Be your own biggest fan And biggest critic. We're all selling ourselves. More specifically, we're selling our ability to make an impact on the business of our clients. If you don't believe passionately in your ability to do that, and speak about it with energy, you'll never allow anyone else to see that potential either. This is about justified confidence in the result you deliver, not artificial arrogance. Live by the idea that what was exceptional yesterday is adequate today, and will be unacceptable tomorrow. 

Blind faith is a requirement. We all want immediate results. All too often, that's not the case and we give up on a good idea prematurely. Engaging in social media is a perfect example. I've been active in social media and writing/publishing since I started BGN almost four years ago. However, it's only been in the past year that I have seen tangible results. The lesson is that if you still believe an idea is a good one, stick with it. Stick with it because it is at this point where most of your competition will give up.

Study, discuss and debate. Increased knowledge equals increased success. Study and read as much as you can. Become a student of business, of human behavior, of emerging trends. While reading is a great start, finding someone with whom you can share your new ideas and have lively discussions and debates is what will open whole new worlds of how you can put your knowledge to work.