07 Hobbies Science Says Will Make You Smarter

For a long time, it was believed that people are born with a given level of intelligence and the best we could do in life was to live up to our potential. Scientists have now proven that we can actually increase our potential and enjoy ourselves in the process. We now know that by learning new skills the brain creates new neural pathways that make it work faster and better.

Here is a list of seven hobbies that make you smarter and why.

1. Play a musical instrument.

Playing music helps with creativity, analytical skills, language, math, fine motor skills and more. While these are all great advantages, some people argue that playing team sports might do as many things. What playing musical instruments does that other activities don’t is strengthen the corpus callosum that links the hemispheres of the brain by creating new connections.

An improved corpus callosum helps with executive skills, memory, problem solving and overall brain function, regardless of how old you are.

2. Read anything.

The benefits of reading are the same whether you are enjoying Game of Thrones, Harry Potter or the latest issue of the Wall Street Journal. Reading reduces stress, which makes you feel better about yourself, and increases all three types of intelligence -- crystallised, fluid and emotional. That helps with problem solving, putting different pieces of knowledge together to better navigate everyday life, detecting patterns, understanding processes and accurately interpreting and responding to other people’s feelings.

At work, this translates into better understanding how to make things happen and better managerial skills.

3. Exercise regularly.

Occasional exercise alone doesn’t do the trick. Regular exercise is much more effective than hard work-outs every now and then. When exercising regularly the cells are flooded with BDNF, a protein that helps with memory, learning, focus, concentration and understanding. This is also often referred to as mental acuity.

Some scientists speculate that sitting down for prolonged periods of time has the opposite affect and actually hinders our brain from working as well as it could.

4. Learn a new language.

Forget solving puzzles to improve your memory and learn a foreign language instead. Research has shown that people who are bilingual are better at solving puzzles than people who speak only one language. Successfully learning new languages enables your brain to better perform any mentally demanding tasks. This includes the typical executive skills such as planning and problem-solving.

Additionally, speaking at least two languages positively affects your skill to monitor your environment and to better direct your attention to processes. Many people are told that because executives speak languages, they should learn Spanish or French if they want to move up the ranks. Based on how the brain reacts to learning languages, it might be the other way around. Learning another language might be the last missing link people need to get their brain ready to take on C-level jobs.

5. Test your cumulative learning.

Many intelligent students in high school and college "cram'' for finals and seem to have mastered the topic the day of the big test. The trouble with that is we tend to forget these things quickly because we are rarely, if ever, required to repeat that knowledge in that same way. One reason studying a new language makes us smarter is because it requires cumulative learning. Because we need them over and over again, the grammar and vocabulary we learn is repeated countless times as we improve our foreign language skills.

Apply the concept of cumulative learning to every day life and your work place by keeping track of noteworthy bits of knowledge you acquire. Go through takeaways from recent books, observations during an important negotiation, or keep a small journal with anything that strikes your attention. Start integrating cumulative learning into your self-improvement program.

6. Work out your brain.

Sudoku, puzzles, riddles, board games, video games, card games, and similar activities increase neuroplasticity. This encompasses a wide variety of changes in neural pathways and synapses that is basically the ability of the brain to reorganize itself. When nerve cells respond in new ways, that  increases neuroplasticity, which allows us more ability to see things from different points-of-view andunderstand cause and effect of behaviors and emotions. We become aware of new patterns and our cognitive abilities are improved.

Considering that neuroplasticity is involved in impairments such as tinnitus, an increased amount can help prevent certain conditions. For instance, people with high neurplasticity are less prone to anxiety and depression while learning faster and memorizing more.

7. Meditate.

In 1992 the Dalai Lama invited scientist Richard Davidson to study his brain waves during meditation to find out whether he could generate specific brain waves on command. Turns out that when the Dalai Lama and other monks were told to meditate and focus on compassion, their brain waves showed that they were in a deeply compassionate state of mind. The full research results were published in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” in 2004 and then in the Wall Street Journal, where it received an enormous amount of attention.

Meditation became interesting to ambitious people because the study implied that we can control our own brain waves and feel whatever we want to feel whenever we want to. This means we can feel more powerful right before a negotiation, more confident when asking for a raise and more convincing during a sales call.

The general idea is that the brain can develop further and you can do it on purpose. Different activities stimulate different areas of your brain, so you can work on becoming unbeatable at your strengths as well as improving your weaknesses. Focusing self-improvement on the brain is a good idea for anyone who feels they are at their professional peak (or maybe just have stopped getting better), ambitious professionals and of course entrepreneurs who are looking to maximize their potential.

07 Biggest Myths About Mentally Strong People

Although we spend a lot of time talking about physical strength, we devote a lot less attention to mental strength. As a result, there are a lot of misconceptions about what it means to be mentally strong. Here are the seven biggest myths about mentally strong people.

1. Mentally strong people were born strong.

Just like babies aren't born with hulk-like physical strength, no one comes out of the womb possessing incredible mental strength. Everyone has the ability to develop the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral skills that build mental muscle. Growing stronger takes practice and hard work--as well as a commitment to giving up the bad habits that could hold you back--but everyone has the ability to grow stronger.

2. Mentally strong people are cold and unemotional.

Mentally strong people experience emotions just like everyone else. They’re acutely aware of how their emotions can influence their thoughts and behavior. They're able to behave contrary to their feelings when doing so helps them reach their goals, and they refuse to allow their emotions to control them.

3. Mentally strong people are bossy and aggressive.

Mentally strong people don't worry about pleasing everyone--but they also don't try to control others in a bossy or aggressive manner. Instead, they accept personal responsibility for their behavior and they don't waste energy trying to manipulate others with harsh tactics.

4. Mentally strong people have never endured real hardship.

Many strong people have overcome incredible hardships, ranging from troubled childhoods to financial ruin. But, they don't use their misfortune as an excuse for not reaching their goals. Instead, they turn those experiences into learning opportunities that help them grow stronger.

5. Mentally strong people don't ask for help.

Mentally strong people have enough confidence to admit when they don't have all the answers. They're willing to seek assistance from others who have more experience, expertise, education, or resources. They seek personal or professional help when necessary, and they don't shame other individuals who seek to better themselves.

6. Mentally strong people don't have mental health problems.

Even though mental health and mental strength are two separate things, people often say things like "I can't be mentally strong because I have depression." But that's just not true. Some of the strongest people in the world have battled mental health problems. Just like people with asthma can choose to build physical strength, people with depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems can develop mental strength.

7. Mentally strong people pride themselves on ignoring pain.

Being mentally strong doesn't mean you have to compete in triathlons or walk across hot coals just for the sake of it. Mentally strong people tolerate discomfort--but only when it's for a greater purpose. They're interested in learning from their pain, not simply enduring it.

Choose to build mental strength.

Just as you can perform exercises that build physical strength, you can choose to do exercises that boost your mental strength. Practice regulating your thoughts, managing your emotions, and behaving productively despite whatever circumstances you find yourself in.

Increasing your mental strength is the key to reaching your greatest potential. Make building mental strength a top priority. If you do one thing every day to build mental muscle, positive results will follow.

11 Secrets of Irresistible People

Some people, regardless of what they lack--money, looks, or social connections--always radiate energy and confidence. Even the most skeptical individuals find themselves enamored with these charming personalities.

These people are the life of every party. They're the ones you turn to for help, advice, and companionship.

You just can't get enough of them, and they leave you asking yourself, "What do they have that I don't? What makes them so irresistible?"

The difference? Their sense of self-worth comes from within.

Irresistible people aren't constantly searching for validation, because they're confident enough to find it in themselves. There are certain habits they pursue every day to maintain this healthy perspective.

Since being irresistible isn't the result of dumb luck, it's time to study the habits of irresistible people so that you can use them to your benefit.

Get ready to say "hello" to a new, more irresistible you.

1. They treat EVERYONE with respect.

Whether interacting with their biggest client or a server taking their drink order, irresistible people are unfailingly polite and respectful. They understand that--no matter how nice they are to the person they're having lunch with--it's all for naught if that person witnesses them behaving badly toward someone else. Irresistible people treat everyone with respect because they believe they're no better than anyone else.

2. They follow the platinum rule.

The golden rule--treat others as you want to be treated--has a fatal flaw: It assumes that all people want to be treated the same way. It ignores that people are motivated by vastly different things. One person loves public recognition, while another loathes being the center of attention.

The platinum rule--treat others as they want to be treated--corrects that flaw. Irresistible people are great at reading other people, and they adjust their behavior and style to make others feel comfortable.

3. They ditch the small talk.

There's no surer way to prevent an emotional connection from forming during a conversation than by sticking to small talk. When you robotically approach people with small talk, this puts their brains on autopilot and prevents them from having any real affinity for you. Irresistible people create connection and find depth even in short, everyday conversations. Their genuine interest in other people makes it easy for them to ask good questions and relate what they're told to other important facets of the speaker's life.

4. They focus on people more than anything else.

Irresistible people possess an authentic interest in those around them. As a result, they don't spend much time thinking about themselves. They don't obsess over how well they're liked, because they're too busy focusing on the people they're with. It's what makes their irresistibility seem so effortless.

To put this habit to work for you, try putting down the smartphone and focusing on the people you're with. Focus on what they're saying, not what your response will be, or how what they're saying will affect you. When people tell you something about themselves, follow up with open-ended questions to draw them out even more.

