by R. Douglas Williams

Created on: December 20, 2008

You will never start anything and see it through successfully on your own. While you may have a remarkable supply of talent, drive, communication skills, intellect or bravado, you will always fail when you do it all alone.

Talent serves a tremendous purpose in helping one get noticed. But, what is your talent? As a human, there is a limit to the amount of things you can do. Being the chief cook and bottle-washer may look impressive from the outside, but it may also cost you a great deal of stress in return. A good idea is to come to an understanding of what you are best at doing. Then, be honest about what you cannot do. Network with others who express remarkable talent in the areas where you are weak.

Having a strong drive to succeed will carry you far. It is true that people often give up too quickly due to the unforeseen pressures that come their way. Determining within yourself that trials will not force you to fold is admirable. But, there comes a point when you get stuck and drive only looks like spinning wheels getting deeper in the mud. Networking with those who have a similar drive can be helpful when your goals seem out of reach or when you reach the point of exhaustion. Knowing who to bring along with you on the journey comes with time spent networking.

Knowing how to communicate your dream or the big idea you are trying to sell ensures that others will "get" you and perhaps support your work. Sometimes knowing how to tell a story can help you relate more to those with whom you are casting a vision. There is a time in which you need the help of someone more specialized in a certain type of media or technology which you have not learned to implement effectively. Networking with those who are good at using new, cutting edge methods of communication may make the difference between your success and your failure.

Being brave is something that comes with every entrepeneur. You have the guts to create a path where others play it safe and walk a path that has already been created for them. Sometimes, however, bravado can look more like arrogance. When you come to a point where the odds are stacked against you and you commit to jumping off a bridge, it would help to have others who are brave enough to jump with you. If you jump alone, it's suicide. If you lead others to jump, it's glory. Networking with others who possess a great deal of bravado can be one of the greatest things you can do as a leader.

Individualism kills people and things. You were created to live, work and play with in the atmosphere of community. To do anything substantial, you must bring other people along for the journey.

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