About 30 000 FT above terra firma, on my way back from PE. I just spent some time finalising the 2010 My Business Expo & Conference for PE over the weekend. The event will be hosted later this year on the 13th of October 2010 @ The Radisson Blu. I am pleased that this big and all important event is now hosted in all major cities.

Over the weekend I had some time off. I was sitting at the Blues Cafe on the beachfront on Friday late afternoon. Whenever I have the opportunity to relax and think, the success factor always comes to mind. I am always curious about the difference between someone highly successful and someone who is not. 

Sometime ago in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, USA at an Entrepreneurs Conference, I asked 20 Business Owners and Entrepreneurs to stand in a line. I had the opportunity to simply look at each one of these individuals for 20 seconds. I was then asked to write down on a form their level of success as a business owner from a scale of 1- 5 - the way I saw it. The exercise was based purely on their appearance and their silent attitude. No interaction was permitted between me and these 20 Business Owners.

On the scale, 1- 2 were unsuccessful and 3-5 was successful.  It wasn’t a difficult task. I predicted all those that were successful and obviously those that weren’t. It’s an easy exercise for all of us to do. Look around you and I guarantee you, you will pinpoint the successful and happy guys. Unfortunately, they are in the minority.  The clear message in the story is simple. People can see what you are, just by looking at you. Your success or unhappiness is clearly visible.

What is exciting is that in a flash you can fly high by making that simple choice. Even if you not as successful as you would like to be, start by behaving the way successful people do: smile, be happy, exude energy and confidence, be positive about yourself and others, meet new people, help others, display the nice guy attitude; stop blaming others, stand up straight and act. Yes, stop pondering and get things done...we can go on and on!

I must tell you that The NSBC was born as a result of this personal experience. I realised that if I could, by surrounding myself with the right people, make a small positive difference to one business owner then I would be successful.

We at the NSBC have nothing to sell. If you need to be sold on the idea of joining as a member then quite simply our organisation is the wrong port-of-call. My message is take away the agenda, take away the expectations of what you going to get back and get involved. Just open yourself up to a new and exciting road ahead. You will be amazed at the results that pass your way.

How do we get on that success train? Yes, it’s about some of the messages I have stated in this article. We, at the NSBC, are on a continuous journey and a quest to find ways to help others thrive and fly high....In a nutshell, we are about that extra edge.

Until next week - Mike Anderson NSBC - CEO

Since 1958, Rand Trust have been providing a professional debtor's administration service and an invoice discounting finance facility to SME’s. In addition, they provide an outsourced debtor administration and risk management service. Clients have access to an uncapped cost effective working capital facility.

Visit Rand Trust's website:  www.randtrust.co.za or for any queries, contact Vanessa Pillay on Tel: +27 11 531-5465 or vanessa@randtrust.co.za

Play and win a complimentary Exhibition Package for the 2010 My Business Expo & Conference @ Gallagher, Midrand on Friday, 05 March 2010.
The total value of this fantastic prize is R 14,500.00 (excl VAT)!! Let the game begin!

Question: What is The NSBCs # 1 Rule of Success for the Month of February 2010? (three words needed)

The answer to the NSBC Webhunt will be found on twitter www.twitter.com/mysmallbiz or in the weekly newsletter / My Small Business Mag.

This entry closes on Wednesday 17th of February 2010.

One correct entry will be drawn out of the hat by our auditors and will be announced in the newsletter on Monday 23rd  of February 2010.

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