5. They don't try too hard.

Irresistible people don't dominate the conversation with stories about how smart and successful they are. It's not that they're resisting the urge to brag. The thought doesn't even occur to them because they know how unlikable people are who try too hard to get others to like them.

6. They recognize the difference between fact and opinion.

Irresistible people handle controversial topics and touchy subjects with grace and poise. They don't shrink from sharing their opinions, but they make it clear that they're opinions, not facts. Whether discussing global warming, politics, vaccine schedules, or GMO foods, irresistible people recognize that many people who are just as intelligent as they are see things differently.

7. They are authentic.

Irresistible people are who they are. Nobody has to burn up energy or brainpower trying to guess their agenda or predict what they'll do next. They do this because they know that no one likes a fake.

People gravitate toward authentic individuals because they know they can trust them. It's easy to resist someone when you don't know who they really are and how they really feel.

8. They have integrity.

People with high integrity are irresistible because they walk their talk, plain and simple. Integrity is a simple concept but a difficult thing to practice. To demonstrate integrity every day, irresistible people follow through, they avoid talking bad about other people, and they do the right thing, even when it hurts.

9. They smile.

People naturally (and unconsciously) mirror the body language of the person they're talking to. If you want people to find you irresistible, smile at them during conversations and they will unconsciously return the favor and feel good as a result.

10. They make an effort to look their best (just not too much of an effort).

There's a massive difference between being presentable and being vain. Irresistible people understand that making an effort to look your best is comparable to cleaning your house before company comes--it's a sign of respect for others. But once they've made themselves presentable, they stop thinking about it.

11. They find reasons to love life.

Irresistible people are positive and passionate. They're never bored, because they see life as an amazing adventure and approach it with a joy that other people want to be a part of.

It's not that irresistible people don't have problems--even big ones--but they approach problems as temporary obstacles, not inescapable fate. When things go wrong, they remind themselves that a bad day is just one day, and they keep hoping that tomorrow or next week or next month will be better.

Bringing it all together.

Irresistible people did not have fairy godmothers hovering over their cribs. They've simply perfected certain appealing qualities and habits that anyone can adopt as his or her own.

They think about other people more than they think about themselves, and they make other people feel liked, respected, understood, and seen. Just remember: The more you focus on others, the more irresistible you'll be.

10 Management lessons to learn from cricket

1.Lead from the front, take calculated risks: What differentiates a great leader from a good leader is the “Ability to lead from the front” and the courage to take “calculated risks”. Every risk has a probability of failure but if you don’t take risks, you don’t achieve anything.

During the finals of 2011 World Cup, when India lost its 2nd wicket, in walked skipper MS Dhoni to bat. The entire Wankhede stadium let out a gasp, just like the billion viewers watching the match on TV. What made an out-of-form Dhoni to take the bold decision of promoting himself up the order ahead of the inform Yuvaraj Singh – this was the question on most of our minds.  It was a brave but risky move, especially since Dhoni was not in the best of forms. However, this is what great leaders are made of. Dhoni wanted to lead from the front, which he did so well and was one of the main architects of an Indian victory.

2. Work with your strengths, be a “Change Agent”: In today’s competitive world, we are so much interested in addressing our “areas of improvement” that very often we forget to build on our strengths. Knowing our strengths and using them to our advantage are important as working on our areas of improvements. Do what you are good at, you need not succumb to “herd mentality”. This is the only way you can develop “Centres for Competence” in different Technologies and Domains.

It is also important that each of us behaves like a “Change Agent”.  Having an attitude of “we always do it this way” can be the biggest deterrent for improvements and enhancements.

During the 1996 World Cup finals, when Arjuna Ranatunga, the Sri Lankan skipper won the toss, he went against “conventional wisdom” and took the risk of bowling first. Past history of 5 World Cup Finals had shown that the team batting first had invariably won the Championship. However, Arjuna knew that his team’s strength was in chasing rather than defending scores. His ability to not only recognize his team’s strengths but also challenge the conventional approach coupled with Arvinda de Silva’s classy century helped Sri Lanka achieve its maiden triumph.

3. Learn to work without your best resource, Ethics / Compliance more important than competence: Every Manager likes to have the best resources in his / her team however we should learn to work without them to handle contingencies better. There are many occasions when our critical resources may violate the Company’s norms but we treat their illegal behavior / non-compliance with kids gloves for the fear of jeapardising the projects and deliverables. However, we should realise that Compliance comes first, irrespective of the person’s competence.

Sharne Warne, the star of the Australian team and arguably the best leg spinner in the World was slapped with a one year ban when he tested positive for doping. While the Media was ready to write off the Australian team even before the first ball of 2003 World Cup had been bowled, their Captain Ricky Ponting was unruffled and went about his task. Australia won the World Cup. It is important to note that the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) had no hesitation in showing the door to Warne, despite him being the most important member of their team.

4. Loyalty versus Productivity: A good leader should realise that though loyalty from team members is good, it should not be at the cost of productivity. He should be able to “separate the grain from chaff”. Learn to distinguish between “wanted” and “unwanted” attrition. Misplaced loyalty can result in loss of productivity.

In the 1975 World Cup played at Lord’s England, Gavaskar scored a painstaking 36 and remained unbeaten at the end of 60 overs against England but that did not help the team’s cause. It would have been better if he had got out. Compare this with the scintillating137 by England’s Dennis Amiss in the same match and you will know who won the match.

5. Don’t lose your temper, nobody wants it!: Even under the most challenging and adverse circumstances, learn to control your temper. Losing your cool will not only make you lose objectivity that results in poor emotional decisions but can also cause great errors in the Quality of your output. Cool head always wins !

During the quarter finals of the 1996 World Cup, India played Pakistan at Bangalore. Amir Sohail had just spanked local boy Venkatesh Prasad for 3 consecutive boundaries. At that moment, he lost his cool and pointed his bat threateningly at Venkatesh Prasad. The cool headed fast bowler, with the support of 50,000 local fans rooting behind him, bowled an indipping yorker and Sohail took a wild swing at it only to watch his timber shatter. This was the turning point of the match from which Pakistan, which seemed to be coasting towards a comfortable win, never recovered.

6. “Straight from the gut”: There is a famous Book with the same title from Jack Welch, former CEO of GE. While hiring, though its good to look at the resume and past achievements, learn to listen to your gut “feel”.

Imran Khan the former charismatic Pakistani captain was known for picking boys from his backyard and catapulting them to the highest echelons of cricket. During the 1992 World Cup he plucked Inzamam from nowhere and though the latter had hardly played any formal first class cricket, he showed his talent by single handedly winning matches for them and was a key member of the Pakistani squad which won the World Cup that year.

7. Keep the differences within the team, don’t succumb to external factors: There are bound to be differences and dissidence within your teams. Its important how you manage them. Never allow the external forces to take charge of the situation, it never helps.

During the 1996 World Cup semi finals at Calcutta (now Kolkata), the unruly fans took advantage of India’s poor batting display and disrupted the match. The match referee had no hesitation in abandoning the match, but not before he declared Sri Lankans the winners of the semi finals. India crashed out of the championships and Sri Lanka went on to win the finals and the World Cup.

8. Multi skills help: Whether you are playing cricket or developing software, its always good to have people who are multi-skilled, known as “all-rounders” in cricketing parlance.

A good Developer should have the necessary skill to do testing and a good Test Engineer should understand the nuances of a good design.

Mohinder Amarnath’s “all-round” ability of providing solidity to the middle order and at the same time snaring wickets with his innocuous looking medium pace helped India clinch the World Cup in Lord’s England in 1983. He was the “Man of the Match” during the semi finals and finals. Similarly Yuvaraj Singh’s multi skills helped him garner four “Man of the Match” Awards during 2011 World Cup and it was fitting that he was at the wicket when Dhoni hit the winning six to bring back the Cup after 28 years.

9. Differentiate personal adversity from professional work: We are taught to maintain the right amount of balance between professional and personal life. Apart from that, we should also know how to keep the two isolated. Never let your personal adversity reflect on your professional work and vice versa.

During the 1999 World Cup being played in England, Sachin Tendulkar’s father died. Sachin made a quick dash to India and was back in England in a jiffy. When he scored an unbeaten 140 century on his arrival at Bristol, England and looked Heavenwards at his departed father, he had the entire crowd at its feet and even the most “stiff upper lipped” could be seen wiping a tear or two.

10. “Rolling stone gathers no moss”: This is a very famous saying that we have heard since time immemorial. No article in today’s fast paced IT can be complete without talking of attrition! In today’s IT era, it’s a fashion to be changing jobs at the speed of changing clothes. Gone are the days when our parents would work for 25 years in one Company.

At the time of retirement, the Company would reward their 25 years of loyalty with a Two Hundred Rupee HMT watch that they would proudly display on their wrinkled wrist. In any field, whether its sports or IT, its important to continue in the “same field” to acquire good functional and domain competency. A best example of “continuation” comes from none other than Sachin Tendulkar, the God of Indian cricket. In his 21 years of Indian cricket, he has conquered most of the World records, more than what the rest have achieved put together. However, just for a moment, pause and think how little Sachin would have achieved if he had been changing his sport every 2 years !

06 Behaviors of the Most Successful People

Why do some people seem to be naturally successful? It’s not that they don’t experience setbacks, but when they do, they seem to recover easily. What’s their secret?

