Do you have a Success Entourage?

You should.

 Like celebrities who require many types of consultants and advisors to help develop and maintain their star status, you need a support system too. A Success Entourage consists of those who coach you, motivate you and, yes, who scold you too, so that you excel and stay on top of your game. Recruit, “adopt,” or formally hire as many of these folks as you can so that you can be the best you can be.

Surround Yourself With Winners

Your Success Entourage should include lots of movers and shakers. They will be your key Promoters. These are usually very high energy people who keep you stimulated and motivated. They spark your creative thinking and help you set high goals and aspirations. These people also tend to win. They hit the targets they aim for and, while not perfect, are great role models to observe closely. Note the attitudes and success strategies they use to get ahead, and don’t hesitate to ask for their guidance. They enjoy coaching you and take the time and energy to spread the word to others about your capabilities and achievements. This helps you to make valuable connections and further fuels your success.

 Learn From Critics

In addition to Promoters, include Critics in your Success Entourage. Many successful people fall from their perches because they only surround themselves with “yes” men and women who don’t challenge their ideas, don’t set them straight on what’s going on in the world around them, and don’t help them regroup, retool, or re-strategize when it is in their best interests to do so. Be courageous. Take a deep breath. Suck it up and learn from the critical feedback that others give you. Remind yourself that, as members of your Success Entourage, they mean well and only want the best for you. Their coaching helps you stay ahead of the curve, so don’t run from their input. Solicit more to avoid negative consequences in the future.

 Enjoy Your Fans

Though it is important to accept criticism and to learn from mistakes, it is also important to enjoy your success. As your achievements pile up, people will be very proud of what you have accomplished and will become your Fans. They are part of your Success Entourage too. Many will be family and friends, but others will become Fans of yours as they have contact with you, admire what you’re doing, and want to support you in any way they can. Draw strength from their positive attention and willingness to help. Soak up the praise they shower upon you. Enjoy the applause. It really is okay to savor this adoration and take pride in yourself for all you’ve done to get this far.

 Continue to build your Success Entourage as you grow. The combination of supporters, advocates, critics and consultants you need today may be different tomorrow. This is especially so as you become more visible and active in the public -- as you become a “celebrity”. Your needs become more complex and require more input on a lot of issues that drive your success. Be prepared for this day. Keep recruiting and adopting those who can help you get ahead and, when necessary, hire the expertise you need.