Get rich quick schemes have been around forever. Sometimes well-intentioned (but not always) dream-spinners say things like:
“Do these ten steps and you’ll double your client base and work less hours.”
“Create a steady stream of income without lifting a finger.”
“Get the secrets to having a business that will run without you…”
These claims are followed by various heart-warming testimonials from ordinary people (just like you and me) who have benefitted from that particular promise.

People have always been vulnerable to such claims because, after all, who wouldn’t want “more” for “less”?
I’ve personally investigated many pitches like these because I’m always hopeful that there is a “better way” that I can benefit from. Also, because there are elements of these messages that are true. The problem is, there are a lot of critical details being left out — not because they are bad people. But because they are packaging a solution that appeals to their audience. They can’t tell you everything because it would overwhelm, and no one would buy.

It is also true that there are those who are trying to deceive you. These are dishonest people who are in it to make money and don’t care about the buyer at all. Caveat emptor (buyer beware) is a warning we still do well to heed.

The truth is, starting and successfully running a business that creates a steady income stream takes knowledge, strategic and calculated actions, periodic review and revisions, and time – all in the right combination – in order to achieve the desired outcomes.

There are ways to shorten learning cycles, be more effective in your actions, and make inspired changes based on new knowledge and expertise, but those things are not a substitute for these critical elements of success:
An abundance mentality where you believe there is enough business for all to succeed;
A strong and positive sense of self-worth, value and confidence;
A clear focus of who your target market is;
A strategic set of specified behaviors with action steps that will make the plan a reality;
An understanding of your ideal customer’s problems that your company is uniquely positioned to solve;
A system for communicating effectively with your target audience from lead generation through delivery;
Ongoing reinforcement training – constantly fine-tuning and adjusting skills to meet an ever-changing marketplace; and
Accountability to your co-workers, your prospects, your customers and your community.

Get rich quick? If it seems too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true. None of the self-made millionaires will ever claim it was ‘quick’. They will tell you about all the hard work and long hours they put in – at least at the beginning, if not on an ongoing basis.

As in life, we must sow the seeds of success before we can expect to reap a harvest. What one action can you take today that will get you closer to your goals? Don’t just think about it. Do it, and send me an email to share how it works.