You'll Never Hear Successful People Say These 15 Phrases

If you want to become more successful as an entrepreneur or in your career, you can start by making a habit of talking and thinking more like the people you know or read about who are already successful.

Here are some phrases you’ll never hear a successful person say:

1. "We can't do that."

One thing that makes people and companies successful is the ability to make solving their customers’ problems and demands their main priority. If a need arises repeatedly, the most successful people learn how to solve it as quickly as they can.

2. "I don't know how."

Instead of automatically shutting down solution-finding, successful people learn what they can in order to succeed in a project or in their career. For example, you would never see a truly successful international business consultant who travels to Italy multiple times per year refusing to learn Italian.

3. "I don’t know what that is."

Pleading ignorance doesn’t make the problem go away. It just makes the asker find someone who is able to work with them to solve the problem. While’s it’s always good to be honest with those you interact with, finishing this phrase with “but I’ll find out” is a surefire way to become more successful.

4. "I did everything on my own."

The best people know to surround themselves with others who are smart, savvy and as dedicated as they are. What makes this work is always giving credit where it’s due, as due credit to you will always come back in hand. Recognize those that have helped you or made an impact and you’ll continue to earn success and recognition yourself.

5. "That's too early."

You would never hear Benjamin Franklin or someone such as Steve Jobs say, “that is too early for me to be there.” If there is a networking meeting, project launch or interview opportunity at the very beginning of the day, the most successful people do what it takes to be there. Part of being successful is being at the right place at the right time, no matter if you’re a morning bird or night owl.

6. "That’s too late."

Along the same lines, if you’re asked to a 9 p.m. dinner by a potential business partner, and you can make it, definitely go. You may be tired the next day, but the connections you will make during a small dinner or after-hours meeting can make all the difference when it comes to your career or next project.

7. "It's too bad we couldn't work together."

Truly hitting it off with someone can be a rare occurrence, but if you truly connect with someone and want to work with them, find a way to make it work. Finding people that you really enjoy communicating with don’t come along too often, so whether it’s a case study or a new business, successful people know that working with those who truly align with your personality and interests are the path to true success.

8. "Let's catch up sometime."

Many times, this phrase is said as filler, without any true follow up. Successful people know that if they really want to catch up with someone, they follow up to make it happen. This also builds on the idea that the most successful people have worked hard to build genuine connections and relationships within their network, without any hidden agenda. Nurturing your network means being thoughtful of others, while keeping your relationships with them on top of your mind.

9. "I'm sorry, I'm too busy."

If an opportunity comes their way, successful people do what it takes to make it happen. Sure, this might mean longer hours occasionally, but if you want something to work, that is what it takes. After all, according to Lao-Tzu: "Time is a created thing. To say ‘I don’t have time,’ is like saying, ‘I don’t want to.’”

10. "That was all my idea."

Again, as mentioned in number four, the most successful people spread the wealth when it comes to doling out praise from a successful project. No idea is truly one’s own -- it’s a sum of their experiences from interacting and building off of collaborative ideas with a team. Doling out praise and encouragement is a crucial part of building a successful company and culture.

11. "I never read books."

Tom Corley of Rich Habits found that rich people read (and listen to) books at a much higher rate than poor people: “63 percent of wealthy parents make their children read two or more non-fiction books a month vs. 3 percent of poor.” Also, “63 percent of wealthy listen to audio books during commute to work vs. 5 percent of poor people.” Reading non-fiction (as well as fiction) can help reduce stress, enhance creativity and boost your memory.

12. "I'm not good enough."

Part of being successful is having a high sense of self-worth. Being yourself is one trait that promises success in business and your personal life. Follow your true interests. What you would do in your life if you didn’t need money?

13. "It's OK." (over and over)

Successful people know when to walk away and stop taking excuses from others. If there is a bottleneck and something (or someone) is preventing you from completing a project on time, build up your business, or move you forward in your goals, then it’s time to set boundaries and decide to limit your involvement.

14. "If our competitors don't have it, then we don't need it."

Copying competitors is one of the many possible deaths for most companies. True innovation comes from the flip side: figuring out what competitors aren’t doing and fill that niche to answer a need in the industry.

15. "Time off is for suckers."