Successful people actually develop behaviors that keep them focused and working on the right goals . Because of the way they respond to situations–the same kind we all encounter–they are able to adapt and continue to move forward.

Let’s look at six behaviors of successful people:

1. They are always learning. With technology and trends constantly changing, new skills and perspectives are necessary. Successful entrepreneurs never say, “That’s the way we’ve always done it.” Instead, they seek ways to do things in new and better ways–and acquire the knowledge to make it happen.
2. They establish clear goals. Numerous academic studies have shown that people achieve more when given specific goals, rather than being encouraged to “do your best.” People become motivated when they know exactly what is expected...and therefore, achieve more.
3. They manage their time well. Time management is a challenge for everyone, but entrepreneurs must become especially adept at making the most of their hours. Successful people are efficient. They prioritize their days; delegate whenever possible; limit time on nonessential tasks; and honor their schedules.
4. They have positive attitudes. It’s not that successful people expect every day to be totally happy. It’s that they approach challenges with confidence and the expectation that most things can be worked out. Even a failure can provide lessons and wisdom that will be useful in the future.
5. They create a supportive network. Trusted friends and colleagues are part of every successful person’s life. From lifelong childhood friends to a group of fellow inventors, people who can respectfully provide feedback and fresh perspectives–or just listen–help keep drama and worry to a minimum. Their network also includes people who are simply enjoyable to be around, for lunch or fishing or a drink after work.
6. They take calculated risks. Not “go-for-broke” rogues, successful people know they must take chances in order to stay ahead of the competition. However, they perform analysis; consider the scenarios; and calculate the possible losses before they act. Risk is necessary, but not foolish. And if they make a mistake? They dust themselves off and start anew.

08 practices to become a Unconquerable Leader

1. Be a Visionary

2. Create Value for Money of People

3. Fulfill Dreams

4. Prevent Malpractices

5. Do not allow people to deviate from Core Objective

6. Go by Procedures

7. Be Ready to face people

8. Do not kill dreams of aspirants

06 Key Tips for Leading by Example

Leading is all about influence. How you present yourself in a leadership role affects your ability to successfully leverage authority and motivate others. Do you inspire people to follow your lead? If not, consider evaluating your performance and addressing crucial gaps.

Tweaking a few key behaviors can make a huge difference in how others perceive you. Many people don’t take this point seriously enough and damage relationships, reputations and careers in the process. Be proactive. Here's the deal: Leading can be a rewarding, yet challenging undertaking. Follow these six tips to model excellence and gracefully inspire others to follow your lead:

1. Establish an impeccable standard of excellence.

Set high expectations at the outset and raise the bar on any crucial factors. The best way to establish a standard is by modeling the expected behavior yourself. Showcase excellence. When your actions have the potential to affect everyone around you and the bottom line, don't dabble in mediocrity. Reflecting excellence is critical to exercising effective leadership. This is ground zero for establishing influence.

2. Deliver on results promised. 

Able leadership requires an ability to deliver results. Rhetoric has little value  if outcomes are what's essential. Instead of touting wins from past performances, focus on capturing tangible gains now.  

Harness the power of chunking, a process for organizing tasks and breaking them down into bite-size pieces to avoid stress and burnout. Remember to follow up and follow through, too.

Engage experts if necessary to timely and competently pull projects forward. In the end, only substance and the final sum will matter. Excuses won’t.

3. Value people and nurture relationships.  

Top-notch people skills are vital to sound leadership. Develop premium listening, communication and decision-making skill sets. Demonstrate integrity by being open, honest and fair.

Your transparency will reap clear rewards. If you treat people well, most will be encouraged to return the favor. By elevating the importance of people and relationships, you enhance your ability to relate to others in an authentic and meaningful way.

4. Promote strategic cooperation.

Collaboration is an indispensable component of leadership as captured in John Donne's line “No man is an island." This is especially true if you can build high-performing teams, according to the Harvard Business Review's site. Isn’t it fascinating that no matter how brilliant people are as individuals, they are often far more effective when working with others?

People often produce higher quality, more efficient work products when collaborating. Commit to this by actively embracing opportunities for healthy cooperation. Make teamwork an attractive aspect of workplace culture. Less burnout, increased trust among peers and enhanced interpersonal relationships will result. 

5. Resolve conflict quickly and effectively.

Approach conflict proactively, which means the sooner you resolve things, the better. As a core leadership competency, conflict resolution is a delicate process that requires thoughtful intervention. Disagreements naturally occur. But persistent hostility should not be tolerated. The bottom line? Conflict gets in the way of everything else. Thus your ability to quickly and effectively facilitate resolution will undoubtedly boost your ability to lead.

6. Freely develop and support others.

Professional development is an extraordinary mechanism for facilitating growth. Demonstrate your commitment to expanding your reach and your team's by prioritizing opportunities for enrichment. Allot time and resources to make the process stress free. Challenge yourself and your team to overcome shortcomings at regular intervals throughout the year. Then acknowledge and reward proactive participation to build enthusiasm and encourage continued progress. 

05 Tips for Becoming a Brilliant Conversationalist

No matter how meticulously you plan your words, you can never control how your message is received. However, several things are within your control, like timeliness, intensity and volume. Knowing what’s within your power and preparing in advance will help you to maximize each opportunity to communicate. Here are five keys to making your message count:

1. Never wing it.

Every conversation I’ve left with regrets shares a common denominator --- I didn’t think before I spoke. Most of us are at our best when we have ample time to process our thoughts before sharing them. If a conversation or meeting is worth your time to schedule, it’s worth taking a few minutes to develop an outline beforehand. For a particularly important dialogue, consider role-playing the conversation with a trusted colleague to remove the rough edges.

2. Think about it from the receiver’s perspective.

Put yourself in the other person’s shoes when shaping your strategy. This ensures a balanced approach and will prepare you to not only support your position, but also to challenge any potential rebuttals.

3. Be prepared for different responses.

No one can predict with 100 percent certainty how everyone will respond. Increase your chances that a conversation goes well by anticipating negative or questioning replies. This lessens the likelihood that you’ll be caught off guard.

4. Approach with reason and logic.

A point that is introduced with logic and confidence is less likely to be met with hostility. The key is to approach each conversation with objective-minded reasoning supported by data or fact, if possible.

5. Don’t forget the emotional side.

While point number four stresses the need for objective conversation, it’s important to remember that emotions often trump logic. Don’t underestimate the influence emotions can play in the perception of a message --- and understand which ones your words may evoke.

Finally, strive to be not simply an effective communicator, but a brilliant one. Your point comes across clearer in a well-articulated conversation. While it may not be perfect -- at least right away -- aiming for brilliance is the best way to get there.

08 Expenses Businesses Should Pass on to Customers

Starting a business can be difficult, both mentally and financially, and there are plenty of mistakes to be made. One common error among fledgling companies is invoicing.

As a small-business owner, you not only deserve to be paid for your hard work, but your livelihood depends it. Even knowing this, the most diligent entrepreneur can occasionally miss a line item or two when billing a client. After all, in the name of good customer service, you want to do the best job possible. It’s important, however, that you get paid for every minute you work and every expense you accrue.

To keep your cash flow as solid as possible, here are eight things business owners often miss when billing customers. Check your own invoices and see if you might be missing a few of them.

1. Consulting fees

Before you begin any new project, you’ll likely spend a great deal of time communicating with a customer to lay out the full scope of the work and provide an accurate cost estimate. Many businesses offer this initial consultation free but avoid giving any concrete advice. Once signed on as customers, however, those constant calls with questions eat into your time. It’s important to place a value on that time up front to avoid spending hours on the phone at the expense of your other customers. 

2. Travel costs

If your work with a particular customer requires traveling, you should bill for that cost as part of your invoicing process. There’s no reason for you, the business owner, to eat that expense. If the customer asked that the same traveling be conducted by one of its full-time employees, it would have reimbursed for it. Make sure you stipulate when the request for travel is made that you’ll expect your costs to be reimbursed to avoid any misunderstandings when the invoice is issued.

3. Related expenses

Whether you hit the road for a customer or your work keeps you around town, you should bill for any expenses you incur in the course of doing business with the customer. This means if you’re required to travel as part of work for a customer, you should bill for every meal and incidental expense that occurs during that trip. Of course, as a professional, you’ll know not to abuse that privilege, but don’t be offended if the customer contacts you to question one or more of the expenses. Have receipts on hand to back up your claims in case you’re asked about them later.

4. Research

Any work you do for a customer has the potential to be billable, including the time you spend thinking of ideas. However, one easily provable billable item is research. The hours you spend, hunkered down in front of your computer screen, researching information for your customers, is definitely billable.

If you want to be exact about the time you spend researching, try a time-tracking app that will capture every minute you spend on your customer. This will not only serve as documentation if you’re ever questioned about it, it will also help you keep track of how much time you’re spending on each customer. Based on this information, you’ll also be able to determine where your time is being allotted each day. This information will help you make decisions on how to bill clients in the future.

5. Supplies

You probably already have most of the supplies you’ll need to service the vast majority of your customer base. Your hardware and software infrastructure is in place and basic office supplies are part of day-to-day operations. However, it’s important to bill customers for items you use specifically for their projects, including printing and copying costs, if paper is necessary.

If a project requires that you purchase a specific supply and it’s a supply you’ll use with other customers moving forward, you probably shouldn’t bill for it. On the other hand, if you’ve purchased an item for one-time use on a customer project, recovering that expense is essential.

