Recently, I and a very bright, very intelligent friend of mine mused over lunch as to what the key to success really entailed.  We spoke of tactics, strategies, birthrights and education.  He’s a Harvard grad, Wharton MBA and President of one of the most successful Hispanic ad agencies you could hire, I’m a college drop-out, former Presidential Appointee and CEO of one of the strongest business groups in the country. We have both, in our own way, succeeded well beyond most in our age groups, our industries and our communities.  Over steak frites and chicken and waffles, we hit a hilt and agreed, “The key to success is minimizing the probability of failure.”

The beauty of that phrase is in the fact that it’s a real statement.  It’s not designed to probe our inner sunshine or scare us out of darkness.  It is a real assessment as to what we need to do as individuals (and individuals as part of a team) to ensure the probability of success is the greatest it can be based on our contribution.  It also implies that success is a right to anyone who is willing to do the work and earn success.  It says, without artifice, that we all have the option to succeed, none of us are doomed or predestined to be failures.

There’s a distinct difference between being “someone who fails” and being a “failure”.  The former is descriptive of a moment or an event and therefore not subject to destination.  The latter is a state of mind, self-imposed, I might add, that portends to define a person and therefore their destiny.  The magnificent thing is – the “failure” can become “someone who fails”…and tries again -as many times as it takes – to become a success. (and vice versa)

I pity those who don’t know the pain of failure. The only way to know your greatest potential is to experience your failing point and make it your launching pad.  If you never try to walk, you’ll never fall.  But if you never try to walk, you’ll never run.  If you never run, you’ll never get very far and if you don’t go anywhere, the only thing you’ll see move is the world – right past you.  Those who are afraid to fail, are afraid to push the boundaries and go out on a limb, but the greatest view isn’t from the safety of the ground.

The most magnificent successes in the world: Edison and his light bulb, the Wright Brothers and their airplane, Hubert Booth and his vacuum cleaner, James Dyson and his better vacuum cleaner and of course, Al Gore and his internet; all had failed spectacularly before they succeeding historically.   If they defined themselves during their failing moments as “failures” rather than redefine those failing moments until they became successes, we’d live in a dark, untraveled, dirty, dirtier and disconnected world.  It is our responsibility, as citizens of a world, members of a community and definers of our own destiny to always try one more time than we fail – we will always continue to succeed.

That being said, the key to success is about minimizing the probability of failure, but how do you minimize the probability of failure? You research, you test, you collaborate, you do your homework and your due diligence, but most importantly, you ACT because if you don’t act, you haven’t tried and every time you don’t try, you don’t succeed and therefore, failure is not only probable – it is certain.

Article by Jane Pak, CEO of NAWBO-LA (National Association of Women Business Owners). Follow her on Twitter – @nawbola!

Back to school season still makes me cringe a bit.  I’m just being honest.  Like most I assume, it wasn’t always easy for me.  Now that I’m a young professional…err..full fledged adult (oye)…I have a whole new view on Back to School season.  In one word:  Perspective.

So, for all of you loading up those new backpacks, sharpening your pristine yellow pencils, and scheming about how you’re going to smuggle your cell, iPhone, iPod, Zune, video games or other banned technology into your classes, LISTEN UP.  (Parents too!)  I may be able to help you see this whole experience – that is, your life as a student – in a very different light that can almost guarantee your success in the long run, but way more importantly, your personal confidence and happiness.

Hopefully these can save you or your loved ones a little unnecessary stress in their remaining life as a student.