True success should be seen as a well-rounded approach, one with vacations, weekends with friends and family and hours of downtime on the weekdays. While workload varies for everyone at times, taking vacation can make you better at your job.

Sometimes to get to where you want to be, the best and easiest thing to do is to simply follow the examples that others set for you.

What phrases are you going to eliminate from your day-to-day conversations and thinking?

 Sujan Patel

To Be Successful, Do Only What Matters

Everyone is obsessed with the habits of the wealthy these days. The great irony is, if successful people concerned themselves with that sort of nonsense they never would have made it big in the first place. Truth is, none of that stuff matters. It’s all just a waste of time and focus.   

If you want to be successful, you have to learn what really makes a difference. What really matters. You need to do that and keep the distractions – everything that doesn’t matter – to a minimum. Now I’ll tell you what matters but I’ve got to warn you: it’s really simple. But then, all great lessons in life are simple.

What matters is what you do. How do you figure out what to do? Strangely enough, you figure out what to do by doing. By …

• Getting out into the world, getting a job, experiencing and learning.
• Figuring out how business works.
• Learning what you like to do and what you’re good at – your strengths to leverage and weaknesses to overcome.
• Gaining confidence from your successes and wisdom from your failures.
• Meeting smart people, asking good questions and listening to what they have to say.
• Figuring out what it takes to be a good employee and how to motivate and manage others.
• Learning what works and what doesn’t work in the real world.
• Putting yourself out there so you’re aware of opportunities and maybe even create your own luck.
• Understanding that it’s all completely and entirely up to you – nobody else can do it for you and nobody is holding you back, either.
• Having your priorities straight, the work ethic to always get the job done, and the discipline to focus on what matters and not on what doesn’t. 

It always comes down to the same thing. Doing what matters. That’s exactly how world-class companies like GE and P&G breed hundreds, if not thousands, of entrepreneurs who found tomorrow’s startups and CEOs that turn good companies into great ones: on-the-job experience.

Now I’ll tell you what doesn’t matter. What doesn’t matter is what everyone else says and does. That’s right; none of it matters. Not a word. Of course, the exception is the people you come across in your real-world experience. If you get out in the world and do things, you will inevitably meet and learn from thousands of people. That’s 99 percent of the wisdom you’ll need. No kidding.  

Here’s another way to look at it. Let’s talk about spheres of influence. The popular wisdom of the day is that everyone should have these enormous spheres of communication and social networks, the bigger the better.

Popular wisdom is wrong and I’ll tell you why.

Social networking – tweeting, posting, linking, blogging, too – is what I call “one-to-many” communication. The level of interaction and quality of communication is lousy because a billion people are all doing the same thing so nobody has the bandwidth to read but a tiny fraction of what shows up in their stream.

That’s why the vast majority of online interaction is a complete waste of time. Everything you post just bounces around the Web and nothing ever really comes of it. Nothing that matters, anyway. It’s like throwing a bucket of water into the ocean. Sure, there’s more water in the ocean now, but so what?  

Also, whatever you learn online is visible to everyone so it provides no competitive advantage whatsoever.

The way to be successful is to keep your sphere of influence small and focused. How small and focused? That depends. Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates wrote code. Richard Branson sold records. Their spheres were relatively small and extremely focused in the early days of their careers while they were building their businesses. Then they grew in time. That’s usually how it works.

It basically comes down to this: You do want to broaden your sphere but you want to broaden it by doing what matters, not by wasting your time on what doesn’t matter.

Not only does reading about rich people’s habits not matter, the same is true of the vast majority of what you do online. And if they wasted their time with all that stuff, wealthy people would never have become wealthy to begin with. The only thing successful people do that matters is focus on doing what matters. Simple as that.

Steve Tobak

How to Dress for a Business Meeting. Yes, Seriously. (Infographic)

Note to business people everywhere, even you casual Californians: Don’t show up for a business meeting in flip-flops, shorts and a hoodie. Like, ever, man. Suit up and dress like the professional you are or aim to be. Because, as the tried-and-true adage goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.  

Bringing your A-game -- and prepping your notes and/or pitch or presentation -- are only half of the business meeting readiness equation. The other half is simply looking the part. And this advice couldn’t ring truer than when you meet with a prospective client, connection or employer for the very first time.

