Professional Growth

Professional Growth Archives

Professional Growth | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

What are the characteristics and skills of <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-things-successful-entrepreneurs-have-in-common/">a good entrepreneur</a>? What’s the “it” factor that makes for a great entrepreneur? To be a basketball star, it’s likely that you would need to be extremely tall, fast, athletic and have real chops. But for someone studying entrepreneurship and business, the qualities of a great entrepreneur are more abstract and elusive. 



<h2 id="h-top-qualities-of-a-successful-entrepreneur">Top qualities of a successful entrepreneur</h2>



In my experience, there are five major traits that mean you have the chops to build a business and live the life of an entrepreneur:



<h3 id="h-1-salesmanship">1. Salesmanship.</h3>



The ability to sell something is absolutely necessary to running a business at any stage. Whether you’re starting out on the floor selling a physical product like I did or you’re the CEO of an agency selling talented employees, you need to know <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/anyone-can-learn-sales-heres-where-to-start/">how to make a sale</a>.



<h3 id="h-2-a-chip-on-your-shoulder">2. A chip on your shoulder.</h3>



Yes, I’m serious. And that can come in two forms. Either you were born with nothing and you’re just hungrier than the average human, or it’s the reverse: You were born into a lot of wealth and opportunity and you want to prove that you don’t need it—that you can build success on your own. In either case, some kind of chip can push you a long way, especially when it comes to the amount of hours and energy you’ll need to put into your business.



<h3 id="h-3-an-independent-spirit">3. An independent spirit.</h3>



Being an entrepreneur means you rely on yourself and no one else. At the end of the day, you need to be 100% comfortable with making the final call. You have to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/the-life-changing-power-of-trusting-yourself/">be able to trust yourself</a> and your intuition.



<h3 id="h-4-understanding-consumers-and-consumer-attention">4. Understanding consumers and consumer attention.</h3>



Mark Zuckerberg is an example of someone who truly understands and trades consumer attention. He got it with his product, Facebook. He held onto it by <a href="https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2012/04/09/facebook-buys-instagram-for-1-billion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">identifying and acquiring Instagram</a>. And he saw it with Snapchat, too, though <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-facebook-was-willing-to-pay-3-billion-for-snapchat-2013-11" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">that deal didn’t pan out</a>. In any case, the lesson is that knowing where the consumer is, and where they are going, is crucial.



<h3 id="h-5-patience">5. Patience.</h3>



It can be a slow and lonely climb to the top. If you want to play in the world of entrepreneurship but patience is a quality <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/patience-is-a-superpower/">you don’t currently possess</a>, I recommend developing it as much as you possibly can.



Listen, everybody is born with some capability to run a business. There is an amazing amount of entrepreneurs who can make a profit by working for themselves and running a small e-commerce shop around a personal interest of theirs. And the opportunities to do that <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-you-should-start-a-business-now/">have never been more available</a>. So if that’s your goal, do it. It was the main thesis statement of my first book, <a href="https://amzn.to/3JtwoIU" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crush It!</a>. I am all about that life and I support it.



But let’s be clear about entrepreneurs and the businesses they run: There are levels to this. The higher you climb and the more your business grows, the bigger the stakes become. More and more people will be depending on you to make the right decisions for them and the company. The league you’re playing in and the required skill set jumps from pickup ball to NBA very quickly, so if you haven’t yet, focus on developing these five qualities to make sure you’re ready to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/4-essential-habits-to-become-a-next-level-entrepreneur/">level up as an entrepreneur</a>.



This post originally appeared on GaryVaynerchuk.com.



This article was published in March 2016 and has been updated. Photo by Pressmaster/Shutterstock

So you want to be an entrepreneur, but do you have what it takes? These are the top qualities you need to be successful as an entrepreneur.

So you want to be an entrepreneur, but do you have what it takes? These are the top qualities you need to be successful as an entrepreneur. | SUCCESS

5 Traits of a Next-Level Entrepreneur

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Top 5 Qualities of an Entrepreneur that You Need to Succeed | SUCCESS

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Gary Vaynerchuk builds businesses. Fresh out of college he took his family wine business and grew it from a $3 million to a $60 million business in just five years. Now he runs VaynerMedia, one of the world's hottest digital agencies. Along the way he became a prolific angel investor and venture capitalist, investing in companies like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Uber and Birchbox, before eventually co-founding VaynerRSE, a $25 million angel fund. Gary also currently hosts The #AskGaryVee Show, a way of providing as much value as possible by taking questions about social media, entrepreneurship and family businesses, and giving his answers based on a lifetime of building successful, multimillion-dollar companies.

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Gary Vaynerchuk

Public speaking <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/afraid-of-public-speaking-7-tips-to-do-it-well/">can be a terrifying experience</a>—it’s certainly something many people have been nervous about at some point in their life. Getting up on that stage, you suddenly have flashbacks to that fifth-grade book report you didn't prepare for. You can learn how to speak in public and <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/how-i-finally-overcame-my-fear-of-public-speaking/">give presentations without fear</a>—it just takes time and these expert tips.



<h2>6 Tips for public speaking</h2>



Here are my tips to become a better public speaker to get you started:



<h3 id="h-1-get-the-first-gig-s">1. Get the first gig(s).</h3>



Getting your first gig can be tricky, but there is one thing I want you to remember when you're trying to book stuff: You may have to wait for that nice paycheck.



Why? Because you need to show that you can get an audience. The organizers want to make sure they are getting a bang for their buck. Makes sense, right? Maybe it sucks a bit, and this might mean eating crow (getting paid less than you want) until you've done a bunch of talks. If you're not that well known yet, you may have to <a href="https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/public-speaking-paid-speaking-speaker-business-alaina-levine.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">speak for free</a>.



My first big speaking gig is ultimately what led to my first book, <a href="https://amzn.to/3H5gwtf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crush It!</a>, becoming a reality. I did <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhqZ0RU95d4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a talk at Web 2.0</a> in New York on building a personal brand through social media, and it became the basis for the book. Speaking can lead to great opportunities, but you have to be willing to eat crow at first to watch those things happen.



<h3 id="h-2-get-in-the-zone">2. Get in the zone.</h3>



Prep can be a lot of different things. Maybe you need minimal time to get everything together. Or maybe you need to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-we-say-uh-and-um-when-speaking-in-public/">rehearse your talk</a> a few times with someone. Figure out what makes you feel the most secure in what you are about to say. If you don't need notes, don't use them. Just talk. You’ve got this.



