Launch: How to Quickly Propel Your Business Beyond the Competition

Identifying Role Models

I've found it exceptionally helpful to watch creativity at work in other people—especially those outside my own industry. Role models are those people you look at and say, “That person is really doing it right.”

If you can find a good business leader, and model some of your business activities after that person's methods, you'll be less likely to fail. You'll gain a significant jump start if you find the right role models.

For example, when I decided to focus on writing white papers as a new business, I happened across the work of Andrew Goodman. He had crafted an exceptional ebook on Google advertising (back when Google AdWords were just becoming popular) called, 21 Ways to Maximize ROI on Google AdWords Select. I loved his informative ebook. I was also intrigued by the way he used content. I carefully watched everything he did. I noticed he had a blog. He also published rich e-mail newsletters exclusively for the folks who purchased his products.

I started asking myself, “If I can find such value in what Andrew is doing, how can I provide similar value to my base?” I attribute a lot of my early ideas to watching and modeling Andrew.

Who are your role models?

Finding Role Models

You might be thinking, “I don't know anyone or any business that I'd consider a role model.” The good news is there are plenty of role models available to you.

Watch for those people that others can't stop talking about. When many people are singing the praises of someone (or some ...