For men, putting your best look forward often comes down a clean, crisp look from head to toe. Svelte suit. Slick tie. Shined shoes. Spruced hair. Channel Don Draper, minus the hangover tang. Remember, we’re talking about looking -- not acting -- like the dapper Don.

For women, the same rules apply. An equally unfettered, conservative -- basically safe -- professional look is often the best choice for meetings, regardless of your gender. If you wear a skirt with your blazer and blouse instead of dress pants, double check that it’s not too short.

Finally, before you decide on an outfit for any professional appointment, carefully consider your audience. If you’re meeting someone abroad, research what the locals wear for business tête-à-têtes and dress accordingly. Or, when meeting with a high-level executive, do your best to mirror what he or she will wear, which will likely be a tailored suit.

For more on why it’s important to dress for success when you’re heading into a business meeting, take a look the spiffy infographic from the British web hosting firm 34SP.com below:

Click to Enlarge+

  Kim Lachance Shandrow

6 Ways to Make a Great First Impression

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Either consciously or unconsciously, we make judgments about the professionalism, character and competence of others based on first impressions.

Just as you evaluate potential business partners, employees and personal acquaintances on your first-time encounter with them, others will judge you and your business by how you conduct yourself.

The best way to make a positive first impression, especially in business, is to embrace uncommon common sense. Many entrepreneurs overlook the importance of poise and professionalism. A few common courtesies will help you make a positive impression when you meet someone for the first time.

Use these six tips to guarantee you’ll make a great first, and lasting, impression — no matter the circumstance.

1. Prepare ahead of time. Preparation reduces anxiety and will help you show more authority. If you do your homework, you’ll have an enormous advantage over your competition. Before an important meeting, learn everything you can about your potential client and his or her unique approach to business. Familiarize yourself with the industry in which you’ll be working and brush up on current events. Visit the company website to learn more about the company’s history, staff and recent news releases. When you take the time to prepare, you’ll appear interesting and knowledgeable — two qualities that help make a good impression.

2. Find out who will attend the meeting. To go above and beyond, reach out to the meeting organizer to learn which stakeholders will be in attendance. Memorize each person’s name so you’ll be able to address everyone directly throughout the meeting. Log onto LinkedIn and learn more about each person and their background, as well as hobbies and interests. If you find you have something in common, use it as a way to break the ice with a little small talk before you move on to business.

3. Arrive a few minutes early. It’s important to be punctual, but when you arrive on time you send the clear message that you’re responsible, capable and respectful of others’ time. Those few extra minutes will give you the opportunity to go to the restroom, check your appearance and gain your composure before you walk into an important meeting. Always schedule extra time on your calendar to account for travel, traffic delays, inclement weather and finding a parking spot.

4. Suit up for success. A professional appearance will enhance your personal brand. The more “put together” you appear, the more likely you will leave a positive impression. You don’t have to purchase expensive designer suits to look your best. Instead, invest in timeless classic pieces to create the foundation of your wardrobe. Always dress for your client’s comfort, not yours. If you’re meeting with a group of bankers, a dark suit is most appropriate. Some occasions, however, call for a more creative approach. It’s okay to show more of your personal style if you work in an artistic career or when you meet with a group of designers. Be sure your wardrobe consists of clothes that fit and flatter your body shape.

5. Give a firm handshake. In most cultures, a solid handshake carries a lot of weight. Your handshake should be warm, friendly and sincere. If it is too firm or too weak, you may convey a negative impression. If you’re seated when you’re introduced to someone, stand before you shake his or her hand — it shows respect for yourself and the person you’re meeting. Remember to keep it short and sweet; many people will become uneasy if a handshake lasts for more than a few seconds. Finally, be sure to smile and make eye contact as you shake hands. 

6. Listen effectively. Attentive listening builds trust. Throughout your meeting, ask pertinent questions. When someone else speaks, make eye contact and show you’re fully engaged in what he is saying. Always allow others time to fully express themselves. If you interrupt or attempt to finish someone’s sentence, he may assume you’re in a hurry or feel you don’t respect his opinion. Effective listening skills will help you establish rapport with new clients and business partners.

 Jacqueline Whitmore

25 Things People From Maryland Have To Explain To Out-Of-Towners

1. No, Not Everyone Here Is From D.C.

Really? Yes, Really.