And what about those couple minutes just before you get up there? Focus on normal, everyday stuff. Check your email. Joke with a friend. Act like the talk isn't even going to happen. You might find calm in doing ordinary activities.



It works tremendously for me. I am in the zone and I'm ready, but I'm not going over notes. I'm not mouthing anything to myself. Those last-minute tendencies people have to want to fix or change something are destructive. Push them away. Go with the plan. Don’t psych yourself out—nobody wants to be the cause of their own destruction. Leave it all behind. You're ready.



<h3 id="h-3-do-what-feels-right-to-you">3. Do what feels right to you.</h3>



The bottom line on preparing is this: You do you. <a href="https://www.betterup.com/blog/what-is-self-awareness" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Self-awareness is so enormously important</a>. Sure, before I speak, I need to just focus and not think about anything else for a while. But if you need notes? If you need to do push-ups or some lucky ritual to feel good? Do it. Do whatever is going to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/9-ways-to-motivate-yourself-when-youre-stuck/">get you motivated</a> and comfortable with the fact that you are about to take the stage. I am happy to give my advice and tell you what I do, but in the end, you have to hack away at whatever you have until you figure it out for yourself.



I am a big believer in the fact that <a href="https://medium.com/@garyvee/why-listening-to-gurus-won-t-change-your-lifestyle-cea34330ae76" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">listening to gurus</a> won't actually <a href="https://medium.com/mind-cafe/i-dont-listen-to-toxic-self-help-gurus-here-s-why-you-shouldn-t-either-2d2c26c0530f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">change your life</a>. I don't expect everyone to be like me. Not at all. You should be focusing on what works for you. I think people ask successful entrepreneurs questions like, "What does a normal day look like for you?" because they think they might hold some secret to success. Some overarching wisdom that will change everything.



We don't.



The only public speaking tip I can give you about this aspect is to audit yourself and figure out what makes you work the hardest.



<h3 id="h-4-get-excited-not-scared">4. Get excited, not scared.</h3>



So what happens when you hit the stage? Weird stuff. You might experience this strange combination of seeing the audience as friends but also enemies. There is a strange mix between these two emotions that happens when you really get into a talk.



For me, I love them for being there and supporting me and being interested in what I have to say, but I also really want them to get the message, to leave with a new understanding. And that is a powerful feeling, the pull between those two things.



That is what public speaking is really all about. You want to convey something with nothing but your own voice. You don't want to seem crazy, but emotion is a good thing. It's strong. It's convincing. You're allowed to get excited about your idea.



<h3 id="h-5-be-self-aware">5. Be self-aware.</h3>



I am a professional public speaker who is afraid to read aloud. Seriously.



I talked about it in an answer on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PufcLrY3bL0#t=7m55s" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">my YouTube show</a>. The gist of it is this: If you give me a piece of paper to read from, or any kind of notes, I freeze up. I can't do it. It becomes impossible for me to perform. A while back, I had to read a commercial on a radio show before being the guest, and they gave me a piece of paper with everything I had to say. I completely botched it. I kept messing up. Finally, one of the guys on the radio show suggested I lose the paper and just talk.



That did the trick.



To me, that was further proof that <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-self-awareness-is-important-and-how-to-develop-it/">you need to know yourself</a>. I am self-aware enough to know I can't speak under those circumstances. I can't bring notes on stage. So, like I said above, know yourself. Try every option or idea until you’ve exhausted them and found the one that works for you.



The good thing is, you can afford to mess up a little. But only a little. Why? Because...



<h3 id="h-6-you-re-only-as-good-as-your-last-talk">6. You're only as good as your last talk.</h3>



So you did it. You did that first gig and it went… fine? Amazing? Not great?



Well, I have good and bad news. The good news is: You're only as good as your last speaking engagement. The bad news is: You're only as good as your last speaking engagement.



Even if you've had a long career of public speaking, none of that matters. The second you take that stage, you're basically wiping the slate clean. People only remember your last at-bat—so make it an amazing one.



This post originally appeared on GaryVaynerchuk.com.



This article was published in October 2015 and has been updated. Photo by Jacob Lund/Shutterstock

You can learn how to speak in public and give presentations without fear. It just takes time and these expert tips for public speaking.

You can learn how to speak in public and give presentations without fear. It just takes time and these expert tips for public speaking. | SUCCESS

How to Be a Better Public Speaker, From a Public Speaking Pro to You

6 Expert Tips for Public Speaking to Make You Better | SUCCESS

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Lifestyle

Lifestyle Archives

Elevate your lifestyle for success and happiness

As the year comes to a close, people are naturally going to be talking about <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/12-techniques-for-setting-effective-resolutions/">their New Year’s resolutions</a> and setting goals for self-improvement. But want to know what I think you should really be focusing on in the new year? These four ways to further your career and be successful at whatever it is that you do:



<h2 id="h-1-become-a-deep-practitioner-in-something">1. Become a deep practitioner in something.</h2>



Whether you do it for your business or just for yourself as a hobby, practice something on a deep level. One of the reasons my agency <a href="https://vaynermedia.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VaynerMedia</a> has grown to be such a leader in our industry is because I use social media every single day. I understand the trigger points that make things successful in a creative world. I also understand the context of the platforms like Snapchat and Instagram. There hasn’t been a single one of my more than 200,000 tweets that I haven’t sent myself.



So, whether it’s Instagram, Snapchat or something new, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/want-to-reach-your-potential-then-be-a-learner/">become a practitioner</a>. Stop judging what people are doing or saying and just engage.



<h2 id="h-2-audit-your-7-p-m-to-2-a-m">2. Audit your 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.</h2>



Back in the days of my first big keynotes and my first book, <a href="https://amzn.to/3zfKqrF" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Crush It</a>, I began to get obsessed with the time period between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m. I do not think that there is a more practical self-improvement goal or way to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-happiness-comes-from-purposeful-actions/">bring happiness and joy</a> to your life, whether it’s financial or creative, than to really audit how you spend your time between 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.



I am quite practical about things; it might not be what people expect from me, but I am. That time between when the traditional work day ends and when you fall asleep is the white space for people to do great things around their work. Whether that’s advancing your career by staying in the office late, or going home and building out your cooking blog or SoundCloud account, use that time more wisely.



