood, it puts the entire audience, including the viewers at home, in a good mood. If you try to spread positive energy to other people, you have no choice but to be positive yourself.

A strong belief in yourself is the launching point for any real success in business or in life. I believe everyone has the ability to be more, do more, and give more.

The Bottom Line

1. Stay positive.

2. Never give up.

3. Eliminate negativity.

4. Look on the bright side.

5. Know your energy will have a positive impact on others.

Do You Believe In Yourself?

1. If you set your mind to it, what are you capable of?

2. How can you begin to see problems as opportunities?

3. What are the three things you're best at?

4. What areas can you improve on and what can you do to improve those skills?

5. What can you do to overcome your doubts?

Say It Right

Instead of telling yourself, "I can't do it," ask yourself, "How can I achieve it?"

Instead of telling yourself, "I'll never get this project done on time," ask yourself, "What exactly needs to get done, and how can I accomplish it?"

Instead of telling yourself, "I don't have enough experience to do this job," ask yourself, "What can I do to build the skills I need?"

Copyright © 2007 by Dawna Stone and Matt Dieter

About the Author

Dawna Stone is a highly successful entreprenuer who has a wealth of corporate experience as an investment banker, management consultant, company president, and senior executive at a publicly traded company. Her business skills as well as her calm, professional demeanor enabled her to win THE APPRENTICE: MARTHA STEWART. Dawna is an inspiration to thousands of women through her magazine, HER SPORTS + FITNESS, and her motivational talks. Still an avid athlete, Dawna regularly competes in sprint and Olympic distance triathlons and has finished the grueling Hawaii Ironman World Championship. She lives in St. Petersburg, Florida where she continues to live her dreams with husband Matt and two dogs Buffett and Valkyrie.