I often get asked what kind of skill can I develop that will make me more successful. In this article I'll share some of them.

These are not scientific or by any "guru", they are just my observation in my journey as a full time entrepreneur the last 6 or so years. Please feel free to make your own list also if you have ideas how to improve or new ideas about skills that you would like to add.

1. TAKING RESPONSIBILITY. I remember when I lived in Serbia, and when I worked "crappy" jobs here in America, I use to say, why me, it's not fair etc... At some point realizing that it's my fault and I had to take responsibility for my situation, that things finally started to change for the better. So I think taking responsibility is a very important principle you should have. I know it's hard, but try not to blame others, and see how you can take responsibility for the situation next time.

2. CONSIDERATION OF OTHERS. I think most people are in-considerate. I know people get upset when I say this at seminars, but I believe it's true. Now to clarify what I mean, considerate doesn't mean nice or rude etc.. A person who goes to church, and is kind, and gives to charity etc., can be IN-CONSIDERATE. Also an evil person can be considerate. So what is considerate? Considerate in my definition is someone who projects themselves into someone else and thinks in advance about the actions and how they affect the other person. So when they talk or do something they think how will that affect the other person. Very few people have this skill or are even aware of it. If you can develop this skill to analyze everything from the perspective of the other person, you will have a better chance to become more successful.

Consideration will lead in writing better copy, closing more deals etc...

3. COMMON SENSE. One thing that amazes me is how few people have common sense and need everything explained to them. They can't just think things through, but need like a step-by-step press. For example press this button, fill in this line, say these words to your employee etc... and are not able to think what is a logical next step or does this make sense etc... Now the people who don't have common sense probably think they have it, so I'm not sure how to fix this, but I know it's important. Maybe ask yourself if you have it or not and try to be honest with your self.

4. SELF HONESTY. I feel like most people don't want to face the reality and lie to themselves of the real situation. I notice how the way a person describes what is going on is a total disconnect from reality. I think in order to grow, you must admit even bad things to yourself, so you can change them. You must be 100% transparent to yourself and not sugarcoat anything.

5. BAILOUT. I remember how Serbia produced the most ugly and horrible car on the planet after East Germany (they did it for the same reason). The reason Serbia had this ugly car, was that they didn't have to make a good one, the company lost billions year after year and every year for decades they were bailed out. When someone has a bailout available, they are robbed of their God given resourcefulness. I have been privileged to meet over 200 successful "gurus" and listened to their speeches. One thing I noticed is that most of these gurus, were pushed in a corner at some point of time, and that was the pivotal moment in their life. In each case there was no bailout, they had to dig deep and find resourcefulness within themselves to pull out. But they had no bailout. Some were literally on the street or close to it. No one would lend or give them money and they were forced to figure it out. I guess the lesson is to try to do things with your resources when possible and pretend like there is no bailout (even if there is)! Maybe it's impossible, since it takes a huge will-power, but I think it's important to try that.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE TOP PROFESSIONAL SKILLS TO DEVELOP as an entrepreneur that I think will make you successful in any business (or more successful if you already are):

1. COPYWRITING. Even if you don't want to ever write copy like I do, understanding it will make you more successful. If you have been on my list, you probably know that I have no skill in writing according to 99% of people who comment on it, somehow I'm able to make a profit. Why is that? Well I think the reason copywriting is important and it's not about the ability to write property grammar or spell correctly, it's about the ability to communicate with your prospect and make a connection. PSYCHOLOGY is the key to copywriting. Now I don't have a background in psychology, but I like to observe people and what drives them. Also one blessing I had, was the life experience to see people in different systems from Communism, Socialism to Capitalism and how people behave in each, and derive what motivates them and drives them to action or in-action in each.

I have been paid to write copy a few times and have been able to produce results, but I'm far from the best copywriter. Every entrepreneur should understand copywriting because it's an integral par to any:

- video

- landing page

- auto-responder

- voice blast

- radio ad

- postcard

- sales letter

etc....

