6 Steps to Being an Outrageous Business Owner

Businesswoman Mikki Williams was recently named one of the best speakers in the country, along with Tony Robbins, Bill Gates, Rudy Giuliani, Colin Powell, Lou Holtz, and Zig Ziglar. As savvy a businesswoman as she is, she beats to a completely different drummer, is completely unique, refuses to conform, and remains her authentic self in all situations. Here are Mikki’s six philosophies for living her mantra: “Be outrageous, it’s the only place that isn’t crowded.”

1. Develop a positive attitude.

The greatest discovery in our generation is that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives. Develop an optimistic outlook on life through self-affirmations and visualization techniques. Live in the moment and stop fretting about a past you cannot change, or a future in which you have no control. Look at every difficulty as an opportunity, seize the moment, and be thankful for every moment of "nowness."

2. Take action.
Winners make things happen, and losers find that “the greatest labor-saving device ever invented is "tomorrow." Develop an action-oriented mentality, and you'll always be one step ahead of the crowd.

3. Look for the benefit.

Like the age-old story of a little boy who walked into a room filled with manure and exclaimed, "There's got to be a pony in here somewhere!", learn to look far below the surface by turning obstacles into exciting opportunities. The quest for excellence is a life-long process and begins by finding a benefit in the most challenging of situations. 

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4. Turn your weaknesses into strengths.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt served as President of the United States from a wheelchair. Beethoven composed his greatest symphony when he was deaf. Take an honest look at your weaknesses. Give yourself a mental workout and develop your mental muscles by minimizing your weaknesses and maximizing your strengths. 

5. Get SELF-ish!

Develop your SELF-esteem, SELF-discipline, SELF-control, SELF management … Each little accomplishment adds to your own SELF-worth. They become stepping stones to build upon. Take time for yourself by believing that you deserve it. Every opportunity you see, ask yourself these two profound questions: “What did I learn from this experience?” and “How would I do it differently?” 

6. Become a goal-getter, not just a goal-setter.

When I sold my last business, I didn't know what was going to be my next career. I had my objectives on one list; the other listed past careers, skills, talents, and hobbies. I kept studying the lists, comparing them until I got an "Aha!" Then I began the necessary steps to achieve those objectives by going back to school and joining various trade associations to learn about different industries. As a full-time professional speaker, I fulfilled all my objectives. I wanted to travel, interact with people and impact lives, be involved in a glamorous career, and did not want a financial glass ceiling. It took three tries: First, the hospitality industry—not quite right. Then, the meeting-planning industry—close, but no cigar. Aha, the speaking industry! Write down your goals. As that great philosopher Yoda said, “There is no try, only do!”