1. The most popular and highest achieving kids in school are NOT always the most successful in the real world. Success in the academic bubble does not translate to success in work and real life.  This is really important to note, whether you’re living out what some will one day refer to as “your glory years” or you’re struggling at the bottom of the social or academic heap.
2. Everyone is cool and special and interesting in some unique way. Give people a chance.  Don’t be too quick to judge or disregard people because they fit in or don’t.  That’s just immature and childish.  Don’t blow off anyone.  Everyone has feelings, insecurities, ambitions and dreams of a brighter future.  Be kind to people.  That karma will stick with you for a lifetime.
3. The nerds make all the money in the end. No joke.  The least popular, most focused, often anti-social people are thinking day in and day out about the big things they’re going to do with their life.  And trust me, not all, but some will become the most influential and most successful people you know.  Personally, I’ve grown to love and admire “nerdy” people. They’re often the smartest, most interesting, and most creative of us all.
4. Being different is actually good. There’s so much pressure to fit in and be like everyone else in school.  For some of us, the pressure is so stifling you start to lose sight of who you really are.  And this is exactly the time you should be starting to discover yourself.  You’ll soon find that being just like everyone else is in direct conflict with what you really need to do to succeed in life – differentiate yourself and build your competitive advantage.  What makes you different, if positioned the right way, really can be what makes you special.  It’s a paradigm shift for sure, but a valuable one to note as early on as you can adopt it.
5. Pursue what you love regardless of what people say. The rules of what is cool and not in school are manufactured in a totally subjective bubble of people with painfully limited perspective on the world.  Whatever it is that you’re really into, that you want to stay up late reading about, that you’re thinking about when you should be focusing on a lecture or studying…. may be the key to what you build your life and career around in some way.  Don’t ignore it.
6. Extracurricular activities and internships are as important as academics…in some ways even moreso. Any projects, organizations, leadership roles or jobs that take you off campus or enable you to interact with the outside world are invaluable experiences.  The more you interact with adults, businesses, community groups and execs, the more comfortable you’ll be networking with them when you need a loan, a job, advice on your career, admission to grad school, etc.  It will only help you to start building those relationships now.
7. Courses and majors in school do not perfectly correlate to opportunities in the working world. This may seem obvious to some and be a total surprise to others.  Like, “What do you mean I can’t find a job as a Liberal Artist or Political Scientist?” These are courses of study, meant to expose you to new industries, fields, and cultures.  Don’t always take them so literally.  Consider them a new frame of reference, a jumping off point to discover a slew of different career paths and possibilities.  Most importantly, don’t let the course catalogue or your class list limit your thinking about your broader options later on.  There is a huge world out there and millions of different things you can do.  Discovering what’s right for you is a process.  Start thinking about it early enough to give yourself time to explore and enjoy the journey.
8. Teachers and professors should be your friends. These are your best mentors and source of perspective when things at school get rough.  They also live in the real world and can not only help you understand what you’re real opportunities might look like, but also prepare you for the MASSIVE transition into the next chapter of your life.
9. Your parents and family really do have your best interests at heart. It may not always feel that way and they may not always understand why you do some of the things you do, but give them the benefit of the doubt.  Don’t make life harder on them.  They’re doing the best they can.  And the better your relationship with your parents or guardians, the easier your life is going to be.  Period.  You may move away and grow up, but never forget the people who got you here.
10. Life is complicated. Get used to it.  Consider yourself in training for the really big stuff to come.  Learn to deal with conflict, confusion, challenges and tackling things you don’t understand while you have a safe environment to do so.  You’re in the petri dish about to be let out into the world.  Things that bog you down or cripple you in school may afflict you in some way throughout your life if you don’t master some vital coping skills.  Beat people up in the real world instead of being “a man” and you could get arrested.  Cheat at work, rather than a test, and you could be fired or sued.  Act like you’re better than everyone else, and you may end up with no friends.  There are consequences to all this bad behavior as the stakes get higher and you get older.  Master your own class in dealing with people now and reap the benefits for a lifetime.

Growing up isn’t easy. The sooner you start to get a broader perspective on your time in school, the happier you’ll be … not to mention, more successful as an adult.

YSN – Expert Advice on Career Advancement and Tools for Professional Development

This past week I had a real treat – the opportunity to witness one of my favorite people, Jane Pak, delivering a riveting graduation speech to hundreds of students from Los Angeles Job Corps.  Jane is a real force of nature.  As the new CEO of NAWBO LA (the National Association of Woman Business Owners), she’s responsible for fueling the growth of woman entrepreneurs who are making the biggest impact on our local economy.  So it seemed quite fitting that she was asked to impart the final words of advice to a room full of young people joining the local workforce.
Upon hearing the 10 key philosophies, ideals and lessons behind her success, I couldn’t help but ask if we could share them with all of you.  Thankfully, she sent me her notes with her best wishes of success to you all.

~ Jen

Here it goes …

My success is grounded in 10 key philosophies, ideals and lessons I’ve picked up here and there along the way from remarkable people.

