Advice from the Innovators

BusinessWeek online recently interviewed eight of the top entrepreneurs in the world.  They asked innovators like Sir Richard Branson, Hugh Hefner and Ami Nahshon who inspired them and what was the best advice they ever received.

The answers they gave were words you have likely heard before. Be real. Stick to what you believe in. Listen to others. Treat people well. Choose work that you are passionate about. Hold onto your dreams. Integrity is everything. Never shy away from a challenge.

 
But have you really considered the power of these words?

 
These entrepreneurs have shown us that these simple words and ideas, when put into practice, really do have the power to create positive impact in your professional life.

 
As our professional lives are ultimately a result of the choices that we make, it is important to reflect on which words, ideas or values are guiding our choices.

Do any of the words above describe who you are or what you do? Do words like passion, respect, or integrity accurately describe your professional choices recently? Or could some recent choices be better described as fearful, inauthentic or lacking commitment?

 
I doubt that any of these top entrepreneurs can say that all of those words applied to all of their choices all of the time over the course of their career. But clearly they feel that these words were an important part of their professional success. Advice that has worked for them could work for you too.

 
What one word or value could you commit to putting into practice today that would help support your business success?