6. Mailing costs

Much of your work will likely be conducted online. However, you’ll probably occasionally need to ship items that can’t be handled electronically. When that happens, postage and shipping costs should be passed on to the related customer. Don’t forget to include the supplies you purchased to mail the item in. Boxes, mailers and packing materials should also be billed to the associated customer.

7. Credit card fees

To make things as convenient as possible for your customers, you should accept credit-card and online payments. You’ll be paid faster and they’ll be happy that they don’t have to cut a check. However, each credit-card payment means fees for you. Whether you decide to pass these fees on to your customers is up to you, but over time, those 2-percent-plus transaction costs will add up, especially if you’re billing for thousands of dollars of work.

8. Pain and suffering

No, you can’t put a price on the mental anguish some customers cause, but if you look at your customer roster, you’ll likely find that one or two customers are taking up a large chunk of your time. The number of time-consuming customers goes up as your customer base grows. Those customers likely require more phone time than your other customers or they fill your inbox with questions on a daily basis.

You can phase those customers out over time, but they’ll likely just be replaced with new ones. Instead of cutting time-eaters from your customer roster, it might be more effective to put a limit on the number of consultations you’ll do for each project. After those consultations have been used up, you’ll bill for each phone call or email at a stipulated rate.

Once you’ve decided what your billing procedures will be, make sure you’ve included them as part of your initial proposal. When customers know up front what they’ll be charged, they will be less likely to be upset when they see those charges on their invoices.

04 Ways to Instill and Promote Transparency in a Workplace

Conventional wisdom says knowledge is power, and earlier in my career I always associated this mantra with those leaders who protected and validated their positions by hoarding and hiding knowledge from their competitors -- and often their colleagues -- as a power play.

But recently, this age-old adage has taken on a new meaning for me. As we’ve built our business, I’ve realized this concept, that knowledge is power, can also be interpreted and applied in the workplace in a really positive way. A happy and productive workplace is one that shares information freely to empower employees. This is a transparent workplace, one where knowledge and ideas flow in all directions so everyone has the information they need to feel truly invested in the company’s growth and success, and ultimately perform their own jobs better. 

Transparency matters for a company’s culture, because it builds trust and stronger relationships between employees, management and the company itself. Keeping everyone in the loop leads to more collaboration and shared learning, greater creativity, faster problem-solving (there’s less back and forth!) and ultimately improved performance. Most important, it keeps leaders honest. It’s hard to hold an out-of-whack perspective if there’s an abundance of open information pointing in a different direction.

For my company, Funding Circle, a global marketplace for small-business loans, the cultural significance of transparency runs even deeper. Indeed, a frustration with the lack of authenticity and opaque practices in the banking sector was one of the main factors that inspired my co-founders and I to build the business in the first place. Transparency (or as we say, “Be Open”) is one of our core company values, and I spend a lot of time thinking about how we keep it truly engrained in our culture as we continue to grow.

But maintaining authentic transparency in a fast-growing company’s culture is not as simple as rolling out an internal chat tool or unveiling fish-bowl meeting rooms. Here are my top four tips for business owners who are committed to instilling and promoting transparency in their cultures as they grow:

1. Promote candid conversations with your team. 

Encourage employees of all levels to ask tough questions to members of the senior leadership team about what’s on their minds, whether that’s the status of a contentious project or the strategic direction of the company. Your employees are the ones on the front lines so they are more likely to spot the glitches or issues percolating in the background more quickly.

To help everyone feel comfortable speaking their minds or raising concerns, construct a range of regular opportunities for different types of people to ask sensitive questions in different ways. For example, I host a monthly Q&A where employees can anonymously submit questions that I address in a company-wide presentation. I also hold bi-monthly check-ins for a more intimate dialogue on what’s on different team members’ minds, and host office hours monthly to encourage one-on-one conversations.

2. Access isn’t enough.

Transparency sometimes requires opening up what can seem like a floodgate of information and data for public viewing. But providing access isn’t always enough. When you’re offering a clear view across departments, the sheer volume of information or industry slang can be intimidating and often debilitating for peers in different functions. It’s critical to provide context, commentary and clarity around what this information actually means for different people.

Ask employees what they want to know, and then set up processes to deliver that information in an efficient and digestible way. For example, we have a series of live scoreboards around the office, regular product demos, a weekly global team meeting and a quarterly off-site session where each team provides a deep dive into a challenging project it is solving. When we measure something (such as a recent culture survey) we share the results with the team.

3. Teach people how to give and receive honest feedback.

Training is key here. For example, we’ve just started running a leadership-training session for our managers where one of the key focus areas is how to give honest, constructive feedback to lift the team’s peak performance. As part of this, we train managers on how to respond positively to honest feedback from their own direct reports.

4. Proactively share bad news.

Employees don’t like to be kept in the dark, especially if they sense something important or unsettling is going on behind closed doors. They want to be kept informed about important issues, blunders or changes, even if it’s not great news. Understanding the context around a sticky situation will at least help your team better empathize with any hard decisions you will no doubt need to make in time.

If you withhold information, people will simply make up what they don’t know, often assuming the worst, and a dramatic game of telephone may ensue. Rumor propagates anxiety and tension at every level of a company. If you only share good news people will immediately think you’re looking at the world through rose-colored glasses or purposefully misleading the team. Sharing bad news is valuable in building trust.

The big challenge here is being upfront, honest and reassuring without provoking alarm, unrest or distraction from broader team goals. Use your discretion on the best channel to deliver the news, and then work with a small team you trust to nail your narrative and key messages around the perceived problem and your game plan. In my experience, teams that openly embrace mistakes as learning opportunities are less likely to be disrupted by big shifts or bad news in the long run.

To encourage transparency around mistakes, we’ve introduced a “D’oh!” award (a Homer Simpson figurine) that goes to a team member willing to self-nominate and share their lessons from a recent bungle at our weekly team awards.

Engendering a transparent workplace should be a key organizational focus for every business, particularly those looking to scale quickly. Embracing transparency not only allows individual team members to make better choices, it also helps build trust that management is making good and balanced decisions. There’s no magic formula, but a commitment to authentic transparency and small steps can go a long way.

08 Team-Building Mistakes Richard Branson Would Never Make

Richard Branson has launched more than 100 Virgin companies since starting Virgin as a mail order record retailer in 1970. He’s the only person to build eight billion-dollar companies in eight different industries. Because of his success and enthusiasm, entrepreneurs can definitely learn a lot from Sir Richard.

And one of his greatest lessons is how he treats other members of the Virgin family.

According to Branson, “Many people think that an entrepreneur is someone who operates alone, overcoming challenges and bringing his idea to market through sheer force of personality. This is completely inaccurate. Few entrepreneurs --- scratch that, almost no one --- ever achieved anything worthwhile without help. To be successful in business, you need to connect and collaborate and delegate.”

There’s actually a lot of truth to that statement. Lennon had McCarthy. Jobs had Wozniak. Jordan had Pippen.

So, if you’re looking to follow in the footsteps of Sir Richard Branson, then make sure that you never do the following 8 things. He wouldn’t.

1.  Never say “I’m the boss.”

In his book Like a Virgin: Secrets They Won't Teach You at Business School, Branson states that being “bossy” isn’t a trait that real leaders possess. Branson believes that bosses simply barks out orders, while real leaders organize, motivate and inspire.

"Perhaps, therefore, it is odd that if there is any one phrase that is guaranteed to set me off it's when someone says to me, 'Okay, fine. You're the boss!'" He adds, "What irks me is that in 90 percent of such instances what that person is really saying is 'Okay, then, I don't agree with you but I'll roll over and do it because you're telling me to. But if it doesn't work out I'll be the first to remind everyone that it wasn't my idea.'"

2. Don't restrict creative freedom.

During an Entrepreneur blog post, Branson said, “You need to give your people the freedom to get creative, to come up with their own ideas and run with them. If someone comes to you with an idea for a business, why not ask that person to launch a startup? Over the years some of our employees' ideas have resulted in our setting up businesses. This has helped us to enter new markets and, more often than not, succeed. Your company should act as a springboard for ambitious employees, not a set of shackles.”

This was actually backed up by former Virgin exec Alexis Dormandy during an interview with OPENForum. “The creative autonomy is incredible. But that’s after you understand what’s expected and the culture of the organization, and you have to make decisions on that basis. I had the freedom to get things done that you wouldn’t believe, not ever being second-guessed about what needs to be done. It seems almost totally unrealistic.”

3. Always solve problems before they escalate.

Never let a problem fester with a partner or team member. Always address the problem before things grow into a huge issue. Keep in mind, sending out an email or text message is often not a good way to handle the situation. Branson believes that you take the time to pick up the phone or walk over to their office to address the situation.

As Branson states, “There is nothing efficient about allowing a small problem to escalate.”

4. Never make a team member uncomfortable.

Branson has frequently stated you can’t take yourself too seriously and you should create a fun culture. In fact, Branson has been doing this since his first business venture, a student magazine called Student and during the early days of Virgin Music. How can you create a fun culture? You can start by being passionate, encouraging team members, and having an overall sense of fun in the workplace.

As Branson adds that, “It takes an engaged, motivated and committed workforce to deliver a first-class product or service and build a successful, sustainable enterprise."