2. How To Tell The Difference Between A Jimmy And A Sally

Source: Flickr user Mike Miley

Flip the crab over: if it’s the Washington Monument, it’s a Jimmy (male crab). If it’s the Capitol Dome, it’s a Sally (female crab)

3. Marylanders Will Need To Explain Why Everyone Is Calling You “Hon”

Source: Honfest via Facebook

The “hon” phenomenon in Maryland is pretty intimidating to out-of-towners at first, especially if they arrive during the annual “Honfest” (yes, that’s a thing). But no one in Maryland will apologize for calling you “hon” because not only is it a perfectly acceptable (and awesome) term of endearment, it’s also a pretty fabulous lifestyle.

So, bob your hair, grab some hairspray, get some horn-rimmed glasses, and join the party.

4. Marylanders Can Tell You Anything And Everything About Lacrosse

Source: Facebook user Johns Hopkins University

The state’s official “team” sport is lacrosse so, naturally, everyone is a laxer, brah. When you arrive in Maryland thinking you know what’s what about lacrosse, you get a rude awakening. Don’t believe me? Go to any Johns Hopkins lax game and see for yourself.

5. Yes, This Really Is The State Flag And Not Something Borrowed From The Medieval Times Restaurant

Source: otherpeoplespixels.com

People have a lotof state flag pride in Maryland. And who can blame them? It looks straight out of “Game of Thrones.”

6. Although, The State Sport Is Jousting

Source: Flickr user Jeff Kubina

Yeah, so…officially the state sport of Maryland is jousting. It takes awhile for this one to really sink in when you explain it to out-of-towners but:

1. Jousting is still a thing
2. Marylanders are pros at it
3. Don’t mess with Maryland…They can joust, for God’s sake.

7. Pizza Taste Better When Cut Into Squares

Source: Facebook user Ledo Pizza

Everyone in Maryland knows the best pizza is Ledo’s pizza. Which means, by the transitive property, that the best pizza is square-shapedpizza, not triangle. So you can take a hike, NYC and Chicago. Maryland knows how it should be done.

8. The Only Chips Worth Getting Are Utz

Source: Facebook user Utz Snacks

Everyone is Maryland is crazy about Utz. Ruffles? Lays? What even are those brands? It’s Utz or nothing.

9. Marylanders Always Have To Tell Ya Why The Natty Boh Guy Only Has One Eye

Source: Facebook user Natty Boh Gear

No one really knows why the Natty Boh man only has one eye, however people have some pretty strong theories. The most commonly held belief is that Natty Boh’s eye is with Gunther. Gunther was National Bohemian’s biggest competitor after prohibition in the 1930s and the fact that the Natty Boh guy is still missing his eye is attributed to the famous rivalry.

Yeah, sure, he lost an eye to the competition…but he definitely came out on top in the end.

10. And A Snowball Isn’t Just What You Throw At Your Neighborhood Friends In The Winters

Source: Facebook user Hula Honeys Hawaiian Shave Ice

The best part of a Maryland summer is the snowballs! Maryland is known for its shaved ice and there are stands set up on practically every street corner, all over the state. Hula Honeys is a favorite of many a Marylander.

11. Cal Ripken, Jr. Is Basically A Deity In Maryland

Source: Flickr user Keith Allison

Cal Ripken, Jr. might as well be a god to Marylanders. Not only was he born in this great state, but he played for the Orioles for over two decades, he’s played in 19 All Star Games, and he has won two MVP awards. He’s no joke.

Plus, he’s basically, like, the most charitable man in Maryland and is super active all over the state.

12. Marylanders Love For The Ravens Far Outweighs A Normal Love For A Football Team

Source: Facebook user Baltimore, Ravens

The Ravens aren’t just a football team. They’re a way of life. They saved the sport of football for the state of Maryland after the Colts fiasco (Ugh. Sigh.)

Since 2000, The Ravens have won two Super Bowls, four AFC North division titles, and made the playoffs nine times. So, basically, they were Maryland’s saving grace.

13. Even Saying “Colts” Is A Sin In Maryland

As you can imagine, Marylanders haven’t really gotten over their “abandonment” issue that the Colts left them with. Who just packs up and leaves Baltimore to go to Indianapolis!