• Never forget where you came from – whatever scars you bear, wear them with pride for they are your badges of honor and evidence of a survivor.  In the military – there are badges of honor, recognitions of valor and many of those with missing limbs stand proud with purple hearts.  Be proud of where you’re from.

• Always stay true to where you’re going – a purpose driven life drives towards purpose.  Being proud of where you come from is only sinful pride unless you stand behind a neighborhood by making it better and safer.  Take your accomplishments and invest back into your community.

• Create reasonable expectations. Say what you are going to do and then do it.  Be responsible for the commitments you make as people will rely on your word and judge you on your actions.  The intent is only as good as the follow up.  Say what you mean and mean what you say.

• If you wish to change lives, then you must first change minds. Changing minds is easiest done through the eyes – demonstrate greatness and there will be no argument to be had.  Be what you want others to become and there will be no doubt.

• Do the right thing, for the right reason at the right time. Everything we do is out of love and fear.  Every action and reaction is because we love or we fear.  Embrace these two emotions – they are evidence of your  humanity and your strength, not weakness.  When you love – love wholeheartedly, love infinitely, love unconditionally with the satisfaction of loving, not for what it will yield in return.  The byproduct of such love is greater than what we could ever manifest ourselves.  When you are angry, frustrated, dismayed – realize that it is fear that causes you to feel that way and the real reason for the fear is often an indication of our struggle with ourselves.  Embrace and face your fears for they are surmountable and you will be the better for it.  Often we find that the right thing isn’t crystal clear – if you’re not sure – seek advice of those you respect and if you’re still not sure – don’t do anything you wouldn’t want to see on the front page of the newspaper.

• Always ask why – twice. Remember that if ten people do the same thing, you will have 10 different reasons for why they were done.  Treat each person and each adverse situation with care, kindness and consideration.  If you really wish to resolve a problem, then you must first consider the other person and ask them “why”.  Then, you have to ask yourself “why”.  If its tough, then you’re doing it right.

• Success is not permanent, failure is not fatal. Failure is inevitable, you cannot succeed without it.  So long as you succeed one more time than you fail, you will have no regrets.

• When you have nothing to lose, then you have everything to gain. Stand up for what you believe in.  Stand up for yourself and for those who can’t stand up for themselves.  But remember, standing up is just the first step.  Being heard is the second.  Changing minds is the third and changing lives is the reason.

• Be a part of the solution. If you are gifted with the ability to see the problem and to articulate what is wrong then you are equally gifted and charged with the responsibility to offer a solution.  The most valuable people are not those who point out what is wrong, but those who do something to make it right.  If you are not a part of the solution, then you are a part of the problem.

• When a defining moment comes along, DEFINE it, do not let it define you. Life is going to throw you curve balls – trust that you’re ready, that you’re able and then swing for the fences.

These are the burdens of greatness.  It is work.  It is hard.  But nothing in this life is easy and be blessed knowing that you’re equipped to handle it, to grow from it.  This world IS your oyster – slimy, gritty and sometimes may taste bad – but only from an oyster can you get a pearl.  Take the pearls of wisdom that you’ve earned here at Jobcorp and choose to pursue your happiness -  to be an agent for change rather than a victim of circumstance.
Choose for yourself
Think with great consideration
Act with un-waivering conviction
Today
tomorrow
and every day thereafter.

Speech by Jane Pak, CEO of NAWBO LA (the National Association of Woman Business Owners).

Follow Jane on Twitter – @NAWBOLA

The following is an excerpt from an article featuring Jennifer Kushell:

We asked Jennifer Kushell, entrepreneur and author of Secrets of the Young & Successful, how to make sure your start-up survives — and thrives.

1. Be passionate about the work.
You’ll never muster the mojo necessary to get your business off the ground unless you absolutely believe in the product or service you’re peddling.

2. Do your homework.
Seems basic, but many entrepreneurs don’t test their products in the marketplace. If you’ve designed a cool new line of T-shirts, try hawking them on eBay. A paying customer is a sign you’ve got a viable product.

3. Take advantage of helping hands.
There are ample resources available to upstarts; start with SCORE (score.org) for free workshops.

Read the entire article.