<h2 id="h-3-practice-self-awareness">3. Practice self-awareness.</h2>



I went on this kick publicly for the 18 months and, personally, my entire life. I believe self-awareness is the greatest gift a person can have. Having tried to tackle <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/why-self-awareness-is-important-and-how-to-develop-it/">finding self-awareness</a>, I promise—if, out of this entire article, you make just this self-improvement goal a priority—you will grow happier and more successful.&nbsp;



<h2>4. Eliminate complaining.</h2>



Looking at the negative, seeing the glass as half-empty and complaining are the absolute biggest wastes of time a human being can engage in. I highly recommend, whether it is through therapy or <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/5-steps-to-stop-complaining/">just kicking the habit</a>, that you cut your complaining in half until you are no longer used to just doing it without thinking.



Systematically. Post-it notes. Listening to positive podcasts. Doing mediation. Whatever helps you <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/what-happened-when-i-didnt-complain-for-30-days/">complain less</a>. It truly is one of the biggest roadblocks to success, both professionally and personally. I would be remiss not to have it on this list.



This post originally appeared on <a href="https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/new-years-resolutions-career/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GaryVaynerchuk.com</a>.



This article was published in December 2015 and has been updated. Photo by Inside Creative House/Shutterstock

Thinking about resolutions for the new year? Make (and keep) these self-improvement goals to be successful and further your career.

Thinking about resolutions for the new year? Make (and keep) these self-improvement goals to be successful and further your career. | SUCCESS

4 New Year's Resolutions You Should Make (and Keep) to Guarantee Your Success

4 New Year&#8217;s Resolutions You Should Make (and Keep) to Guarantee Your Success

4 Self-Improvement Goals You Should Make This Year | SUCCESS

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I truly believe, 100 percent, that for every person reading this article, I can go one by one and determine your potential for success by looking at only two basic principles. &nbsp;

Related:&nbsp;<a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/4-ways-to-turn-your-potential-into-success">4 Ways to Turn Your Potential Into Success</a>

The first factor is your work ethic. I can bet on the fact that you probably don’t know any “successful” people who have built themselves up and didn’t put in the hard work. The second factor, and the one that most people struggle with, is having patience.

Let me explain.

<h2>Success doesn’t happen to you; you make it happen.</h2>

Sure, you can attribute a lot of my success to my skill and talent as an entrepreneur, but I think it really just boils down to one thing: I win because I work my face off.

Success is hardly ever about accidentally “being in the right place at the right time.” It’s about <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/success-takes-time-and-hard-work-follow-these-5-steps-to-stick-with-it-to-the-end">working hard to position yourself there</a>. Hustle is the most controllable thing that can affect your outcome.

In high school, while my friends went to Jersey Shore on weekends, I was working at my parents’ liquor store. I wanted to learn the business and hone my craft as an entrepreneur. By 2006, I was hosting <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/WineLibraryTV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wine Library TV</a>, my web show to provide value to the wine community and build awareness for the store. I made videos about wine every day, five days a week.

When Wine Library TV finally took off, I received a ton of emails from people who would say things like, “Gary, you’re so lucky the show’s so successful.” I replied to every one of those emails that my “success” wasn’t from luck. What they didn’t understand was that I had been working every weekend and holiday since I was 14 years old. I was building Wine Library’s business for 16 years before I started even started Wine Library TV. I was putting in the work for more than a decade before I even showed up on camera. None of this is an accident.

The bottom line is that you have to put in the work. It’s as simple as that.

Hustle is important, but it’s only part of the equation.

Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/first-work-smart-then-work-hard-and-hustle-247365">First Work Smart, Then Work Hard. (And Hustle 24/7/365.)</a>

<h2>There’s no such thing as an “overnight success.”</h2>

The other part of determining success is patience. Lacking patience is the variable that usually prevents people from reaching their goal. People think that only working hard for a specific amount of time guarantees huge results. That’s rarely the case.

One of my favorite stories comes from the beginning of this year. In January someone wrote to me that they read my first big article about <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/the-history-of-snapchat-how-disappearing-photos-changed-the-game">Snapchat</a> and got pumped to start using the platform. He said he was “really going at it hard, but just wasn’t getting the results yet.” You know what the problem was? He was emailing me in February—only a month later. That’s just not long enough to see real results.

Most of the time, you have to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/7-ways-to-keep-yourself-motivated-for-entrepreneurial-success">play the long game</a>. For example, when I started Wine Library TV, hardly anyone watched it for the first 19 months. Going in, I understood that my videos weren’t going to instantly go viral. I had to work up a cadence and build my brand first.

There is no such thing as an “overnight success”—you can’t hustle for a day and think you’ll achieve your goal the next day. Not only do you have to work hard, but you have to keep putting in the work. There’s no avoiding it.

If you <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/5-rules-to-win-today-and-every-day">have the audacity to want to win big</a> and live your life on your terms, then you have to be willing to put in the time. If your goal is something that you truly want, you can’t give up on it if you don’t see results in the first (or 19th) month.

You have to be honest with yourself that it’s going to take both hard work and patience to get there. Look yourself in the mirror and ask if the time and work you’re putting into your goals realistically supports what you want. Even after you decide what your goals are, the hard part is maintaining the hustle afterwards. If you can maintain your hustle and understand that patience will give you the power to make your goals happen, you have a far better chance at succeeding.

Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/5-qualities-you-need-to-reach-your-biggest-goals">5 Qualities You Need to Reach Your Biggest Goals</a>

Look yourself in the mirror and ask if the time and work you’re putting into your goals realistically supports what you want.

Look yourself in the mirror and ask if the time and work you’re putting into your goals realistically supports what you want. | SUCCESS

The 2 Factors That Determine Your Potential for Success

The 2 Factors That Determine Your Potential for Success | SUCCESS

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Personal Development

Personal Development Archives

Personal Development | SUCCESS | What Achievers Read

The process to achieving any goal starts with the day you decide to go for it. Whether your objectives are in life or business, it’s important you <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/if-you-want-to-change-your-results-you-have-to-change-your-thinking-first">keep the right attitude</a>. As a serial entrepreneur, I wake up with a mindset that puts me in the best position to take on the day, every day.

Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/10-tips-to-achieve-anything-you-want-in-life">10 Tips to Achieve Anything You Want in Life</a>

Here are the five rules I follow that you need to follow, too, to win today, this month, this year.