It's all about copywriting! You have to connect with the audience. Even when you talk one on one at a seminar or networking meeting or on a sales call. I think that 99% of entrepreneurs just don't care about copywriting and we know the horrible failure rate entrepreneurs have (something like 90% fail). I think this is one of the reasons, so if you can improve this skill, go for it. Spend at least 1 hour a week improving your copywriting skills (even if you will not do it, so you understand it). I will have a bootcamp on copy-wring alone one day, THAT IS HOW IMPORTANT I THINK IT IS!

2. TRAFFIC. I think you have to have the ability to drive prospects to your business (I don't mean only websites). Real Estate Investor and Citrus REIA and Tampa Bay REIA group leader a few weekends ago was able to drive 1000 people to his open house. How many realtors in America can drive 1000 people to their open house? Just so you know this is not made up, I was there, and couldn't believe it if I haven't seen it with my own 2 eyes!

Now that can be traffic online or offline it doesn't matter, but you have to be able to drive traffic of prospects to your funnel. In this leaders, case the funnel started with an open house and registering the prospects on his list. This is a very important skill, but most entrepreneurs can't do it, and are not willing to learn it or are to cheap to pay for someone to do it for them. But without this skill you can't be that successful in business. However I can tell you that even in John's case, skill #1 (copywriting) played a pivotal role to his success (he wrote some incredible copy!). However that is just a part. So these two skills are very important!

3. VIDEO. This is a future skill. I don't think if you can't do it, it will break you today, but I think we are heading there. I think we will need a skill to make effective videos. Here is why. I think that everyone on their phone, computer or TV will be able to push a few buttons and pull up a video about you or your business and in a few seconds or minutes and decide GO/NO GO. So that skill is going to be critical. Now if you have that skill now, you are ahead. There are millionaires being made as we speak because they have mastered video effectively. It's not an easy skill and there is much involved, but it's worth mastering.

Tell us what you think and how we can all grow and become better entrepreneurs.

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By George Torok

Entrepreneurs - the fastest growing area of our economy. What makes these strange people, risk takers and wealth generators tick? Why do entrepreneurs take risks, endure pain, fatigue, and embarrassment? What makes them run? Is it money, fame, rock and roll or sex?

None of the above!

Entrepreneurs might want and enjoy those rewards but what drives them and what distinguishes them from an overachieving employee or salesperson is the desire to create. That's it. Are you an entrepreneur? Do you pass the test? Many overachievers are not entrepreneurs.

Leonardo Da Vinci, Thomas Edison and the Wright Brothers were entrepreneurs. They had dreams to create new horizons for humanity. A vision, inspiration and most importantly the belief that, "I can do that", is the defining image of an entrepreneur.

How do you motivate an entrepreneur? Tell them, "It can't be done". Entrepreneurs love an impossible challenge. They will prove you wrong. It took Edison 10,000 attempts to create a light bulb that burned for several seconds. That persistence is the essence of an entrepreneur.

Not everyone who starts a business is an entrepreneur. Some do it out of desperation, or until they get a real job. They might become entrepreneurs one day, but they must move their mind set from 'I can't do that' to one of 'can do'.

What does it take to succeed as an entrepreneur?

The ability to learn what is needed to make your dream come true - and to acquire and apply those lessons and skills. Successful entrepreneurs go past the dream stage. Many have the potential to be successful. They have dreams, great ideas and they may even be right. But imagine if Edison quit after 1,000 attempts. He could rightly rationalize that it couldn't be done. After all who would expect him to try 1,000, 2,000 or even 5,000 times? It took 10,000. Nobody cares about the failures. The results count. We now have light bulbs.

George Cohon, senior Chairman of McDonalds Canada & McDonalds Russia, endured 14 years of negotiation and posturing to open the first McDonalds restaurant in Russia. It was the most successful grand opening they ever had. They served over 30,000 customers that first day. But it took 14 years of running around, being nice to Soviet bureaucrats and pleading with his board to get there. Cohon had no idea it would take so long but he knew he could do it. I suspect that Bill Gates was not motivated by money. The power of effecting change and growth is more intoxicating. Money is only a wonderful by-product. That is what sets entrepreneurs apart.

Entrepreneurs are dreamers. They see things that others can not. They want to create change and growth. They believe in themselves. They want to control their destiny. Successful entrepreneurs seek out, acquire and practice the skills they need to succeed. Successful entrepreneurs do what they have to, to get to where they want to be

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