Take charge of your career

Congratulations—you've chosen a dynamic career!
What can you do to achieve success?

In the people business, we assume many roles—including salesperson, recruiter, and leader—as we build our organizations.

Due to the nature of this business, we have constant contact with people, and from experience I will tell you that these people will closely scrutinize your personality, your actions, your reactions, and your character!

I will share four key attributes that have made my career successful. Use them with my blessing to take responsibility youself—and take charge of your career!

Honesty

This is the year to build upon your dream, an opportune time to create a successful image for yourself. Start by being honest in your promises and your actions, and you will build for yourself the reputation of credibility that you deserve.

Be honest with your customers, your recruits, your manager, your family, your company, and most importantly, yourself! Your purpose is to find success, so work honestly each day to that end.

Honesty means being accountable and responsible. Don't make promises you can't keep. Make sure to settle all debts, no matter how small. Be honest with yourself with regard to your profession and your work. Show sincerity when sharing opportunity with others. TAKE CHARGE!

Start with your own life. Then, day-by-day, begin to influence the lives of those inspired by your example. This is the proven way to build a solid career. But remember, this is a great responsibility. People will rely on your constant honesty and enthusiasm.

Whether you have been in business for a month or have dedicated years to your career, I give you the same advice: Continually devote your professional life to your company and your work—this simple decision can pay big dividends! I know it has for me!

It seems like only yesterday when my brother recruited me in New York. That was back in 1959! Thirty-six years have gone by, and if I had to start my life over again, I tell you sincerely that I would do exactly the same! In my mind, this has always been my place. And I've always been able to take charge of my own success.

Wisdom

In the beginning of my career, I dreamed about having my own office. After I opened my first sales office, my next goal was to make my office one full of fun and enthusiasm. Little by little, that dream came true, too!

Once I had begun advancing up the ladder of success, many wonderful things started happening. I traveled to many faraway places and established organizations in Germany, Switzerland, and eventually Venezuela.

In 1965, when I arrived in Venezuela, I knew no one and was all by myself opening operations in a brand new country! It was thrilling! And it was up to me to make things happen and to create the company image there.

How was I supposed to behave? Would the opportunity for a challenging career be accepted in this new territory? What about my credibility, being a newcomer? I had many questions, but I simply began by talking honestly to people about promotions, about awards, and about travel. As I took charge, my organization grew.

Before we found the opportunity, some of us had never heard of this company. One day, we were introduced to it and —BAM— we decided the opportunity was worth exploring. Maybe publicity attracted us to this organization, or maybe a friend knew about career opportunities with the company.

Our initial contact with a consultant was pleasant and informative; the manager took some time to describe the opportunities. We liked it! And here we are now, building upon our dreams in the people business—and taking charge of our careers!

This is not my story alone. It is also that of many other managers who have pioneered operations. Take many of our U.S. managers, for example. When they left their native countries many years ago, they never imagined that someday they would be Medal of Honor winners in the United States! And yet, here they are, surrounded by friends and reaping top benefits as leaders!

Vision

This is how your life can change when you have a vision and are determined to make things happen. Still, many people join the company and then, some weeks later, make the unfortunate mistake of leaving. Why do they do this? Because they can't envision just how far their success will take them!

So a vision is important. How far can you go? Who knows—the future has many surprising rewards in store for us.

Do you think I would have believed it if someone had told me that I would end up the Vice President and General Sales Manager? Of course not! Like many of you, at the start of my career, I only planned to make ends meet. In fact, if someone had told me how far I would go, I probably would have run scared—because I had joined the company with the simple goal of being my own boss, not a company executive!

Yet with time I began to see myself as a successful leader. With each new promotion I reaped new rewards and, when I was asked to accept this position, I made the decision to again TAKE CHARGE.

If you can't envision your true potential, maybe it's something you should explore. Investigate the possibilities; talk to some of us "old—timers." Maybe you have the potential of being the company's best consultant! Or, perhaps you will be asked to open a new operation in an exotic location!

In the meantime, you can take charge each day and do your best to break your own records. Who knows, maybe in the end you will break company records, too! My manager used to say, "Do the best you can, because we haven't seen the best consultant yet—and it could be you!" Don't underestimate your own skills, talents, and potential, and stick to your goals always.

Dedication

Imagine if our area managers had left the company after attaining only their supervisory promotion! They would not have become the important managers they are, overseeing the prosperity of huge territories!

My message to you then is to stick with success. You've found a gold mine for personal, professional, and financial growth—now take action to make it work for you, no matter your level. You can grow as much as you desire!

Dedicate yourself to your growing career, live your life to the fullest, and always keep in mind your potential for growth! For example, if you've ever dreamed of living and working in a faraway place, make it part of your vision. You might become the next leader to pioneer future organizations—maybe even in India, Brazil, Egypt, or Poland!

And no matter where your success takes you, you'll always be surrounded by people—because we're in the people business!

Ghostwritten for sales manager.