<h2>Rule #1: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/7-mental-hacks-to-be-more-confident-in-yourself">Be Confident</a></h2>

Self-esteem and confidence are the ultimate motivators. They are <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/4-secrets-of-insanely-successful-people">the main drivers to success</a>. Lack of confidence is what keeps us from deciding to go for what we want in life.

Confidence comes from two things: staying in your lane and humility. When I say “stay in your lane,” I mean that you should stick to what you’re good at and play to your strengths. As long as you stick to your own personal experiences and expertise, you can have the confidence to stand behind anything you want to pursue.

At the same time, too much confidence can be dangerous. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/do-these-6-things-to-be-more-humble">Remember to practice humility.</a> The world is big and there are a lot of obstacles that can get in the way of success. If you’re overconfident, there’s a chance you’ll become ignorant of upcoming hurdles. Having this type of self-awareness is imperative.

<h2>Rule #2: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/15-uplifting-quotes-for-positive-vibes">Positive Vibes Only</a></h2>

This rule is simple, but a huge one for me. It’s not just positive vibes, it’s positive vibes only. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/what-happy-successful-optimistic-people-know-about-life">Being optimistic</a> will prime you for good things to happen. Too many of you harbor pessimism and keep negative people in your lives, whether in or out of the workplace. In these scenarios, you are allowing negative energy to dictate your outcome. I really believe you have to cut out negative influences in your environment. When you remove pessimism from your life, you can have a healthier focus and perspective on winning.

<h2>Rule #3: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/to-be-successful-do-what-you-do-best">Strengths Over Weaknesses</a></h2>

I preach this maxim all the time: Triple down on what you’re good at and don’t dwell on <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/7-weaknesses-that-actually-benefit-you">your weaknesses.</a>

There are enough people in the world who are going to tell you to “fix this” about yourself or “you’re not good at that.” So the best use of your time is to focus on your strengths. Figure out what you’re best at and always continue to craft those skills. If you bet on your strengths and focus on what you are great at, you will put yourself in the best position to succeed.

<h2>Rule #4: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/rohn-5-undeniable-reasons-to-leave-a-legacy">Legacy Is Greater Than Currency</a></h2>

I bet that in 20, 30, 40 or 50 years from now, you’re going to care much more about what people think of how you made your money rather than how much money you’ve made. That’s why I like to say that <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/rohn-9-things-more-important-than-money">legacy is greater than currency</a>.

How are you going to be viewed when it’s all said and done? Don’t worry about your bank account. Worry about how many people will show up to your funeral. Focusing on legacy will make material possessions like your salary, the size of your house and your Maserati pale in comparison to how your kids and grandkids will think of you.

Every business decision you make should <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/rohn-this-is-how-you-leave-a-legacy">map to your legacy</a>, not the dollars you put into your pocket. Prioritize things that matter: Pay your bills, spend quality time with family and maybe save a little extra cash to have on hand. But your main focus should be building your personal and social equity.

<h2>Rule #5: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/first-work-smart-then-work-hard-and-hustle-247365">Hustle</a></h2>

If you’re not willing to work hard, you’ve already lost. There’s not a single winner on Earth who took it easy, who wasn’t hustling 24/7/365. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/19-quotes-about-following-your-passion">When you have passion</a> around something you want, you have to put in the time and energy. If you do, you’ll be able to squeeze every last bit of juice out of that orange. Every minute you put toward your dreams counts.

I live by these five rules every day and I encourage you to do the same. It has put me in the best possible situation in all my endeavors. Whether those goals were professional or personal, these rules always hold true. Confidence, optimism, focusing on your strengths, growing your legacy and putting in the hard work will put you in the best position to succeed.

Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/7-daily-habits-of-exceptionally-successful-people">7 Daily Habits of Exceptionally Successful People</a>

No. 1: Be confident, but not overconfident.

No. 1: Be confident, but not overconfident. | SUCCESS

5 Rules to Win Today and Every Day

5 Rules to Win Today and Every Day | SUCCESS

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Ten years ago when I turned 30, I was driving to my family’s business, Wine Library, and I looked at myself in the rearview mirror and said, “You are full of it.”

I realized that nothing I had been doing over the last five years was putting me anywhere close to my lifelong goal of buying the New York Jets—a billion-dollar sports franchise. So on my 30th birthday, I had a difficult and honest conversation with myself. If owning the Jets was truly my North Star, then I needed to shift my behavior and start putting in the work necessary to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/7-steps-to-achieve-your-dream">achieve that dream</a>.

I had to keep in mind that putting myself on the path to success wasn’t just about having an “I can do it” mentality. I had to be honest with myself about who I am and if I am willing to put in the required work. I had to eat a ton of humble pie and start asking myself the right questions.

No matter what <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/rohn-4-tips-for-setting-powerful-goals">your life goals</a> are, you must be able to honestly assess and position yourself to get there. Once you become self-aware by taking stock of your strengths and weaknesses, you’ll know where to put forth the work necessary to attain your endgame.
Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/10-steps-to-achieve-any-goal">10 Steps to Achieve Any Goal</a>
Here are the four steps I would recommend to anyone who wants to start auditing themselves to realistically attack their goals—steps that will allow you to focus your time and energy into the best outlets that ladder you up to what you want in life:
<h2>1. Become more self-aware.</h2>
If you don’t <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/embrace-the-people-who-tell-you-youre-full-of-crap">have self-awareness</a>, one of the ways you can gain it is by getting other people to give you the data points. The people who know you best often see the things you can’t see for yourself. Please remember that you’ll need to be mentally prepared to hear both the good and the bad. Either way, you’ll learn more about yourself than you could on your own.

When you’re ready, take the two to five important people in your life, create a safe space for them to be candid and ask: “You’re going to hesitate, but I need you to be honest: What do you think I’m good at and what do you think I’m bad at?” Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will help you figure out your next steps.
<h2>2. Play to your strengths. </h2>
Once you find out your strengths, list them and then figure out how they can map to your goals. You might know you’re a great student, and even though you might not be interested in something directly related, like academia, you have to ask how those skills can be useful elsewhere. For example, curiosity and attention to detail are traits that translate to many other industries. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/to-be-successful-do-what-you-do-best">Your talents will serve as the blueprint</a> to reach your North Star.

