At 5 AM in the morning
It’s 5:00 AM, and I receive a text message that begins with, “It’s your boy.” Immediately, I think Eric Thomas, quickly followed by the question—why is he sending me a text message and at this hour of the day? The “It’s your boy” opener and closer are synonymous with Eric Thomas & Associates, LLC, which delivers blunt, clear, and inspirational personal development education.
Within the text message was a link to an inspirational one-minute audio clip by Eric Thomas, because I provided my phone number and email on his company’s website to receive updates and other information. The text message I received, in addition to Thomas’ company’s podcast, weekly YouTube series, live events, email list serve, Breathe University program, and books, are indicative of the company’s culture that declares they must give “120%” effort to meet their goals.
Eric Thomas, Tony Robbins, and Gary Vaynerchuk are three of the most financially successful entrepreneurs and speakers in the realm of professional development. These three businessmen have built admirable companies because they are willing to send subscribers a text message at 5:00 AM and do whatever else is necessary to inspire and to encourage the people they serve.
Eric Thomas frames it as giving “120%” effort to make your dreams become a reality. Tony Robbins frequently speaks about the power of commitment and belief systems to achieve the impossible. Gary Vaynerchuk embodies similar philosophies in his advocacy for “the hustle.” Each of these entrepreneurs represents the epitome of a person with high work ethics and dedication that transcends a typical desire to succeed.
Through the documented earnings of each of their businesses, it is feasible to understand why many people respect these three men as entrepreneurs. Eric Thomas is quoted as being able to charge $50k to $100k per corporate training workshop. Tony Robbins is reported to have a net worth of approximately $440 million. Gary Vaynerchuk’s two companies have disclosed over $20 million in annual revenue.
Monetary value determines one measure of success. The businesses of Thomas, Robbins, and Vaynerchuk have met this metric of success.
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What are the three tactics that can enable you to become a better businessman?
1. Practice what you preach.
Eric Thomas’ branding statement, “When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful,” is fitting for a company that specializes in personal development and emphasizes the commitment to self-discipline and the value of a strong work ethic. In Thomas’ speeches, he frequently admits to a 3:00 AM early rise to work on projects that are integral to his life and business. Consistently, he models the behavior that has come synonymous with his brand.
If you want to be a successful businessman, you must be willing to make a statement and provide evidence of your commitment through your daily actions. Simply put, practice what you preach!
2. Commit and believe in yourself.
Regarding financial success, Tony Robbins is the clear leader with an estimated $440 million net worth. A key component to Robbins’ financial success is a positive belief system coupled with the ability to tame his fears. In Robbins’ words, “the secret lies in being able to break through the fear and unlock the limiting beliefs to create the life of your dreams.” Robbins’ achievements indicate that when he makes a decision, it is accompanied by knowing that it will be successful.
When reaching for success as a businessman, you must believe in your unique talents, skills, and gifts to conquer fear and achieve what can appear as impossible.
3. Hustle and do whatever (legally) it takes to achieve results.
The ability to work hard on multiple projects while maintaining a central focus—to hustle—is a skill that has influenced the success of Gary Vaynerchuk. The self-declared, “Mr. Hustle,” is respected for his roles as a husband and father and for successfully building two companies: Wine Library and Vayner Media. He consistently attributes the financial success he has achieved to his ability to hustle in his professional and personal life. Vaynerchuk claims that entrepreneurs who wish to increase their profit margins must adopt a hustler mentality and be willing to try whatever it takes to accomplish the company’s objectives.
If financial success is your desire as a businessman, hustle (legally), and do not abandon your responsibilities as a father, husband, or partner.
So, what does all of this mean?
Eric Thomas, Tony Robbins, and Gary Vaynerchuk are financially successful because they embody the philosophies that guide their brand. Through exploring Thomas’ model of a strong work ethic, Robbins’ ability to resist fear, and Vaynerchuk’s consistent recognition of the value in hustling, it is feasible to see how these three businessmen have achieved financial success.
The common thread in their companies’ successes lies in their ability to believe in themselves, their services, and products.
With a firm belief in the products and services you offer and through developing the wherewithal to work hard, contain fear, and try everything, you can also be successful.
Expand your vision of success and seek help!
Occasionally, the process to achieve success will be painful, but as a man, you must believe that anything is possible. This article has focused on the monetary measures of success, but I implore you to go deeper and look for ways to reach for achievement in your spiritual, health, and personal relationships. If you need help, I am available!
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This post is republished on Medium.
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Photo credit: iStock