16 Differences Between Successful and Unsuccessful People (according to Andy Bailey)

A quick, but important list, derived from a fun postcard infographic.

Successful people:

1. Embrace, not fear, change.
2. Want others to succeed, not secretly hope they fail.
3. Exude joy, not anger.
4. Accept responsibility for their failures instead of blaming others.
5. Talk about ideas, not people.
6. Share, not horde, information.
7. Give others credit for their victories, vs. taking all the credit.
8. Set goals instead of blowing them off.
9. Keep a journal instead of just talking about keeping one.
10. Read, not watch TV, every day.
11. Operate from a transformational vs. transactional position.
12. Continuously learn, vs. fly by the seat of their pants.
13. Compliment others instead of criticizing them.
14. Forgive, vs. hold grudges.
15. Keep a "to-be" list instead of not knowing what to be.
16. Have gratitude instead of not appreciating others.

"How to Develop Self-Confidence and Influence People by Public Speaking" by Dale Carnegie

Easily one of the best instructional books I've read in a while is "How to Develop Self-Confidence and Influence People by Public Speaking" by Dale Carnegie. It is full of anecdotes, pointers, tips, and tricks all designed to help you speak well and engage your audience - small or large. I personally found it to be a valuable resource for those times I have to get up and give presentations.

Here is my PDF summary of the main points. At 5 pages, it is my largest such summary; but that is because it was a long book with good information!

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of man and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime."

- Mark Twain

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"One who has no originality of expression will exhibit little originality of thought."

- Unknown

The Best Way to Introduce Yourself by Jeff Haden

Another gem from Jeff Haden! Original article here.

How do you introduce yourself? When you feel particularly insecure do you prop up your courage with your introduction? Do you make sure to include titles or accomplishments or "facts" even when you don't need to? If so, your introduction is all about you, not your audience. Instead:

• Embrace "Less is More" - Brief introductions are the best. Provide minimal info so conversation won't be forced.
• Be Appropriate - Keep your introduction in context with the setting. If there is no context, just say hello.
• Go Understated - Unless you are in a business setting, your job title is irrelevant.
• Focus on Others - As questions. Listen. The best connections come from listening, not speaking.