Your strengths and natural talents will tell you what routes to pursue, while your weakness will help dictate what to avoid.
<h2>3. Respect your weaknesses.</h2>
One of the biggest mistakes I think people make is putting effort toward making up for their flaws. In America, we’re sold every day on trying to “fix” the attributes we don’t have or the skills we think we need. Instead, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/7-weaknesses-that-actually-benefit-you">respect your weaknesses</a>, but don’t waste time dwelling on them.

I could fill up pages with my weaknesses, but I don’t focus on them. I’d rather concentrate on my strengths and the opportunities at hand. To win, you need to be your biggest fan. Everyone has weaknesses, but the people who win respect their strengths more.
<h2>4. Stay in your lane.</h2>
If you can play to your strengths and respect your weaknesses, it will give you the confidence to put yourself in winning situations. For example, you can become part of relevant conversations or business decisions where you can provide the most value.

I’m a salesman and a business builder. I’ve been doing it my whole life. So when I talk about business, or marketing, or wine, or the New York Jets, <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/7-mental-hacks-to-be-more-confident-in-yourself">I have nothing but confidence</a>. However, you’d be surprised how quiet I am around the dinner table when the conversation turns to politics or the latest episode of a popular TV show. I can be loud and proud in my areas of expertise because I stay in my lane.

That day 10 years ago, I had to make a big decision on defining what my personal success would look like. But ever since I started being honest with myself, it was clear to me what I had to do and will continue to focus on in order to get what I want. I don’t know if I’ll end up owning the Jets, but I know that I’ve put myself in the best position to make it happen. I made a personal assessment, and I still do every now and then, to make sure I’m still on the right track.

Even with these steps, there is no secret formula and there are no shortcuts. You have to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/first-work-smart-then-work-hard-and-hustle-247365">put in the work if you want success</a>.
Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/rohn-6-ways-to-act-on-your-ambition">6 Ways to Act on Your Ambition</a>

It’s time to get real with yourself about where you are and where you want to be.

It’s time to get real with yourself about where you are and where you want to be. | SUCCESS

4 Steps to Realistically Attack Your Goals

4 Steps to Realistically Attack Your Goals | SUCCESS

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An internship can be an incredibly valuable experience, but not necessarily for the skills or industry knowledge you might acquire. In fact, the majority of you will probably take positions where employers will have you do menial tasks, teach you irrelevant skills or tell you information that you already know. So for your internship this summer, don’t focus so much on what you might learn, but instead focus on <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/the-7-types-of-people-you-meet-at-networking-events">the people you’re going to meet</a>.

Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/my-top-10-the-best-career-advice-ive-received">My Top 10: The Best Career Advice I’ve Received</a>

My No. 1 tip for any internship is to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/content/ep-9-networking-101">maximize networking</a>. Way too many interns expect they’re going to learn something about advertising or media or startups or marketing or whatever industry. I want to save you time because the truth is, there’s a good chance you won’t.

The reality is that you might be running errands and getting coffee for eight weeks. Except it doesn’t matter, because the real magic of the internship is sitting right in front of you. It’s the people. It’s the people you meet who remember <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/first-work-smart-then-work-hard-and-hustle-247365">your hustle</a>, tenacity, good-naturedness and willingness to put yourself out there. They are the ones who will give you the opportunities that can lead to a potential career. Learning new skills is 3 percent of the internship equation. Meeting new people is the other 97 percent. That’s where the true ROI will be.

How do you start meeting people? Go to every after-hours event. Say hello to everyone. Shake hands and kiss babies. If you are interning in an office where the culture is less outgoing and more heads down, figure out how to hack it. For example, if you are at a law firm where everyone is grinding all day in their offices, take advantage of open doors and the people you pass on the way to the kitchen. Something as simple as saying hello can be the start of a relationship, which might lead them to ask you to shadow a meeting or business pitch. You might feel like you’re being overly extroverted (or even obnoxious), but you never know what it might lead to or <a href="https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/like-it-or-not-youre-always-being-evaluated/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">who might be watching</a>.

This advice even goes for you wallflowers who are more <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/the-introverts-guide-to-networking">introverted</a>. I encourage you to put yourself out there and venture out of your comfort zone. There’s no better time than an internship to introduce yourself, ask questions and start connecting with people one on one. Otherwise you will be doing yourself a disservice.

In the next eight weeks of your summer internship, you’ll learn that our world is a simple one. It’s a people world. So even if you are in that 50 percent who are making coffee, hack it and turn it into a networking opportunity. When you drop off coffee at someone’s desk and they’ve got a Cardinals pennant, say something about Adam Wainwright. Your future career doesn’t rely solely on the job skills you might learn, but also on <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/rohn-8-traits-of-healthy-relationships">the relationships you’ll develop</a>.

Take every opportunity to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/nice-to-meet-you-the-art-of-being-introduced">introduce yourself</a> and start creating personal connections. It is the most important part and the best way to get the most from an internship.

Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/6-reasons-im-thankful-you-fired-me">6 Reasons I’m Thankful You Fired Me</a>

You’ll learn that our world is a simple one. It’s a people world. Use it.

You’ll learn that our world is a simple one. It’s a people world. Use it. | SUCCESS

How to Win at Your Summer Internship

How to Win at Your Summer Internship | SUCCESS

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Business &amp; Branding

Business &amp; Branding Archives

Stay ahead in business: strategies and insights for success

I’ve said it time and again: <a href="https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/reframing-the-narrative-on-entrepreneurship/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Entrepreneurship is hard</a> and it’s not for everyone.

Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/are-entrepreneurs-born-or-made">Are Entrepreneurs Born or Made?</a>

If, after taking a realistic personal inventory of who you are and what you want to be doing, you are ready to take the next steps in starting a business, I want to discuss the advice I always give to first-time entrepreneurs.

<h2>1. Be practical about your money.</h2>

The first and most important thing I tell new entrepreneurs is the importance of <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/9-smart-spending-and-saving-tips">practicality when it comes to money</a>. I’m blown away by all the “entrepreneurs” who start businesses and don’t realize the importance of generating money and managing profits. Instead of focusing on the present financial needs and building an actual company, they are too busy thinking about how much money they’ll be making four years from now. It’s a complete lack of practicality.

Cash is oxygen. How much money do you have to stay afloat and for how long? Do you have one year’s worth of rent and overhead? <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/the-7-most-common-mistakes-first-time-entrepreneurs-make">First-time entrepreneurs always make this mistake</a> and it’s my biggest concern for them. You have to make sure your actions can respond to the bleeding of cash that occurs before you even turn a profit.

