Photo by John Blais
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How to Succeed in Any Business
By Larry A. Thompson, November & December 2005
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For over 36 years I've managed the careers of more than 200 Hollywood stars. I've discovered that people who shine—at any age and in any profession—follow the same, simple four-step plan. Here's how you too can make all your dreams come true.
1. Identify Your Talent
A common mistake is focusing on weaknesses instead of developing strengths. If you can't carry a tune, why become a singer? Embrace your talents and build your life around them. And do what you dream of doing—not what others want you to do.
Exercise: List your talents and match them with a list of opportunities. You may think "I'm only good at shopping and cooking," but I have two words for you: Martha Stewart. Your talent never limits you. What holds you back is a shortsighted vision of the opportunities for your talent.
2. Summon Your Rage
Rage means an absolute tunnel vision and maniacal focus on fulfillment and success. It's a headfirst, failure-is-not-an-option commitment to your goal—and it's what distinguishes superstars from modest achievers. Mel Gibson personifies my definition of rage. He single-handedly forced The Passion of the Christ into existence despite a total lack of interest from the major studios.
Exercise: Write down events or feelings in your life, good and bad, that can deepen your commitment to take advantage of your talents. You shouldn't play the victim, but you can certainly use negative moments to inspire positive actions.
3. Build Your Dream Team
Every star has a team of supporters: mentors, professionals, role models, motivators, and reality checkers (folks who aren't afraid to be blunt with you). I know an aspiring actress who formed a group called the Lunar Ladies. Once a month they talk all night and ask one another for advice—and their careers have happily flourished.
Exercise: Make a list of the people who can help you achieve your goal. If you want to write a kids' book, one of the professionals on your team might be an editor. Once you've assembled your backers, put 'em to the test: Do they support you? Do they encourage you? If they're not good teammates, drop them.
4. Learn to Be Lucky
You have to make your own luck. How? By working hard, preparing for opportunities, and being in the right place at the right time. There's an old saying that you can't get hit by lightning if you don't stand in the rain. But you need to be willing to stand in the rain longer than anyone else.
Exercise: Make a list of your daily activities. Have you positioned yourself to be lucky? Country singers go to Nashville because that's where the opportunities are. If you want a future in the tech biz, maybe you should be in Silicon Valley. Next, make a list of your top accomplishments. Acknowledge the effort and commitment it took to achieve them. Then go after your dreams, knowing that with passion and persistence you can do anything.
10 Success Killers
1. Comparing yourself with someone else
2. Not facing your fears
3. Leaving a job undone
4. Feeling sorry for yourself
5. Speaking like Ozzy Osbourne
6. Dressing like Anna Nicole Smith
7. Saying you hate computers
8. Not staying in touch with family
9. Saying "I can't"
10. Having more regrets than dreams
Larry A. Thompson is a film producer, manager, motivational speaker, and the author of Shine: A Powerful Four-Step Plan for Becoming a Star in Anything You Do. Go to www.projectriseandshine.com for info.
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