5. Don't point fingers.

When Virgin Atlantic had it’s inaugural flight in 1984 the plane was forced to make an emergency landing just one minute into the flight due to an engine exploding. A couple of days later, Branson’s banker arrived at his doorstep and informed Branson that he was pulling all funding for the airline. Initially, Branson was looking for someone to blame for the entire debacle. But he realized that as the leader it was up to him to handle the situation.

Instead of pointing fingers, like Branson could have done, you have to accept responsibility for finding a resolution regardless of who you could blame.

6. Don't back away from a debate.

“Over almost 50 years in business, I have learned that having a healthy debate about strategy and direction is vital if a business is to succeed, so I always encourage my colleagues to challenge me and speak up if they disagree with any of our group’s plans,” Branson said.

You’re bound to have disagreements with partners and team members, but just because you don’t see eye-to-eye doesn’t mean that there has to be an argument or something drastic like a letting people go. Having a healthy debate gives each party a chance to voice their opinion and challenge each other.

Richard Branson is famous for saying "Screw it, let's do it." A man who always wants to go for it isn't someone to back off.

7. Don't be invisible.

You often you see Richard Branson out and about. Branson has made it his business to get out there with a notebook to meet employees and customers. He’s recording their ideas and listening to what makes them happy.

Instead of sitting behind a desk all day locked up in an office, you need to get out there like and sell yourself. You’re just not making your business known, you also gathering business ideas from people who have valuable input.

8. Never burn bridges.

Partnerships will dissolve. Employees will leave. That’s just a part of the business world. That doesn’t mean that things have to end on bad terms. Remember when Branson wore that flight attendant uniform? That’s because he lost a bet to a former employee turned competitor.

Instead of burning bridges with a partner or team member, part ways as amicably as possible and wish them the best of luck. Not only is that the professional thing to do, it also leaves the door open for you to work together again in the future.

As one of the most successful businessmen in the world, there is plenty to learn from Richard Branson. These suggestions are just a few tips from the great man himself! Is there anything you would add?

10 Step Strategy for Making Friends With a VIP

When strategizing how to make and keep the right connections, it’s important to include VIPs (Very Important People) in your networking plan. These people become powerful allies helping you accomplish your personal and professional goals.

VIP relationships rarely happen by accident. Instead, they occur because you took the time to create and include them in a plan. Carefully consider who you want to meet and why, then take these steps to facilitate your association.

1. Learn all about the VIP.

Read everything this person has written, then search the Internet to find everything you can that has been written about him or her. Find out what the VIP has to offer that might help you grow personally or professionally.

2. Read the VIP’s recommendations.

With thorough research, this information will help you understand the VIP’s style and stance on subjects such as politics, products or environmental issues, as well as give you insights into what they enjoy doing on their time off.

3. Connect through social media.

Since so many VIPs and famous people have social media accounts, you can easily follow them through their blog, Instagram or Twitter feed. You’ll learn their interests, hobbies and what’s going on in their daily lives. Keep an eye out for when your favorite VIP might be scheduled for an upcoming appearance near you, which would make meeting them in person that much easier.

4. Check the VIP’s website regularly.

Upcoming events are generally posted on a VIP’s website, so make it a habit to visit his or her website on a monthly or quarterly basis.

5. Sign up for their newsletter.

Often more serious than social media, a newsletter is another way to become better acquainted with VIPs. Look for a business newsletter signup on their website, then register, so you can keep up with trends in their industry.

6. Get a referral introduction.

Once you’ve familiarized yourself with your targeted VIP, see if you can get a referral or personal introduction. This works because someone who knows and trusts you has already vetted you, giving the VIP confidence to be more receptive to meet and do business with you.

7. Connect with the VIP on LinkedIn or Facebook.

Once you’ve established a good relationship with a VIP, issue a friend request to his or her LinkedIn and Facebook accounts. Since you’re now familiar, you are likely to get included in their circle of friends.

8. Stay in touch.

Contact your VIP periodically by email to keep your relationship active. Touch base on items of interest, or offer something you believe would be of interest or value to the VIP. A friendship will oftentimes ensue if you keep in touch.

9. Always pick up the tab.

Although the VIP may make a lot more money than you do, if you meet over a meal, you should always pay. This is especially important if you ask the VIP to meet you.

10. Don’t rush to ask favors.

Since many VIPs are inundated with requests, it’s best to wait until you’ve built a truly solid connection before asking for any favors. First, create the relationship that shows you are interested in him or her, not in what they can do for you, and you’ll have a lot more success once you do need a favor.

VIPs are busy and their time is precious. Make the effort to get to know them before you meet them, and take the time to stay in touch once you do. If you’re lucky, you will be rewarded with a rich and vibrant relationship for years to come.

4 Ways Entrepreneurs Can Stay Sharp on the Road

From meetings to road shows, it’s easy for entrepreneurs to succumb to the road warrior blues. A hectic travel schedule comes with the territory, and you can easily spend 20 out of 30 days traveling. This takes a toll on your health, mental focus and relationships -- both professional and personal.

While no one is immune to the detriments of constant travel, there are ways to mitigate their impact on your life and business. From practical travel tips to the power of delegating, it’s possible to balance the demands of your schedule with the needs of your body and mind.

Here are four tips to help you on your way:

1. Make the plane your office.

Treat your time in transit as an oasis for work. If possible, don’t sit with colleagues, explaining that you’re devoting the flight to completing a task. By not being on your phone or having to deal with interruptions, you can 100 percent on your priorities. Also, by utilizing your time on the plane, you automatically have built-in deadline: landing time

2. Stick to your workout routine.

The benefits of staying physically active extend beyond just physical benefits. Physical activity also helps you stay mentally sharp, which is vital for successful entrepreneurs.

If you prefer to exercise in a gym, make sure your hotel has a fitness center that meets your needs. Likewise, check pool hours if you’re a swimmer. If those accommodations aren’t an option, high-intensity circuit training using bodyweight as resistance can provide maximum impact with a minimal time commitment.

Related: The 10 Best Apps to Pack for Business Travel

3. Delegate or hire an assistant.

Booking travel arrangements, managing calendars and returning calls may feel productive, but it’s not a good use of your time. If you can’t hire a full-time assistant, look into a service such as Fancy Hands, which will take care of simple tasks on your to-do list for a low price. By delegating the minutiae, you’ll be free to focus on growing your business. Plus, hiring a virtual assistant could save you more than two hours a day.

4. Motivate yourself.

When we feel confident, it’s easier to achieve our professional goals and reach past our abilities. So whether it’s listening to a TED Talk, repeating a mantra or watching Rocky clips, figure out what fires you up and puts you in your zone. Have fun with it!

Maintaining an “always on” frame of mind is critical for entrepreneurs, especially when traveling. If you let your customer or audience know you’re jet-lagged, you risk losing them. But with the above techniques, you’ll hit the ground running -- whenever and wherever you might land.

07 Important Things Successful People Do Before Bedtime

Have you ever wondered why some people are able to start the day energized and alert while others have to drag themselves out of bed and into the world of productivity? It’s not simply because of good genes or a positive attitude.

Most of the successful people I know are able to take command of their day from minute one. They consider every moment to be precious whether working, relaxing or playing. So when it comes to bedtime, they approach it like any other process they deem important -- they apply useful structure. Here is the seven-stage bedtime plan of champions that will surely improve your waking up in the morning.

1. Organize tomorrow.

This idea seems so basic, yet so few people do it. At the very least, set a schedule for the day. Pick your clothes and create a to-do list. Getting all of this out of your brain will allow you to relax for the evening and make it easy to get things started in the morning.

2. Decompress.

By the end of the day you are carrying much of your daytime activities in your brain and your body. Take some time to drop those shoulders and relax the brain. Use a book, TV, or video game to make your brain stop working so you can alleviate the stress and let go.

3. Imagine a preferred future.

Distractions can come fast and furious during the day and make you forget why you are working so hard. Take some mental space to think about how things could and should be. Picture yourself as the happy and successful person you choose to be.

4. Forgive yourself.

No one is perfect, and ambitious people tend to be the hardest on themselves. Give yourself the positive strokes you deserve. Let your heart know that just because you didn’t achieve perfection today doesn't mean you won’t be successful tomorrow. Give yourself a pat on the back for effort.

5. Get some love.

You've been that mechanized soldier all day, so it's time to go back to being human and feeling some compassion. Spend time with loved ones and get that warm feeling inside. Play with your kids, cuddle with your significant other, or even snuggle up with your poodle like I do. A little warm fuzzy goes a long way in making you feel human and happy.

6. Thank the universe.

No successful person gets there all on his or her own. Success requires a perfect storm of support and opportunity. Mentally give thanks to all those who contribute to your advancement each day. Give spiritual thanks for the forces beyond the physical as well.

7. Clear the mind.

Sleep is near, but good sleep requires a clear and healthy mind. Use breathing and meditation to blast out all of those thoughts that hold you in the awake space. Deepen your breath and let the mental anxiety leave your body as white steam with each exhale. Soon enough the morning will arrive bringing new adventure.

06 Pillars Of Building Your Integrity

The most important asset in any company or business is their reputation; it’s an accepted truth. Within the depths of any incredible reputation lies within its depths is integrity. I define integrity in a simplified way: it’s basically what you do when nobody else is watching. It’s a scary thought! Would any of us be comfortable having a DVD of our own thoughts and actions when no human eyes were upon us played back over a cinema screen? Probably not. We’ve all seen corrupt deals, and been dismayed by peoples half-truths and lies in a world crying out for truth. At its most basic, it’s about needing people to follow through with what they commit to delivering.