I often see first-time entrepreneurs making one of two mistakes at the beginning:

1. They do not have a funded business and haven’t raised venture capital (or any other capital). They only have six months’ worth of money to make their business goal come true. While they dream up every perfect scenario that will allow them to <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/7-steps-to-achieve-your-dream">achieve their dream</a>, by the third day of being “entrepreneurs,” the realization hits that nothing goes perfectly and they run out of cash.

2. They are so well funded that they don’t build up the necessary muscle to generate revenue. They are so used to the idea that losing $150,000 in burn rate is “fine” because they have a funded company. Most of their attention and behavior is focused on raising their next round instead of <a href="https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/build-a-business-not-a-financial-machine/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">building an actual, profitable business</a>.

No matter the situation, starting a new business, particularly one that requires an upfront financial investment and not just your time, drains money. You need to understand financially what it takes in order to pay for necessities, such as rent, supplies and inventory (and that doesn’t even include your personal expenses). A high level of practicality is necessary for success.

<h2>2. Realize that building a business is a huge time commitment.</h2>

By starting a business, you have made a decision that does not allow you any time, in your first year, to do anything but build your business. No more binge-watching Game of Thrones. You are not allowed to watch The #AskGaryVee Show going forward (maybe). No more late-night parties with your friends. You are in such a Code Red zone that every minute (let’s call it 18 hours a day if you want this to be successful), needs to be allocated to your business. This even includes time with your family. It’s a substantial sacrifice and you have to realize the level of commitment required.

I was trying to be very kind in the first year because I know we live in a politically correct world where leisure, “me” time and family time are so important to so many. However, if you have this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fsYWXrGGcE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ambition of building a business</a>, you have to make this mental commitment. Then, anytime you have for family or leisure time is an added bonus. In fact, you have to ask yourself how big of a business you are actually trying to build. The bigger the business, the more years you’ll need to tack onto year one.

<h2>3. Hold yourself to your word.</h2>

One of best pieces of business advice I’ve ever received (and one that I try to impart on anyone entering the business world) is that your word is bond. My dad told me this at an early age and it has shaped how I’ve conducted business ever since. He told me once that if I commit to buying 100 cases of wine for the store, and I change my mind the week before it arrives, that I would have to drink all of it because I made the commitment.

If you make a commitment, no matter what happens, you have to deliver. Not only is your business’s brand at stake, but your personal brand and reputation, too. <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/5-ways-to-make-sure-you-dont-regret-your-next-decision">Poor business decisions</a> could put your entrepreneur status at risk.

Although the sources vary, it’s often stated that most businesses will fail within the first 18 months. The No. 1 reason why I think so many businesses fail so quickly is because they don’t realize how hard it is, how “all in” you have to be, and how much talent it takes to be a <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/article/top-of-mind-what-does-it-take-to-be-a-successful-entrepreneur">successful entrepreneur</a>. I’m not promising that following this advice will guarantee your business will survive the first year, but without these considerations, you are not setting yourself up for success.

Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/first-work-smart-then-work-hard-and-hustle-247365">First Work Smart, Then Work Hard. (And Hustle 24/7/365.)</a>

&nbsp;

This post originally appeared on <a href="https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/advice-first-time-entrepreneurs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GaryVaynerchuk.com</a>.

The No. 1 reason so many businesses fail so quickly is because they don’t realize how hard it is.

The No. 1 reason so many businesses fail so quickly is because they don’t realize how hard it is. | SUCCESS

3 Pieces of Advice for First-Time Entrepreneurs

3 Pieces of Advice for First-Time Entrepreneurs | SUCCESS

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Just a little more than four years ago, Snapchat was supposedly just an idea that founder Evan Spiegel and friends had while in a class at Stanford.

Now, over 100 million active users and 7 billion daily video views later, <a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/white-house-adds-snapchat-to-its-social-blitz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">t</a><a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/white-house-adds-snapchat-to-its-social-blitz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">he White House has joined</a>, <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/bernie-sanders-is-running-a-9-day-snapchat-ad-campaign-in-iowa-1453806001" target="_blank" rel="noopener">presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is running a campaign on it</a>, and senior ad buyers are starting to take notice and <a href="https://www.emarketer.com/Article/Many-Senior-Ad-Buyers-Plan-Advertise-on-Snapchat-2016/1013496" target="_blank" rel="noopener">planning to advertise on the platform over other social media sites</a>.

Related: <a href="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/blog/5-snapchat-secrets-to-up-your-snap-game">5 Snapchat Secrets to Up Your Snap Game</a>

How did Snapchat, an app that first made headlines as the “<a href="https://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/06/disruptions-indiscreet-photos-glimpsed-then-gone/?_r=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sexting app</a>,” get here?

<h2>The History of Snapchat</h2>

I was surprised early on that people didn’t realize that the way Snapchat works is much closer to how we communicate face to face than any other social network. What I mean by this is that when we talk to each other, passing in the halls or just living out our lives, those moments disappear. Snapchat emulates that behavior and psychology.

Snapchat was started at a time when everybody and their mom <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gary/videos/vb.51535068349/10153548673903350/?type=2&amp;theater" target="_blank" rel="noopener">thought they were an entrepreneur</a> who could launch a successful social app. Facebook was where you went for updates on family and friends, Instagram was beautiful photo content, and Twitter was the conversation at a cocktail party. These three social giants dominated most of the conversation, but they all played off of each other in terms of functionality and, most importantly, audience. However, Snapchat was able to counterbalance the strengths of all three players and create a new social pipeline.

The norm of the Internet age is to create platforms in which everything is saved—everything is stored and documented digitally. Snapchat went the opposite direction and is predicated on our reality: Moments are temporary and that’s exactly the feeling and behavior that Snapchat mapped to. Snaps could even be compared to television the first 50 years it was introduced: The broadcast aired, and that was it. Snapchat managed to tap into a lot of historical truths, instead of creating something entirely new.

<h3>Facebook Offers to Buy Snapchat</h3>

All these things quickly led Snapchat to come to the attention of Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Just one year after launch, Zuckerberg reportedly <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbercovici/2013/11/13/facebook-wouldve-bought-snapchat-for-3-billion-in-cash-heres-why/#333d0c0b79ed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tried to buy the app for $3 billion</a>.

Let me just say this: Zuckerberg is the greatest trader in consumer attention of all time.