So, one of the first things Marylanders should explain to an out-of-towner? Don’t even say the word “Colts” in the presence of a Marylander.

14. A Marylander Will Tell You How To Craft A Beer

Source: Facebook user Full Tilt Brewing

Maryland’s been crafting beer since before crafting beer was cool. There are amazing microbreweries are all over the state, like Heavy Seas, Union Craft, Brewers Alley, and Full Tilt. You just can’t go wrong with Maryland beer.

15. It’s “Merlin”—Not Mary-Land

Marylanders have a unique accent that out-of-towners sometimes have a hard time understanding. For starters, the state’s name is pronounced, “Merlin’” or sometimes, “Marilyn,” but never Mary-land.

Oh and it’s Bawlmer, not “Baltimore”. Oh, and you don’t “wash” your hands with “water,” you “warsh ‘em with wooder.” Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it.

16. The National Anthem is “O” So Important to Marylanders

So, not only was the author of the National Anthem from Maryland (thanks, Francis Scott Key), which automatically makes the National Anthem more Maryland’s than any other state in America, it’s also “O” so wonderful to sing.

Orioles fans are known for yelling the “O” in The Star Spangled Banner louder than any other team in MLB. Yes, Marylanders just have the perfect blend of nationalism and state pride.

17. The Only Seasoning You’ll Find In A Marylander’s Home Is Old Bay

Source: Facebook user Old Bay Seasoning

To a Marylander, Old Bay belongs on everything. There’s no better flavor in the world and nothing better to go with steamed crab.

18. And The Only Seasoning In Restaurants Is J.O. Spice

Source: Facebook user J.O. Spice

So, maybe Old Bay is the best flavor in the world. And maybe it’s what every real Marylander wants on their steamed crabs…but, any true Marylander will have to break it to ya one day: J.O. Spice, the local, family owned spice business actually gives Old Bay a run for its money. Most restaurants in Maryland actually use J.O. instead of Old Bay. That being said, out-of-towners tend to stick to the myth that it’s Old Bay and nothing else.

19. The Miracle on 34th Street Isn’t Just A Movie

Source: Flickr user Kathleen Tyler Conklin

Most out-of-towners have no clue that the real Miracle on 34th Street is in Hampden. During the holiday season, this entire residential neighborhood sets up luminous, and unique decorations—they have everything from a Christmas tree made out of hubcaps to giant light up menorahs that take up the whole front porch.

People flock from all over the state (and out of state!) to see the display, and they’ve been doing so since 1947!

20. The Poe Toaster Has Nothing To Do With Toast

Source: Wikimedia user midnightdreary

The Poe Toaster was a mystery man who came to Edgar Allen Poe’s grave each year, leaving a bottle of cognac and a red rose—his “toast” to Poe. This went on for 75 years, before ending for unknown reasons in 2006, but all Marylanders are hoping for a Poe Toaster comeback one of these days.

21. Everyone In Maryland Knows The Lyrics To All Songs From “Hairspray”

Source: Giphy.com

People in Maryland have a ton of state pride, which explains their love for anything and everything that celebrates Maryland culture. The famous musical, “Hairspray,” is set in Maryland and many of the lyrics to the songs capture the Maryland spirit. So, if you’re from out of town, you should probably get with the picture and at least watch the movie (both versions).

22. Being South Of The Mason-Dixon Line Doesn’t Mean They’re Southern

Source: exploretheline.com

While technically Maryland is in the South people in Maryland consider themselves as Northern as a Northerner could be. That darn Mason-Dixon line disagrees though.

23. Unless You’re From The Eastern Shore

Source: Flickr user laura dye

Just like the Mason Dixon line, folks from the Eastern Shore are dead-set on proving that Maryland is the South. Many people from the eastern part of the state truly believe that Southern culture is more representative of their culture and will point to the Mason Dixon line until they’re blue in the face to prove it to y’all.

24. What It Means When We Say We’re “America In Miniature”

You can’t visit Maryland without hearing at least 10 times how “It’s America…In Miniature.” That’s because Maryland has all four, distinct seasons and it has terrain that’s representative of the entire United States: mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, valleys, ocean, cities, suburbs, etc. Basically, you get a taste of all of America in a very small amount of space.

