I’m writing you from Dallas, Texas the day after celebrating my parent’s 50th anniversary. A successful 50 year anything is to be celebrated, and having recently marked my 5th wedding anniversary, the 50th year of marriage is indeed something to be honored.

The occasion was fêted at the Old Warsaw, the restaurant where my parents celebrated their 1st anniversary 49 years earlier. The Old Warsaw is one of those places that, when you walk through the big oak doors, you’re transported to a different era. At the end of the dinner a beautiful cake, complete with glowing candles, was delivered while the violin player serenaded the happy couple with the Anniversary Waltz; after which the maitre d' led the round of applause. It was a special evening.

“So, 50 years. What’s your secret to success?” ,the maitre d’ asked my parents. When you think about is, success in anything involving relationships, personal or professional, requires pretty much the same skills. While there are many, many skills you can choose from, I’ve come up with three of the most important. Let’s call them the Secret C’s of Success.

Compromise
It’s not just about you, it’s about the whole. Instead of focusing on being right – focus on doing right. To be successful it’s important to always look for win-win outcomes.

Communication
The Mars and Venus challenge isn’t exclusively a male/female phenomenon, nor is it a marriage-only phenomenon. Perspectives and perceptions are different for different people. It’s important to be able to and it's equally important to be willing to look at things from the other side. Most arguments aren’t about facts but about opinions of facts.

In addition, clinical studies show that only 7% of communication is conveyed through words. Yes, you read that correctly. Up to 93% of what we “say” is communicated through our tone of voice, volume spoken, body language, eye contact (or not), etc. You have to learn to “read between the lines” to truly understand the full message someone is giving you.

Creativity
Success takes time and over time the same thing – day in and day out is …well boring. At best it's boring and at worst can lead to total failure and a death of spirit. Things change; people change, the economy, tastes, technology, politics change; you name it, things change. If you and your business don’t change accordingly you won’t make it. Besides that, isn’t change the spice of life and adding a little spice is what being bold is all about, right?

So you ask, “What is the REAL answer?” What did my Dad say when asked about his secret to a successful 50 year marriage? He glanced over at Mom, smiled and turned back to the maitre d’ and said, “Know when to keep your mouth shut.” Thanks, Dad. That’s good advice.

And remember…. Being Bold is sometimes about what you don’t say. But it still all starts with a vision.

Bold Business Boot Camps, a day-long planning and implementation workshop for small business owners and independant professionals will be held, one on April 25 and a second on May 2. Invest a day and develop a 1-page plan for the next 12-months and your best year yet in business ..and in life. For more information visit www.BoldVisionConsulting.com or send an email to info@boldvisionconsulting.com.

In late May Bold Vision Business Intensive teleclasses will be launched. The Business Intensive program is a series of 8 60-minute teleclasses that meet once a month on the phone. Participants can sign up for a single class ($39) or for all 8 and receive a 25% discount ($234). Materials and a recording of the calls are included. For more information send an email to info@boldvisionconsulting.com.

Coming in June, BoldVision will begin offering the 12-week course "Attract Clients by Becoming Recognized as an Expert in Your Field” for self employed service professionals. For more information email info@boldvisionconsulting.com.

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