What causes certain entrepreneurs to receive more opportunities than their peers? Is it simply tied to their business’s profitability, or is there a hidden element that most individuals are oblivious to?
Glenn Sanford, the visionary behind eXp Realty, the president of eXp World Holdings, and the CEO of SUCCESS Enterprises, has a different perspective on this inquiry. Rather than linking success strictly to financial gains, he prefers to explore the quality of relationships that emerging entrepreneurs cultivate. Thus, a restructured question emerges: Are you leveraging your relationships to expand your business, or are you using your business as a tool to enhance your relationships? Many opt for the former approach, but that route is typically the more challenging pathway to meeting new people and unlocking opportunities. Harnessing your business to broaden your network proves to be a far more effective strategy.
In this episode of Brilliant Thoughts, Tristan Ahumada, editor at SUCCESS People, engages in dialogue with Sanford about how to access extraordinary opportunities. While luck may play a minor part, the reality is that success isn’t a matter of chance. Sanford’s acquisition of SUCCESS Magazine and the virtual reality platform Virbela was not coincidental. The connections established through one venture often transition into the next.
“A significant portion of this boils down to mindset,” remarks Sanford. “None of this would have materialized, whether regarding my business or otherwise, had I not maintained a positive outlook, been diligent, fostered strong relationships, and welcomed others into the fold.”
Interested in achieving similar outcomes? Implement these four strategies to turn your business into a hub for opportunities.
1. Surround yourself with individuals who challenge you.
Numerous entrepreneurs enhance their skills by soaking up knowledge. They delve into literature authored by figures such as Stephen Covey, Dale Carnegie, and various business authorities. While it’s invaluable to learn about the secrets of success, stagnating in the learning phase isn’t advisable. It’s crucial to act on the insights gained and propel yourself forward.
This is precisely where a dedicated mentor can be invaluable. The insights gained from face-to-face mentoring are unparalleled, so seek out a guide who can fuel your personal growth.
“When someone encouraged me to leverage [my strengths] at an advanced level, those abilities finally came to light,” Sanford explains. “I absorbed the information [mentally], but the inspiration to implement it came from a push toward focus and action.”
2. Focus on impacting thousands instead of just one.
Zig Ziglar famously stated, “You can achieve everything you desire in life if you are willing to help others attain what they wish.” This is sound advice, and it can be applied in two main ways. You could assist a couple of individuals to succeed from time to time, which can spread your focus thin and consume more time. Alternatively, you could devise a strategy that influences the lives of thousands simultaneously.
“If I’m not thinking on a larger scale, how many people am I potentially undermining?” Sanford queries. “It’s an unusual way to reason. At eXp, we have over 53,000 agents… In five years, we could reach 300,000. Just consider the enormity of that venture. I would be doing a disservice to all 300,000 individuals — alongside SUCCESS Enterprises and my other ventures — if I failed to think on a grand scale. Not for my personal gain, but for the benefit of all agents, brokers, staff, and clientele.”
3. Avoid chasing the money-driven crowd.
While dreaming of substantial wealth is appealing, the true path to earning it lies in solving others’ problems. This endeavor can often be a lengthy journey. First, develop your product or expertise, and even then, profit isn’t a certain outcome. To navigate the highs and lows, your mission should transcend mere financial gain.
“I’ve engaged with successful individuals whose sole focus is money, and I prefer not to be around such people,” Sanford confides. “I enjoy the company of those who aspire to make a difference, and if financial gain is a natural consequence of that — and indeed, it is significant — then so be it.”
As you cultivate connections, prioritize engaging with entrepreneurs who are adept at creating value, rather than merely devising profit enhancement strategies.
4. Elevate exceptional ideas.
One individual may initiate a business, but it requires a collaborative team to scale it year after year. If you have a workforce, be receptive to their ideas. Encourage them as they explore new initiatives. Foster an environment of innovation where all ideas are welcomed, and the focus is on refining concepts through dialogue.
“There are many leaders [in real estate] who resist the notion of agents and brokers organizing their own events,” Sanford observes. “They seek to reclaim control for the corporation, and I find that perplexing…. My approach has always revolved around empowerment and understanding the new economy. Consider enterprises like Google, Twitter, and Facebook; many modern organizations thrive by nurturing great ideas regardless of their origin.”
Are you receptive to all ideas? If not, you might miss an easy victory for your business.