25. And Why We’re All About Our County Pride

Source: Facebook user PG County Fair

Because the state is like a miniature America, the people are also very diverse and each county takes a lot of pride in whatever it is that makes that particular area of Maryland unique.

People have county pride bumper stickers, get really into their county fairs, and of course, make excellent nicknames for all of the counties. So, are you from HoCo? MoCo? PG? AA? Wherever you’re from, you have an identity that you share with your county.
Erica Zane

5 Nighttime Routines of Successful Entrepreneurs

America’s fascination with entrepreneurial productivity is endless -- just look at the waves of books published each year to the ongoing obsession with finding ways to wake up earlier each day. But it’s not just optimizing your morning routine or the approach to structuring your work day that’s important. In fact, one of the most overlooked productivity and schedule hacks is the entrepreneur’s nighttime routine.

Here are five tips that will make you the master of your evening schedule and set you up for a high-energy and focused tomorrow.

1. Assess your day: what good did I do today?

Ben Franklin was famous for his rigorous routines and schedules. He ended each carefully mapped day by asking one single question, “What good did I do today?” The sentiment is right, but as an entrepreneur take a slightly more structured approach to examining your day. Take time to review your schedule, projects and insights.

Ask yourself three questions: What progress did I make toward my vision and goals today? What am I grateful for today, specifically? Finally, what improvements can I make with what I learned?

2. Set three priorities for tomorrow.

What you do in the evening can ensure your success the following day. In his Vanity Fair profile of President Obama, Michael Lewis notes “the president’s day actually starts the day before.” He spends the evening reviewing schedules and briefs for the coming day. Similarly, many writers suggest ending the day’s work mid-sentence so they know exactly where to pick up with writing in the morning.

Use this principle of building momentum by thinking about your objectives, tasks, schedule and desired outcomes. Using the Most Important Thing (MIT) approach, define your top priorities for tomorrow before bed. You’ll wake up with a clear agenda and be ready to accomplish more.

3. Set clear boundaries to decompress.

As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to feel like your business is your life. But set clear boundaries when the work day ends and personal time begins.Psychology Today has discussed the importance of rituals to help you transition from work to home. A study of military professionals, in arguably some of the most stressful positions in the world, showed that simple steps such as taking a few minutes of private time or removing their uniforms helped them ease into the home environment.

Take a walk, listen to an audiobook or stretch to end your day on a peaceful note. If you like more structure, attend a yoga class or meditate. After that time, if at all possible, disconnect and enjoy time with family or friends, decompress, engage in hobbies, or catch up on your rest.

4. Master sleep hygiene.

Seventy million Americans experience some form of sleep disorder. Entrepreneurs have more sleepless nights than most. Prioritizing sleep and protecting that time is essential to sleeping when you’re struggling with anxiety, fatigue and other issues that can arise as part of the entrepreneurial life.

The National Sleep Foundation lays out a good plan for sleep hygiene, but the keys are simple. Set a consistent sleep schedule and stick to it. Don’t work or watch TV in bed, just use it for sleep and intimate activities. Make your room as dark as possible with blackout shades and keep your bedroom a screen-free zone. Play with the temperature and keep things cooler. Invest in a comfortable mattress setup. And finally, give yourself enough time to unwind before bed.

5. Do one thing for pleasure. 

It can be easy to lose sight of why you’re working so hard: to achieve financial freedom, build security for your family or to change the world. Every night, do one thing that brings you joy. Spend time with your family over a leisurely dinner with no tablets or phones in sight. Indulge in self-care with a long walk or a professional massage. Take time to watch a movie or read a book you’ve been dying to dig into.

Make the most of your non-work time to refill the well a bit each day, rather than relying only on weekends or vacations.

Conclusion.

Paying attention to your evening schedule adds a layer of control and sanity to a typically packed schedule. It allows -- or forces -- you to make time for important things such as family and your health. Ultimately, you’re able to keep your energy high and focus on your most important business priorities for maximum productivity the following day.

Jayson Demers

7 Powerful Public Speaking Tips From One of the Most-Watched TED Talks Speakers

You’d never know it, but Simon Sinek is naturally shy and doesn’t like speaking to crowds. At parties, he says he hides alone in the corner or doesn’t even show up in the first place. He prefers the latter. Yet, with some 22 million video views under his belt, the optimistic ethnographer also happens to be the third most-watched TED Talks presenter of all time.

