Article: Ben Franklins Secret To Success

Ben Franklins Secret to Success

by John Colanzi

Are you overwhelmed by all the advice on the Internet
about running a successful small business?

The sheer volume of information is overwhelming and
often the "experts" disagree.

Every so often my business will experience a slow down.

This week was one of those weeks. I could easily blame
the holiday or the normal summer vacation period, but
that wouldn't solve my problem.

I needed to step back and rethink my business plan.

The response for most online business owners is to pick
their favorite "guru" or "gurus" and start studying
their advice.

That works well for a lot of marketers, but sometimes I
like to think outside the box. There are some time
tested ideas that are universal and will work if applied
to any situation.

I studied Ben Franklin's simple system for self-
improvement. The system may be simple to develop, but
that doesn't mean it's easy to follow.

In his autobiography Franklin talks about his need to
constantly monitor himself. Old habits are hard to break.

Although Franklin used this system to reshape his
personality, it can just as easily be applied to
improving your skills as an online entrepreneur.

If you're looking for a quick fix, this isn't for you.

Here's a step by step plan for becoming a more
successful entrepreneur.

1. The first step is to pick the 13 areas of your
skills that need the most work.

Step back and take a look at your business and find 13
skills that would improve your performance.

2. Put the 13 skills you've listed in order of
importance.

Label them from 1 to 13.

3. Decide to spend one week working on each skill. Spend
time every day for a week working on improving one area
of your business.

For example if you chose writing better ads as an area
needing improvement, spend a week working on your ad
writing skills.

4. After you've spent a week working on your number
problem, move to problem number 2.

5. After 13 weeks go back and work on number one again.

Follow through on each skill for another 13 weeks.

6. By the end of one year you've spent four weeks
improving each roadblock to your success.

At the end of a year re-evaluate your business and
determine which skills still need to be worked on and
which ones you've mastered.

I know this seems like a lot of work. It's taking time
away from making your first million.

Well I have to let you in on a little secret. Making a
go of your online business isn't easy and if you're not
willing to work at it, you'll spend your time asking:

Is anyone really making money online?

Well there are small businesses making money online, but
they've done their homework and honed their skills.

If you're truly serious about making money on the Internet,
this plan is as good a place to start as any.

Don't rely on luck. You'll find the harder you work, the
luckier you'll get.