There aren’t many self-made business owners or entrepreneurs who earn R6.0million plus, personal income per annum. We’re privileged to work with a number of them and it’s always fascinating to understand what sets them apart from the crowd. Is it just luck? Being super smart? Sheer determination and hard work? Or is it something more profound?

In the absence of proper scientific research, I make the following observations about the traits of these super successful people:

1. They operate their businesses Differently.
Typically they don’t copy other models or frameworks. Whilst most competitors have a tendency to imitate others, these guys do things, often, radically differently. This would include a disruptive approach to their products and services and how they are positioned in the marketplace. Their business models will usually be unique as they don’t bow to pressure to conform or live in a box.
How Different is your approach to business?

2. They think about growth Differently.
These people don’t simple concentrate on organic growth based on where they are right now. They think about expansion and leverage of the business model outside its current parameters. Being ever mindful not to lose focus on what currently works and produces the income and best margins. However an attitude of what is not being achieved versus capitalizing on what is working, prevails.
What does your growth plan look like?

3. They’ve got the ability to think “Big” while keeping their feet firmly on the ground
Everyone has a sub-conscious ceiling on what they expect to earn. Most of us will therefore adjust our activity and mindset towards this ceiling. I often refer to this as our own “Sabotage” mindset. These guys typically seem to consider wealth as a choice with few limits. They surround themselves with like-minded people to continually challenge their complacency. Often having a Mentor or Coach to help them stay psychologically strong and assist with overcoming perceived challenges and obstacles on their path.
Who do you surround yourself with?

4. They Waste nothing.
These guys seem to have a passion for finding the cash drains within the business and blocking the leakages. Doing more with what they’ve got rather than just throwing money at a problem is typical. For them waste is not just about cutting costs, it’s about an attitude and culture for how they run their business. Their time, their people’s time, lost opportunities, unconverted prospects, lost clients. You name it and these guys typically see waste as an opportunity to make money.
When was the last time you really considered waste and wasted opportunities in your business, besides merely expenditure cuts?

5. They’re Obsessed with Sales and Marketing.
Different marketing methods, different routes to market, marketing activity, multi-step sales follow up, sales conversions are all constantly under the spotlight. Sales and Marketing is typically seen as a real Business Priority. A fixation on testing and measuring all new activities first before making commitments or further investment is usually seen as essential.
How many different marketing methods have you tested in the last 6 months?

6. They’re People Centric
These business people are usually quality leaders, who inspire and influence their people to give of their best, primarily for personal benefit which naturally results in unprecedented success for the business and the entrepreneurs themselves. They tend to foster an abundance culture versus a scarcity mindset. Being acutely aware their own shortcomings and therefore ensuring they have these weaknesses covered through the capability of others within the business.

7. They’re Financially Aware â€" or they get someone they trust to be!
Not many of these top earners are Accountants or Ex-Finance Directors, but without fail all of them have someone, who is very financially astute, alongside them to give guidance and sound financial visibility for decision making.
How do you ensure you’ve got the very best financial expertise within your business?

How did you score? Being or becoming wealthy is after all a choice!

Rowan de Klerk

http://www.bbrief.co.za/resources/articles/7-key-traits-of-millionaire-mindset