Ironic for an introvert, isn’t it? Sinek’s unlikely success as both an inspirational speaker and a bestselling author isn’t just dumb luck. It’s also not being in the right place at the right time or knowing the right people. It’s the result of fears faced and erased, trial and error and tireless practice, on and off stage.

We caught up with Sinek to pick his brain about how he learned to give such confident, captivating and meaningful presentations and how others can, too. 

Here are his top seven secrets for delivering speeches that inspire, inform and entertain. (For more helpful pointers on how to wow an audience, check out his free 30-minute class on Skillshare now. It’s titled How to Present: Share Ideas That Inspire Action.)

1. Don’t talk right away.

Sinek says you should never talk as you walk out on stage. “A lot of people start talking right away, and it’s out of nerves,” Sinek says. “That communicates a little bit of insecurity and fear.”  

Instead, quietly walk out on stage. Then take a deep breath, find your place, wait a few seconds and begin. “I know it sounds long and tedious and it feels excruciatingly awkward when you do it,” Sinek says, “but it shows the audience you’re totally confident and in charge of the situation.”

2. Show up to give, not to take.

Often people give presentations to sell products or ideas, to get people to follow them on social media, buy their books or even just to like them. Sinek calls these kinds of speakers “takers,” and he says audiences can see through these people right away. And, when they do, they disengage.

“We are highly social animals," says Sinek. "Even at a distance on stage, we can tell if you’re a giver or a taker, and people are more likely to trust a giver -- a speaker that gives them value, that teaches them something new, that inspires them -- than a taker.”

3. Make eye contact with audience members one by one.

Scanning and panning is your worst enemy, says Sinek. “While it looks like you’re looking at everyone, it actually disconnects you from your audience.”

It’s much easier and effective, he says, if you directly look at specific audience members throughout your speech. If you can, give each person that you intently look at an entire sentence or thought, without breaking your gaze. When you finish a sentence, move on to another person and keep connecting with individual people until you’re done speaking.

“It’s like you’re having a conversation with your audience," says Sinek. "You’re not speaking at them, you’re speaking with them."

This tactic not only creates a deeper connection with individuals but the entire audience can feel it.

4. Speak unusually slowly.

When you get nervous, it’s not just your heart beat that quickens. Your words also tend to speed up. Luckily Sinek says audiences are more patient and forgiving than we know.

“They want you to succeed up there, but the more you rush, the more you turn them off," he says. "If you just go quiet for a moment and take a long, deep breath, they’ll wait for you. It’s kind of amazing.”

Sinek believes it’s impossible to speak too slowly on stage. “It’s incredible that you can stand on stage and speak so slowly that there are several seconds between each of your words and people… will… hang… on… your… every… word. It really works.”

5. Ignore the naysayers.

Dismiss the people furrowing their brows, crossing their arms or shaking their heads “no.” Instead, focus only on your supporters -- the people who are visibly engaged, enjoying your presentation and nodding “yes.” If you find the audience members who are positively interacting with you, you’ll be much more confident and relaxed than if you try to convince the naysayers.  

6. Turn nervousness into excitement.

Sinek learned this trick from watching the Olympics. A few years ago he noticed that reporters interviewing Olympic athletes before and after competing were all asking the same question. "Were you nervous?” And all of the athletes gave the same answer: "No, I was excited." These competitors were taking the body’s signs of nervousness -- clammy hands, pounding heart and tense nerves -- and reinterpreting them as side effects of excitement and exhilaration.

When you’re up on stage you will likely go through the same thing. That’s when Sinek says you should say to yourself out loud, “I’m not nervous, I’m excited!”

“When you do, it really has a miraculous impact in helping you change your attitude to what you’re about to do," Sinek says.

7. Say thank you when you’re done.

Applause is a gift, and when you receive a gift, it’s only right to express how grateful you are for it. This is why Sinek always closes out his presentations with these two simple yet powerful words: thank you.

"They gave you their time, and they’re giving you their applause." Says Sinek. "That’s a gift, and you have to be grateful."