He understands the value of attention. He recognized that Snapchat was well on its way to winning the attention of a generation, much like he did with Instagram (<a href="https://dealbook.nytimes.com/2012/04/09/facebook-buys-instagram-for-1-billion/?_r=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">which Facebook bought in 2012 for $1 billion</a>). He saw it as a vulnerability and saw that a Snapchat generation could emerge, much like there was a Facebook generation before it. Facebook acquired a monopoly on 18- to 24-year-olds with Instagram, they had a monopoly on an older demo with Facebook, and they just needed Snapchat to fill the gaps.

But Spiegel turned down the offer. He saw what Zuckerberg saw: the potential to fill in the social pipelines that other platforms had ignored. He knew he had one of the hottest apps of the time; now it was just up to him and the team to blow out their user base and execute against their core function.

<h3>The Maturation of Snapchat’s Attention</h3>

But, let’s be honest: What really makes a new social network become popular fast?

Teenagers.

There are two things that are very true when it comes to teens. One, it’s not cool to hang out at the same club as your mom. And two, you want to lock your room.

Snapchat solved both those things. Parents were starting to join Facebook in droves, so teens were looking to leave and looking for somewhere to go. And the disappearing photos function was essentially the same thing as a “do not disturb” sign on your door, except much more effective. Both these things led to Snapchat’s extreme and sudden user growth. Just a year after launching, Snapchat hit 10 million active users.

In October 2013, Snapchat made a significant update to the platform: <a href="https://blog.snapchat.com/post/62975810329/surprise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stories</a>. Users could now also add Snaps to a feature called their “Story,” which acted like a longer narrative of snaps strung together. The stories last 24 hours after being posted and are public to all their followers.

I’m going to be very clear here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8su93a72YE#t=6m35s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">I went on the record saying I thought the update was a bad idea</a>. I thought it was absurd to imagine that users would actually go out of their way to watch something on a platform where things were historically delivered to them (Stories live on their own page and you have to click into a Story to watch it).

But boy was I wrong. This update marked Snapchat’s first big move into becoming a major platform by creating its own social language and context. It already had functionality very different from any other social network at the time—you could draw on top of photos; content disappeared; and the gestures of swiping up, down and to the side were relatively new. But after Stories, the platform began to take off and mature as a content destination. By August 2014, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/a-primer-on-snapchat-and-its-demographics-2014-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">40% of 18-year-olds in the US were using Snapchat on a daily basis</a>.

The biggest update in recent Snapchat history, and the one that really changed the game for me to push it toward the mainstream, has to be Discover.

<h3>Snapchat Becomes a Media Destination</h3>

In early 2015, <a href="https://blog.snapchat.com/post/109302961090/introducing-discover" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Snapchat launched Discover</a>. It’s a feature that allows users to receive content provided by top media companies. Launch participants included National Geographic, Vice, ESPN and more. Eleven participants in all started it off. It was, and still is, a serious play to be part of Snapchat Discover because it puts a company in a very aggressive place within the overall user interface of the app and delivers an unmatched form of attention from their youthful user base. It also completely changed the swipe navigation and how the app is used.

<img alt="The History of Snapchat" class="media-image attr__typeof__foaf:Image img__fid__31977 img__view_mode__default" height="500" src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/sites/default/files/snapchat.gif" title="The History of Snapchat" typeof="foaf:Image" width="500" />

It was very exciting step forward for Snapchat. It was obvious they were paying attention to current trends and were ready to act: the explosion of content and companies becoming media companies, putting out their own content, the importance of mobile being first.

Using Discover as their platform, Snapchat went out and made deals that allowed them to curate some of the top content providers in the world in this one spot. This gives them more power in the micromanagement of what shows up on the Discover page.

The brands that launched as partners, and the 18 brands now currently in the space, have an enormous relationship with Snapchat, and they are getting great equity for it. Why? Because <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/update-a-breakdown-of-the-demographics-for-each-of-the-different-social-networks-2015-6">45% of Snapchat’s users are under 25</a>. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/snapchats-monthly-active-users-may-be-nearing-200-million-2014-12">There are over 100 million users, nearing 200 million</a>. Snapchat is basically handing these brands the 25-and-under demo.&nbsp;So it’s no surprise that <a href="https://www.ibtimes.com/snapchat-discover-one-year-later-how-23-media-companies-are-building-stories-evan-2281851">these media companies have hired entire teams around the initiative</a>. Their only job is to make content for Snapchat.

Now, Snapchat is <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/nfl-signs-on-as-first-snapchat-explorer-sports-partner-1450386668">partnering with the NFL</a>, <a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/white-house-adds-snapchat-to-its-social-blitz/">the White House has recently joined</a>, and it’s safe to assume they’ll continue to broker relationships with more content creators as they’re proving that they are a real media property to be reckoned with.

<h2>The Basics of Snapchat</h2>

So now that you know everything there is to know about the history of the platform, let’s get down to the most important part: how the hell do you use this thing? On every article I have written about Snapchat in the past, most of the comments come back to me saying something like “Yeah, but how the hell do I use this?” or “It’s so confusing!”

No problem. Below are some handy guides I have put together to teach you guys the basic functionalities of Snapchat, as well as some <a href="https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/5-snapchat-hacks-that-are-too-easy-for-you-to-ignore/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cool hacks</a>.

<h3>The Difference Between Snap, Story and Chat</h3>

So, how exactly do you define a Snap?

Great question. A Snap is the main functionality of the app and is what the disappearing photos and videos are called. You send these directly to friends in the app. They last&nbsp;anywhere from one&nbsp;second up to 10 seconds after being opened, then the “snap” disappears.

And the difference between that and a Story is…?

A Story is a collection of Snaps put together to create a, well, Story. Unlike direct Snaps, these can be viewed by anyone who follows you. When you send a Snap to your Story, it becomes public to your followers. Stories last up to 24 hours before disappearing, but still can only be up to 10 seconds long.

There’s also chat right?

Yep. When you swipe right on a person’s name in your direct Snap inbox, the chat function will appear. You know you’ve received a chat when a blue speech bubble appears next to someone’s name. Chats also disappear after being opened.