It’s only right and timely to focus on how we can become a person of integrity, and it may well be the difference between your pitch for business and a competitor’s pitch. It goes even beyond that- we need to be at peace with ourselves by living a life of high reputation and integrity as our success depends on it personally as well. People’s perception is often their reality, and you’d want them to have your good intentions at the forefront of their thoughts. Fostering your integrity, and ensuring that we are all continually working on our characters and the way we’re perceived, is an investment that will pay for itself. With all this in mind I want to share six pillars to building the foundation of a solvent and successful business.

1. Keeping your word

If you want to establish your reputation you must deliver on your promises! This is a basic requirement. To get ahead, you often need to over-deliver on what you give you’ve committed to and that doing it with pleasure. It means if you commit to delivering a piece of work for another firm or providing a benefit to your employee in the way you said you that were going to, then you must. Without excuses and without a change of conditions, let your yes be yes and your no be no. The latter is also related to keeping to your convictions: be decisive in your decision making, don’t sit on the fence. If you aren’t sure, then don’t give your word. Think before you makes your personal guarantees. Nothing destroys trust and loyalty as much as failing to keep your promises.

2. Showing up

Similar to keeping your promises is showing up. Often, when we make commitments we are making a decision based on how we feel with no forethought. When you tell your child you are going to be at their theatre recital or football game, you better be there with bells on. If you agree to go to a party on Saturday evening, when Saturday afternoon comes around you’re feeling tired from chasing the kids and playing 18 rounds of golf on the local golf course, you cannot just balk on your word. Yes, your energy is somewhat depleted, and you now change your decision and will decline going to the party. That evening, the host of the party expects you, but you never turn up. It seems insignificant to you, but this is a common scenario and it frustrates me how many people change their minds paying no regard to how it may effect someone else. Just being there says a lot about you and who you are, and at the same time, a lot is said when you commit to an engagement and have a change of heart because “you feel tired”.

3. Being kempt

Keep your person and your environment clean and organized. Our surroundings and the way we come across speaks volumes about our integrity that we have not only toward other people, but also to ourselves. Are we commendable stewards of the people, resources and talents we have under our own jurisdiction? Your environment will leave clues to the level of integrity that you adhere to as a general rule. You can’t afford to be messy, unprepared and scruffy. We are all being watched, the entire world is a spectator, not just our business associates. Whenever I go into a new town and want to find a place to eat, the first place I go is the washroom. If a restaurant can’t keep that area clean, they certainly won’t be much better off in the kitchen. First impressions matter, and taking pride in the presentation of both yourself and your environment is of paramount importance when reputation-building.

4. Maintaining focus

This world is full of distractions, temptations and opportunities. We have so much “screaming” for our attention. The ability to stay focused despite the onslaught and perpetual distractions will certainly test our integrity muscle. When someone pays you to do a job you owe it to them to put your all into it. It’s a question of your character, staying focused is a challenge for each of us. When we consider the “WHY” and fully understand our motivations and the reason for why we do something it equips us to stay focused, staying focused draws admirers, every person who is admired has strong levels of integrity.

5. Choosing influencers

Be influenced by positive people; this world is rife with negative forces. What we consider “news programs” no longer report on news, they report more on negativity to generate ratings. We must surround ourselves with people with high integrity, solid character, positive attitude and that are highly-respected in their fields of work. It’s not just people who can influence you- it’s what you read, it’s what you watch, it permeates the air where you hang out, and it’s in the environment that you open yourself up to. Be mindful of who you allow to disperse information and ideas into your life, and open up to those you admire and who already deliver a high standard of reputation in line with your own passions and skillset.

6. Taking responsibility

It’s vital that when we make a mistake we are quick to put our hands up and say, “I got that wrong.” Do apologize with a simple, “I’m sorry” and then work tirelessly to prove your remorse. Words can be powerful and they can also be cheap, back up your apology with action. It’s refreshing when you have the guts to take responsibility for your actions. We all make mistakes, some are genuine while others are sadly premeditated. We can all smell BS, so quit fabricating the truth. Liars are often insecure and seek baseless approval from outside factors, whereas the pursuit of solid integrity starts when you seek high standards from yourself.

09 Intangible Assets Dominant Entrepreneurs Possess

Lose your degree. Years of experience can never fully convey your overall worth. There have to be more effective ways to display your value to a potential employer and to the business world at large.

Plain and simple, the resume is old and broken. It hasn’t had a major overhaul in nearly 380 years and it’s time to disrupt how job-seekers and hiring managers find the best candidates to fill positions. Our higher education system is a mess, and online schools continue to challenge the education model. Yet, we still use these same archaic methods for sourcing the right people by only scrutinizing education and years of experience through resumes. Blah!

Conversely, if you're an outlier with ridiculously high talent, unconventional education and little experience (or any combination thereof. For example, a 21-year-old self-taught hacker with no formal education and one year of "job experience."), this broken process makes it even more difficult for you to be discovered.

I’ve been obsessed with studying successful entrepreneurs and found that many have intangible qualities that wouldn’t, or couldn’t, be expressed on a standard resume. In addition, some entrepreneurs even had seemingly negative marks against them (by worldly standards at least) such as dropping out of college, not being able to hold a job, getting fired and unflattering social-media activity.

Here's a list of nine intangible assets that entrepreneurs possess:

1. Ingenuity

You ever hear the saying, being an entrepreneur is like building the bridge as you walk across it? This refers to those entrepreneurs who always answer “yes” when asked if they can do something (even if they have no clue and figure it out as they go). They are the first to volunteer for the seemingly undoable tasks. They do it with confidence, because they believe that they can accomplish anything they put their minds to, even if they have no idea what they are doing.

2. Stubbornness

I’m referring to good stubbornness. These are the “I won’t take no for an answer” people. These people love a challenge and will get back up even if they fall 100 times because they know they are one step closer to getting the result they want. Giving up is not an option.

Here’s a good example:

Kellee Khalil created Lover.ly, a visual search engine and cloud scrapbook for everything wedding-related. According to Business Insider, "One week before Kellee Khalil launched her wedding startup, she received a coffee invitation from a business strategist at a top bridal site. 'We have $70 million to buy competitors just so we can shut them down,' Khalil was told."

Unfazed by the message, and maybe even in spite of it, she has gone on to to build a wedding-site juggernaut where users now view more than 40 million images each month and have “loved and bundled” more than 400 million wedding details.

3. Cool under pressure

This is a tough skill to effectively measure on a person’s resume or LinkedIn profile.

Too many people are brilliant but can’t hang in the real world. They collapse under the first sign of adversity. Others can handle a decent amount of pressure before they crumble, but true A players thrive under pressure. It brings out the best in them. These are the entrepreneurs who seem to pull off the impossible.

4. Their network and peers

It sounds strange, but a person’s peers show a lot about who they are. People typically like to hang around others with the same interests and motivation levels. The saying goes that “you are the sum of five of your closest friends.”

It is the reason Entrepreneur’s Organization is so effective, and partly why LinkedIn exists.

5. Perseverance

Frederick Hutson did four years in the state penitentiary. That alone would dissuade most individuals from even thinking about starting a company, let alone attempt to disrupt an industry as big as the state prison system itself. He has since created a company, called Pigeon.ly, that provides inmates and their families with discounted phone calls and photo sharing.

The company boasts of supporting 2 million minutes per month on phone calls and a quarter-million photo shares. Pigeon.ly was recently accepted into Silicon Valley’s most prestigious accelerator, Y Combinator, and appears to have a very bright future.

6. Vision

Vision is an undeniably key trait for successful entrepreneurs. Sometimes vision can be the result of having such extensive knowledge of an industry, technology or market that the entrepreneur almost seemingly knows what the world wants. Noah Kagan's vision with SumoMe, and its explosive growth is a perfect example. 

The other type of entrepreneurs' vision, that marks greats such as Steve Jobs and Elon Musk, is to bend the world to their vision.

7. Blind optimism

Justin Barr sold his company, Tapit, for $23 million. He was so blindly optimistic that he slept in his office and pulled all-nighters while working his butt off. He explains, “I just felt something, and went for it.” It didn’t matter what anyone else was doing in the space, he built a product he “knew” was going to be successful. He contributes his “blind optimism” towards his company’s success and ultimate acquisition. 

8. Opportunistic

I recently read about the publicity stunt Tucker Max and Ryan Holiday were able to orchestrate during one of Tucker’s book launches. Long story short, Tucker was denied the opportunity to make a sizable donation to Planned Parenthood, but despite this, he was able to leverage the controversy into millions of new page views, website traffic and tens of thousands of social-media shares.

The pair saw an opportunity, and leveraged it to the hilt.

9. Execution

Career Sushi has more than 10,000 internships available with companies nationwide including Warner Music Group, Billboard, FunnyorDie.com, Gary Sanchez Productions, Lionsgate Entertainment, Michael Stars and Draftfcb. It is the brainchild of Shara Senderoff, a film industry executive and producer who was determined to fix what she saw as a broken process for hiring interns.

Here’s what she had to say in an interview, “My mindset from a very early age has always been 'to figure everything out and no matter what, find a solution.' I was born a problem-solver. I believe my 'find a solution' attitude has allowed me to set an example to those around me. I've learned to execute, execute and execute again and I don't think I'd have become the leader I am today if I didn't approach everything I do with the belief that I can always be better.”

