How Do You Know When You're Successful?

Have you ever been asked "So, where do you see yourself in 5 years' time"?

It's a question I'm not a fan of, but think about it, seriously: where do you see yourself or your business in 5 years? Are you frittering your time (and potentially your life) away? Or are you chasing your dreams and on the road to success?

Success can be viewed in many different ways and at many different levels. So before anything, it is important for each individual to find their own definition of "success". Not some general definition; find out what it means to you personally and what your life will look like when you are successful and then set goals to achieve this.

Remember Not to Get Disheartened

Lotus was started because I had been searching for a job that I would love and still be at home with my children – which ultimately was the major factor.

I have had many jobs over the years, none of which truly satisfied me. I have been searching for many years, trying to find something I could do that felt right and came right from the heart.

I guess I have always been a self-conscious person and have lacked a lot of confidence. I have usually settled for the next best thing. A fear of rejection has plagued my life which has stemmed from my childhood. That fear had prevented me from pursuing my true passions.

Economy Shows Sign of Improvement - Oct 2012

In lots of way Australia remains the 'lucky country'. Whilst economic outlooks for Europe and America remain poor, Australia is still showing growth albeit at a slower rate, and the outlook is looking brighter for us according to a number of the major bank economists and indexes.

The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Leading Index released 17th October 2012 is forecasting that in the next six to nine months we will see growth of 2.5% in 2012, and then 3.25% 2013 in Australia. The current forecast is marginally below the existing long term growth of 2.7%. This is significant because in August 2012 the index actually rose to 3%, which is the first time the index has been above the long term trend. The mining sector remains a key factor in the growth going forward, despite the recent fall in some commodity prices.

Economic Outlook October 2012 - What do the Leading Indexes Say?

The ANZ Job Index issued 8^th October 2012 shows job adverts felling 2.8% in September, which was higher than the 2.3% fall in August, and it also shows the job advertising index down 10.8% since this time last year. Whilst the decline is across all states, figures show a growing weakness in the mining states of QLD (fell by 5.3%) and WA (fell by 10%). This index is generally a leading market indicator and, with slumps in the index now occurring for 6 months in a row, the outlook is looking glum! However, for those watching the news, this is to be expected and is consistent with various project cancellations in the mining sector on the back of poor company performance and forecasts due to reduced commodity prices.

Keep Your Business Moving

What does this mean? In a nut shell, while the day to day running your business successfully is a key goal and a great outcome, this should not be the 'end of it'. You will need to keep it fresh and competitive if you are expecting to be in business for the long term. In the face of fierce competition, you will need to be innovative and cannot afford to become complacent.

Great words of advice, but how do you apply this? For a start, if you have not looked at your own business or web page in over 3 months, make sure you take a look now! You may notice that what was fresh and relevant then, may no longer be so.