<h3>Quick GIF Guides to Using Snapchat</h3>

<h4>&nbsp;</h4>

<h4 class="rtecenter">Snapchatting a Video vs Photo</h4>

<img alt="The History of Snapchat" class="media-image attr__typeof__foaf:Image img__fid__31978 img__view_mode__default" height="500" src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/sites/default/files/snapchat_0.gif" title="The History of Snapchat" typeof="foaf:Image" width="500" />

<h4 class="rtecenter">How to Add Filters and Double Filters on Snapchat</h4>

<img alt="The History of Snapchat" class="media-image attr__typeof__foaf:Image img__fid__31979 img__view_mode__default" height="500" src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/sites/default/files/snapchat_1.gif" title="The History of Snapchat" typeof="foaf:Image" width="500" />

<h4 class="rtecenter">How to Use Snapchat Video Filters</h4>

<img alt="The History of Snapchat" class="media-image attr__typeof__foaf:Image img__fid__31980 img__view_mode__default" height="500" src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/sites/default/files/snapchat_2.gif" title="The History of Snapchat" typeof="foaf:Image" width="500" />

<h4 class="rtecenter">How to Save a Photo or Video</h4>

<h3 class="rtecenter"><img alt="The History of Snapchat" class="media-image attr__typeof__foaf:Image img__fid__31981 img__view_mode__default" height="500" src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/sites/default/files/snapchat_3.gif" title="The History of Snapchat" typeof="foaf:Image" width="500" /></h3>

<h3>Snapchat Accounts to Follow</h3>

This is just a short list of people who are killing it on the platform. There aren’t that many yet because people still aren’t taking it seriously. So get on it now.

DJ Khaled: @djkhaled305 
Shonduras: @shonduras 
Casey Neistat: @caseyneistat 
LACMA: @lacma 
Diplo: @diplo 
Kate Hudson: @khudsnaps 
Derek Blasberg: @derekblasberg 
Eva Longoria: @realevalongoria

Oh by the way, I’m on there too: @GaryVee.

(Editor's note: Hey! Us too! Follow @successmagazine for snaps of motivational quotes—because everybody digs a little inspiration.)

<h1>The History of Snapchat in One Timeline</h1>

<img alt="The History of Snapchat" class="media-image attr__typeof__foaf:Image img__fid__31984 img__view_mode__default" src="https://successcom.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/sites/default/files/the_history_of_snapchat_0.png" style="width: 550px; height: 2582px;" title="The History of Snapchat" typeof="foaf:Image" />

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This post originally appeared on <a href="https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/the-snap-generation-a-guide-to-snapchats-history/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GaryVaynerchuk.com</a>.

Plus, quick GIF guides to using Snapchat | SUCCESS

The History of Snapchat: How Disappearing Photos Changed the Game

The History of Snapchat: How Disappearing Photos Changed the Game | SUCCESS

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Do you hate your boss? You’re pretty sure they're screwing stuff up, but no one wants to say anything because, well, they're the boss, right? Except, as the situation progresses, giving feedback to your boss seems more and more like the right thing to do. So how do you tell your boss they're wrong without jeopardizing your position or sounding like a jerk?

The first step really should be this: Check over and over that you are sure they are wrong. Giving feedback to your boss is one thing; calling him or her out incorrectly is something totally different. You really don't want to get caught looking like an idiot in this type of situation. That can backfire majorly.

In the end, I truly believe this: If you’ve got a good boss, they will welcome performance feedback, and they will listen to you.

If your boss is good at being the boss, they will take your feedback and actually listen to what you have to say. Period. An enormous part of being the boss is about learning to be a better listener than speaker. You help the team out by being aware of what is going on at all times. What does that take? Listening.

The key to performance feedback is respectfully pointing out things you disagree with. If you go down that route, it's a win-win situation. Think about it: If you give that information to the boss, and the boss agrees with you, you've won points and hopefully the situation will be dealt with. If they don't and they completely disrespect your feedback, then now you know what kind of person you're working for.

So, with those two points about talking to your boss in consideration, to me there is no risk in giving feedback to your boss. As long as you keep your cool and are diplomatic about the situation, the two outcomes we outlined above can only end well.

If you are putting your future into the leadership of an individual, don't you want that person to be respectful of feedback? Or learning from their mistakes? This could be the question that determines if you are in the right place.

So if you have something to say, don't hold back. Be respectful and approach it from calm ground. But don't stick around if they won't take you seriously. That's not worth your time.

&nbsp;

This post originally appeared on <a href="https://www.garyvaynerchuk.com/how-to-tell-your-boss-hes-fking-it-all-up/" target="_blank">GaryVaynerchuk.com</a>.

So if you have something to say, don't hold back. Be respectful and approach it from calm ground.

So if you have something to say, don't hold back. Be respectful and approach it from calm ground. | SUCCESS

Gary Vee: How to Tell Your Boss He's Wrong

Gary Vee: How to Tell Your Boss He&#8217;s Wrong

Gary Vee: How to Tell Your Boss He's Wrong | SUCCESS

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There's a few things you should know about Gary Vaynerchuk. He gets fired up, like really fired up. So, don't be surprised when the expletives start flying.

This video that Gary recently posted on his Facebook page is no exception. What's he so worked up about? "This video is made for one reason: I want it to be the calling card, the seed, of the explosion of the 40- to 80-year-old entrepreneur."

"They feel like it’s a young man’s sport—and it’s just not. If you’ve got the right DNA and you’re a 72-year-old female, you have just as good of a bet as a 27-year-old dude. But you’ve been trained and storytold to and positioned and lived," Vaynerchuk says.

Watch Gary's "calling card" on his Facebook Page:

<div>
<blockquote><img alt="Image result for facebook f logo" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTupb6GBleD41qZpzpt9Qz3PVaqI7dxAZYPz19JTR8DLGQCzEtL" />&nbsp;Gary Vaynerchuk

<a href="https://www.facebook.com/gary/videos/10153617414158350/" target="_blank">6 mins for the next 60 years of your life! Why entrepreneurs over 40 years old have to act now!</a>
Posted&nbsp;Tuesday, October 6, 2015</blockquote>
</div>

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[node:summary] - Why entrepreneurs over 40 years old have to act now

There's a few things you should know about Gary Vaynerchuk. He gets fired up, like really fired up. So, don't be surprised when the expletives start | SUCCESS

Gary Vaynerchuk: This Is an Entrepreneurial Wakeup Call for 40+ Year-Olds

Gary Vaynerchuk: This Is an Entrepreneurial Wakeup Call for 40+ Year-Olds | SUCCESS

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