Kim Lachance Shandrow

There Are 8 Indispensable Elements of Real Wealth and 7 Aren't Money

What’s the purpose of life?

That's a powerful question that deserves your attention. My answer has drastically changed the past five to 10 years, and will continue to evolve. Success is part of life's purpose but I know that on the other side of success is the quest for more success, more milestones, more achievements, more people to help and learn from, more money to be made. That's great. Life becomes mundane and boring without goals and dreams to reach for but I believe there is more to life and real wealth.

Don’t get me wrong. Becoming a millionaire is a valid desire for everyone, but there is no higher success than building and maintaining a world class life with meaning and significance. Awareness precedes choice, and your choices determine the quality of your life. I’ve put some serious thought into what makes a world class life. Here are the eight forms you must adapt and start improving if you want to live an exceptional life with no regret.

1. A world-class inner life.

Your outer world, who you are and the quality of your life, is 100 percent determined by your inner world. Your inner world consists of your peace of mind, the quality of your thinking and living authentically. Are you living your true values or doing things based out of fear and worry? Your inner world determines your self worth and how connected you are to your core.

2. World-class health.

Your health is a very important part of wealth. If you don’t have your health, you have nothing. At the end of your life, the things you now perceive as the big things might be the little things. When we are young, we will compromise our health for wealth, but when we are old we will gladly sacrifice all of our wealth for just a little bit of health.

It’s extremely important to put health first, if you really want a world class life. We take our health for granted until we lose it, then we spend all our waking time trying to get it back. Those who don’t make time for exercise must eventually make time for illness.

3. World-class family life.

Having loved ones around you, and being able to see your family whenever you choose, is a crucial part of success. Gary Vaynerchuktold me his business is extremely important, but a distant second to his family. The greatest support system in the world is good family and friends. You can’t be careless here, you need great relationships and those who make you better. Remember, you can’t change your family, and trying to do so will cause you endless stress and frustration. Love them and appreciate them for who they are. 

4. World-class profession/career.

The attitude you bring to your days determine your destiny and it's extremely hard to carry a great attitude when you don't enjoy what you do. According to the new Gallup survey "71 percent of employees are activity disengaged at work."

Be patient and figure out your strengths. Purposefully choosing (or creating) your ideal professional is crucial to a world-class life. When you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. It's important to get to the end of your career knowing you gave your best. Yes, unexpected circumstances do happen but you are in control of your own future through the choices you make. Life is not easy nor promised, but it's how you adapt and adjust that determines what happens next. Never settle.

5. World-class financial freedom.

Less than 5 percent of our society will be financially stable by age 65. WTF? Money is extremely important and makes the world go round. It also gives you one of the most important aspects of a world-class life --freedom.

Money allows you the choices to do what you want, when you want, wherever you want, so you can live on your own terms. What’s your game plan to assure a financially free future?

6. World-class circle of genius.

You become who you spend the most time with. Are the people you’re associating with holding you to higher standards and challenging you? If you spend time with people who are playing at a world class level, you drastically increase your chances of doing the same. Their ways of being will rub off on you. You’ll adapt their philosophies and perspectives.

Start surrounding yourself with people whose lives you want to emulate. Keep company with those who are thinking and acting at an extraordinary level.

7. World-class experiences.

Ultimately, life is an adventure. Experiences and memories are what separate the elite lives from the mediocre. I’ve recently started focusing more on producing instead of consuming, and valuing experiences over material things. I like both, and appreciate the finer things in life, but after studying countless world-class people, it’s clear they are constantly creating memorable experiences. What's the point of doing something if you’re not having fun? 

8. World-class impact and legacy.

The worthiest aim of life is service to the world around us. How much difference are you making in the world around you? Are you adding consistent value that improves the lives of others?

Generosity the key that unlocks happiness. There is no greater feeling than when you help or give to others, asking for nothing back. Whether it is a compliment or a small gift, do something nice for somebody every day. Realize every tweet, every blog post and every conversation you have is part of your legacy.

I challenge you not to postpone your life. Most say “when I have more time I will take time for myself” but the reality is life waits for no one. Don't postpone travel or chasing your dreams. Nobody knows when their time is up, so make the most of it by focusing on these eight forms of real wealth.

Peter Voogd