My co-founder and I believe the traditional model of judging a person's professional worth is broken. That is exactly why we created Intangibly, and feel that this is arguably the most important factor. 

07 Ways Founders Demonstrate They Can Run a Startup

When starting a new business, an entrepreneur has to take a “hands-on” role. Because there are so many unknowns, and things are happening so fast, this is no time to delegate or hire outside consultants to handle core functions. That fact eludes most executives from mature companies who have long depended on their staffs for real work, while their focus stays on strategy.

Thus I don’t see many startups run in absentia or by big company executives. Startup founders need to see, touch and feel all the key elements of a new business as it evolves, much like an artist renders a new painting or sculpture. Once the outline and core of a new sculpture is complete, assistants and experts can step in, even under contract, to finish the piece.

In the context of a startup, there are many “hands-on” attributes that every entrepreneur must demonstrate and enjoy if he or she hopes to succeed in building a new business. In my experience, these include the following:

1. Be recognized for innovative actions as well as ideas.

The best startup founders are ready and able to roll up their sleeves and jump into any issue and contribute, whether it's business related or technical, no matter how much expertise team members may possess. The best founders know how to pull the best out of others.

2. Communicate a clear vision, as well as a path to the destination.

This means a founder needs the ability to attract the right people to a team and motivate them. Then the vision must be translated into a set of tasks to match the skills of the people who can make the vision real. The founder needs to be a mentor and advisor, as well as a leader.

3. Capitalize on relationships inside and outside the company.

Startup founders who are lone rangers or autocrats usually burn out or make big mistakes. The ability to nurture relationships, and know when and how to use them, is paramount to success. Relationships only work if they are win-win, so understanding constituent needs is key.

4. Track and measure both long-term and short-term objectives.

Translating vision into a plan, milestones and metrics is a key responsibility of every entrepreneur. All of these must be updated at least quarterly, based on feedback and results from customers, and communicated to the team on a regular basis.

5. Able to adapt or pivot the business to respond to the market.

Every startup I'm aware of has had to pivot, no matter how elegant the initial plan. Did you know that both Facebook and YouTube started out as dating sites? Founders who are close enough to the front lines are required to listen to market feedback and be savvy enough to respond.

6. Provide constructive feedback and growth opportunities for the team.

Individual team member reviews cannot be delegated or moved to the bottom of your priority list. Founders who are consistent and predictable in managing accountability across the team, including hiring and firing, consistently generate the most loyalty and results.

7. Accept accountability for all decisions, with no excuses.

The best entrepreneurs give everyone around them credit for the successes, and take full responsibility for all the failures. They learn to delegate effectively, hire people smarter than they are, and put processes in place so that the business is able to run independently of their presence.

The best startup founders actually relish their “hands-on” role in building and selling their solutions, but don’t back away from the business decisions and administrative responsibilities either. They enjoy the camaraderie of the team, but are normally tough taskmasters. They build relationships that often last a lifetime, even with competitors and investors.

Running a startup can be an intense and stressful experience, so rolling up your sleeves should be seen as a way to diffuse the pressure, build your skills and avoid the loneliness at the top. Investors and major customers are quick to spot and support the startup founder who is clearly working in and on the business and having fun at the same time. Do you fit that mold?

10 Commandments from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

Whilst casually browsing the online archive of Tamil Murasu October 1 edition, I came across a narration of a school function in Avadi, Chennai where our former President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam had participated in the 50th Annual Day function of Ambattur Sir Ramasamy Mudaliar Higher Secondary School. After distributing the prizes for winners of various contests in the school, in his speech, the president seems to have given ten commandments to be followed by students and youngers.

I have endeavored to translate the ten commandments to English here for the benefit of everyone and as a humble service to all.

1. We should all have a noble and high-vision goal in our life and ensure that we march towards it steadfast and focused.
2. We should study attentively and work hard towards the high vision goal of our life.
3. We should endeavor to spend our holiday by educating at least five illiterate people.
4. We should try growing plants in our home/work/school and ensure that the plants grow healthy into a strong tree.
5. We should take honest initiatives to cleanse up the minds of those affected by alcohol and tobacco addiction.
6. We should endeavor to console people in sorrow and try giving them encouraging words as a gesture towards giving them a mental strength to come out of the sorrow shell.
7. We should treat everyone as equal without any bias of religion, subsect or gender.
8. We should try be honest in every step in our day to day life and be a role model for others to emulate.
9. We should give a great and extreme respect to our parents who have given us this life in the world and we should also give a great respect to the womenhood.
10. We should endeavor to spread the knowledge of education in our country and ensure that our country grows as a shining star in every field in the world.

07 Things the World's Richest People Never Do

Our habits tend to define who we are. If you make it a point to drive recklessly every day, nobody will be surprised when you eventually get into a traffic accident. This seems obvious to us. Yet the financial equivalent of this principle, tolerating bad monetary habits on a regular basis until you're driven into poverty, seems less obvious.

For the most part, the richest people in the world didn't get to their position overnight. They didn't stumble into money, and it wasn't given to them as a gift. They accumulated it, and continue to maintain it, as a direct result of their daily habits and their underlying philosophies.

These are seven things you'll never catch the world's richest people doing:

1. Playing the lottery. The lottery comes with a bold promise: a chance to win more money than you'd ever know what to do with. But the odds of winning are astronomically low, and logically, you have a far better chance of creating your own wealth than getting lucky and winning someone else's. The world's wealthiest people had no interest in taking chances; instead, they chose to forge their own paths, and as a result, they worked harder, and saw more tangible results. Plus, remember that instant wealth means nothing if you don't know how to manage it--countless lottery winners found themselves bankrupt shortly after winning because they splurged or managed it poorly.

2. Hoping for better outcomes. There's nothing inherently wrong with hope; it's a positive emotion that leads us to more optimistic lives. But for the world's richest people, hope isn't nearly enough. Hope doesn't solve problems. It doesn't create opportunities. It doesn't change anything. If you want to move past a certain chapter of your life, or achieve a certain outcome, you have to move beyond hoping and start taking action. Only through initiated, meaningful changes will you be able to make any difference. The next time you find yourself in a bad situation and hoping for something better, stop hoping and make a better situation for yourself.

3. Abandoning their goals. Goals are crucial for success; they keep you focused, they help you prioritize, and they lead you to bigger, better things. By some estimates, 80 percent of the world's richest people make and follow goals regularly. Compare that to only 12 percent of the poor. But it isn't enough to merely create goals--it's the process of sticking with them, no matter what, that separates the strong-willed from the weak-willed. If you set your goals sufficiently high, you won't be able to hit all of them all the time. But instead of giving up when you fail to meet a goal, it's better to transform or reimagine that goal. Keep making progress.

4. Forgoing self-improvement. Self-improvement is a crucial step in accumulating wealth. People tend to make money based on how valuable they are, and their monetary value stems from their experience, their skills, their expertise, and their familiarity with their respective industries. All these qualities can be meaningfully enhanced through simple, gradual exercises, such as reading the news every day or going out of your way to challenge yourself and build up your skillset. In the words of Richard Branson, "I see life almost like one long university education that I never had–every day I’m learning something new."

5. Living above their means. When most people fall into debt or find themselves unable to pay the bills, it comes down to one critical mistake; living a lifestyle that requires a greater income than you're actually receiving. Imagine for a moment you make $2,500 a month, and you pay $1,500 in rent and about $950 in other regular expenses. That only leaves you $50 leftover--if rent goes up or you have an emergency, you'll immediately start accumulating debt, which becomes more and more difficult to pay off. The world's richest people got to where they are and continue to stay there because they live below their means. If they made $2,500 a month, they'd make sure their expenses never went above, for instance, $1,800, leaving an ample $700 a month for unanticipated expenses, saving, and investment.

6. Settling for less. Rich people started out with their minds made up. At some point, they decided they were going to be rich someday. They convinced themselves that they deserved to be rich, and they started seeing their lives in different terms because of it. While not necessarily demanding, rich people never settle for less when they know they deserve more. They negotiate. They seek higher salaries. They look for better opportunities. They don't just accept things and move on; they're always looking for the best of all possible scenarios.

7. Letting their money sit idle. Last but not least, you'll never catch one of the world's wealthiest people keeping money in an idle bank account. You need to make your money work for you by investing it in something--it could be stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate, or anything with a proven track record of success. Investing lets your money earn you passive income, which if reinvested creates a powerful system of compounding interest. Otherwise, inflation will continue to rise and your money will actually lose value.

Eliminate these bad habits and reckless decisions from your daily life, and eventually, you'll find yourself in a much better financial position. Again, there are no shortcuts, so understanding these concepts won't help you get rich overnight, but they will help you set a long-term course for a much brighter future.

05 Phrases Will Make You a Better Leader

Carpenters work with wood. Composers' medium is sound. Business leaders like you, however, work in words.

Think about it--whether it's persuading a prospective client, laying out your vision for your company, or motivating your staff, the primary tool at your disposal is language. Which means the words you choose carry a lot of weight. It might not seem like such a big deal exactly how you phrase a request or choose to express a concern, but with so much riding on how you express yourself, even little changes to the language you use can have big impacts.

That might be a little scary--a simple slip of the tongue or ill-considered word choice can really cost you--but the flip side is extremely empowering. Being a better leader sometimes comes down to something as simple as tuning up the words you use. Just formulate your thoughts a little better and you'll instantly see an improvement in results--no lengthy leadership courses or massive personal changes required.

So what sort of expressions can have these magical effects? The blog of leadership app Lighthouse offered some great suggestions recently, rounding up a handful of small phrases that can have big impacts on your leadership abilities, including:

1. "That sounds important to you, let me write that down."

You're busy and, in the whirlwind of busyness, it's easy to forget things. When that happens it can be bad news for you, but it can also be terrible for your team's morale. "When managers forget things, fail to keep their promises, or become disorganized, it hurts not only them, but their entire team. This can cause team members to build up resentment ('I can't believe you forgot...again!') or lose trust ('Why bother? They won't remember what I tell them anyway') Both are fatal to morale, motivation, and productivity for your team," Lighthouse explains.

Adding this simple phrase to your most-used-expressions list not only helps you remember important information but also signals to your team that you value their contributions. When you're paying attention--and your team knows it--everyone wins.

2. "Yes, and…"

The basis of both great improv comedy and great leadership is building on the ideas of your teammates rather than tearing them down. That's why this little phrase is so important. Make a conscious switch from "Yes, but…" to "Yes, and…," Lighthouse advises.

"One of the quickest ways to unintentionally hurt motivation is by using statements that transition from agreeing with or praising them to adding the condition of '...but.' When you say something like, 'That's a great point, but...,' you can make people feel like you were merely placating them to get to what you cared about after the 'but…,'" says the post.

"Opting for 'and' rather than 'but' is a "subtle change with a big impact. By switching the 'but' for 'and,' you actually alter the entire second half of the statement from deflating to motivating," it concludes.

3. "Tell me about the last time that happened."

This phrase is most useful in the context of dealing with problems or mistakes. "If there's a problem, getting context on the situation can help provide a better solution. It can help remove bias and ensure you don't jump to conclusions, whether you're dealing with two sides of an argument, or just getting to the root cause of a problem. It's easy for people to jump right to what they think is the answer when they come to you. Rather than jumping right into it, pausing and learning more can help everyone," the post explains.

4. "…yet."

Lighthouse isn't the only source of these small but mighty phrases. Author Ben Casnocha advises adding the word 'yet' to negative feedback, for example. On his blog he's written: "Suppose your boss pulls you aside and tells you: 'You don't have the right skills for the project.' Then suppose a different situation, where your boss tells you: 'You don't have the right skills for the project, yet' or 'You don't yet have the connections to make this deal happen.' The word yet makes all the difference in the world. In the first example, you feel like a dud. In the examples with 'yet,' you feel like you may not be ready now, but you could be in the future."

5. "Let me repeat that back to you."

Kitt Hodsden, a founding director of Hacker Dojo, offered this suggestion on the Pastry Box Project recently, recommending it for dealing with conflict in any context, from romantic relationships to disagreements at work.

"I was trying to explain to my dev lead what problem I was having that day. I wasn't sure how much background to give. I wasn't sure how well I had explained my frustration. He asked me to listen to him explain back to me what I had said, and I realized I had explained it well enough that he understood. He could help unblock me on the problem," she offers as an example, noting that whatever the situation, "listening, and then repeating back what I heard, in my own words, does wonders for letting the other know my level of understanding, for letting the other person know they have been heard, and for helping the two of us move toward a better understanding."

10 Things the Smartest People Never Do

The smartest thing any of us can do is to help other people succeed—because that way, we also succeed.

And that’s why you should never:

1. Thoughtlessly waste other peoples’ time.

Every time you’re late to an appointment or meeting, it says your time is more important. Every time you wait until the grocery clerk finishes ringing you up to search for your debit card says you couldn’t care less if others have to wait unnecessarily. Every time you take three minutes to fill your oversize water bottle while a line stacks up behind you says you’re in your own little world--and your world is the only world that matters.

Small, irritating things, but basically no big deal? Wrong. People who don’t notice the small ways they inconvenience others tend to be oblivious when they do it in a major way.

How you treat people when it doesn’t really matter--especially when you’re a leader--says everything about you. Act like the people around you have more urgent needs than yours and you will never go wrong--and you will definitely be liked.

2. Ignore people “beneath” your level.

There’s an older guy at the gym that easily weighs 350 pounds and understandably struggles on the aerobic and weight equipment. Hats off; he’s in there trying.

Yet nobody talks to him. Or even seems to notice him. It’s like he’s invisible. Why? He doesn’t fit in.

We all do it. When we visit a company, we talk to the people we’re supposed to talk to. When we attend a civic event, we talk to the people we’re supposed to talk to. We breeze right by the technicians and talk to the guy who booked us to speak, even though the techs are the ones who make us look and sound good onstage.

Here’s an easy rule of thumb: Nod whenever you make eye contact. Or smile. Or (gasp!) even say hi. Just act like people exist.

We’ll automatically like you for it--and remember you as someone who engages even when there’s nothing in it for you.

3. Ask for too much (especially too soon).

A guy you don’t know asks you for a favor, a big, time-consuming favor. You politely decline. He asks again. You decline again. Then he whips out the Need card. “But it’s really important to me. You have to. I really need [it].”

Maybe he does, in fact, really need whatever it is. But a person's needs are his or her problem. The world doesn’t owe someone anything. No one is entitled to advice or mentoring or success. The only thing a person is entitled to is what he or she earns.

People tend to help people who first help themselves. People tend to help people who first help them. And people definitely befriend people who look out for other people first, because we all want more of those people in our lives.

4. Ignore people in genuine need.

At the same time, some people aren’t in a position to help themselves. They need a hand: a few dollars, some decent food, a warm coat.

Though I don’t necessarily believe in karma, I do believe good things always come back to you, in the form of feeling good about yourself.

And that’s reason enough to help people who find themselves on the downside of advantage.

5. Ask a question so you can talk.

You ask a guy at lunch, “Hey, do you think social media marketing is effective?”

“Well,” he answers, “I think under the right circumstances …”

“Wrong,” you interrupt. “I’ve never seen an ROI. I’ve never seen a bump in direct sales. Plus, ‘awareness’ is not a measurable or even an important goal…,” and you drone on while he desperately tries to escape.

Don’t shoehorn in your opinions under false pretenses. Only ask a question if you genuinely want to know the answer. And when you do speak again, ask a follow-up question that helps you better understand the other person’s point of view.

People like people who are genuinely interested in them–not in themselves.

6. Pull the “Do you know who I am?”

OK, so maybe they don’t take it to the Reese Witherspoon level, but many people whip out some form of the I’m Too Important for This card.

Maybe the line is too long. Or the service isn’t sufficiently “personal.” Or they aren’t shown their “deserved” level of respect.

Say you really are somebody. People always like you better when you don’t act like you know you’re somebody–or that you think it entitles you to different treatment.

7. Forget to dial it back.

An unusual personality is a lot of fun … until it isn’t. Yet when the going gets tough or a situation gets stressful, some people just can’t stop “expressing their individuality.”

Look. We know you’re funny. We know you’re quirky. We know you march to the beat of your own drum. Still, there’s a time to play and a time to be serious, a time to be irreverent and a time to conform, a time to challenge and a time to back off.

Knowing when the situation requires you to stop justifying your words or actions with an unspoken “Hey, that’s just me being me” can often be the difference between being likable and being an ass.

8. Mistake self-deprecation for permission.

You know how it’s OK when you make fun of certain things about yourself, but not for other people to make fun of you for those same things? Like a receding hairline. Weight. A struggling business or career. Your spouse and kids.

It’s OK when you poke a little gentle fun at yourself, but the last thing you want to hear are bald or money or “Do you want fries with that?” jokes. (Bottom line: I can say I’m fat. You can’t.)

Sometimes self-deprecation is genuine, but it’s often a mask for insecurity. Never assume people who make fun of themselves give you permission to poke the same fun at them.

Only tease when you know it will be taken in the right spirit. Otherwise, if you feel the need to be funny, make fun of yourself.

9. Humblebrag.

Humblebragging is a form of bragging that tries to cover the brag with a veneer of humility so you can brag without appearing to brag. (Key word is appearing, because it’s still easy to tell humblebraggers are quite tickled with themselves.)

For example, here’s a tweeted humblebrag from actor Stephen Fry: “Oh dear. Don’t know what to do at the airport. Huge crowd, but I’ll miss my plane if I stop and do photos … oh dear don’t want to disappoint.”

Your employees don’t want to hear how stressed you are about your upcoming TED Talk. They don’t want to hear how hard it is to maintain two homes. Before you brag--humbly or not, business or personal--think about your audience. A gal who is a size 14 doesn’t want to hear you complain that normally you’re a size 2, but you’re a size 4 in Prada because its sizes run small.

Or better yet, don’t brag. Just be proud of what you’ve accomplished. Let others brag for you; if you’ve done cool things, don’t worry--they will.

10. Push your opinions.

You know things. Cool things. Great things.

Awesome. But only share them in the right settings. If you’re a mentor, share away. If you’re a coach or a leader, share away. If you’re the guy who just started a paleo diet, don’t tell us all what to order.

Unless we ask. What’s right for you may not be right for others; shoot, it might not even turn out to be right for you.

Like most things in life, offering helpful advice is all about picking your spots--just like winning friends and influencing people.