From the Editors - Written by Susan Kane on Monday, March 19, 2012 9:00 - 29 Comments
What Do You Want From Me?
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I don’t mean this question in the same way I mean it when I shriek it to one of my kids. What I mean is: What kinds of articles do you want to see in SUCCESS? A special issue entirely devoted to the Kardashian family (ha—only kidding!)? A special issue devoted to something else? More stories on the trials and triumphs of the everyday entrepreneur (as opposed to the clearly successful, $100 million a year entrepreneur)? More on personal development? More on how to get ahead, or lead better, in a corporate environment?
Just as importantly, what do you want to see less of? Do you feel we’re doing too many profiles of celebs to whom you can’t relate? What does make you relate to someone we profile?
What do you come to SUCCESS for that you can’t find anywhere else? What should we therefore keep on doing at all costs (metaphorical and real)?
I’ve started to blog because I’ve been at the wheel of SUCCESS now since August 15, 2011 and after a steep and exciting learning curve I’m feeling in the groove. Oh, I’m still on that upward curve, believe me, and I can’t stop to rest for long. Nor do I want to, because I love this job, and because I believe a life of constant motion—physical and mental—is what keeps us young and fresh. My mother-in-law is 90; she’s been married for many decades to a younger man (my father-in-law is 86). They volunteer for the church, and have Sunday brunch with a big bunch of pals after services every week. They play bridge with other couples. On New Year’s Eve, they move from one friend’s house to another: drinks at one place, cold hors d’oeuvres at the next, hot appetizers at the next and so on. They have never been rich, but they have a rich life, and I want to be just like them when I grow up.
I loved hearing from a number of you after my first blog post on becoming a Texan! I hope you’re all well as you read this, and can’t wait to hear what you do—and don’t—want from the magazine.
Warm wishes,
Susan
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Wow, This is all such great feedback. I so appreciate the time you have taken to write. And I love the way you help other people who have written asking for advice (for beginning entrepreneurs, check out our "Entrepreneurial Toolkit" on SUCCESS.com.). As for "more Darren", I just bought the dude his favorite lunch so he owes me
I'm reading every word so keep on writing. And my next blog is due, er, really soon. We're working on a great issue I can't say anything about yet–the June issue–it's a big fat issue with lots of great info in it. Thanks again for sharing your opinions and wisdom.–Susan
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I am interested to know how people have navigated a transition to a second career in life. I am 50 years old and have had a very successful 27 year career in sales, but I am beginning to have thoughts about eventually trying something different for the next phases of my career. It's a frightening thought because I still enjoy a very nice income, so I'm dealing with the "golden handcuff" syndrome. Any changes would be by choice, not out of necessity. I know that the easiest and most comfortable thing would be to stay right where I am. I work for a good company, love my customers and work with great people. But the thought of trying something different is intriguing.
Peter
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Nancy Reply:
March 26th, 2012 at 11:04 am
Peter,
I did just that. I loved my job of 24 years but I was ready for a new challenge. I am a special education teacher and have done a tremendous amount of vocational training with my secondary students. However, I was ready to take it to the next level. Therefore, I've enrolled in a local junior college where they offer an Entrepreneurship Certificate and I want to use that to help me set up my own consulting business to assist individuals with intellectual disabilities in setting up their own small businesses. It's starting to happen and is very exciting. I also hope to teach entrepreneurship at the junior college level to this same population. I think you just need to network, make connections, and know what you want to do. Hopefully, it's where your passion lies. I believe the rest will fall into place. Good luck!
Now, as long as I've posted this, if anyone has suggestions or info relating to either entrepreneurs with disabilities or curriculum relating to entrepreneurship that's been adapted for individuals with intellectual disabilities, I'd love to hear from you. Thanks. Nancy
[Reply]
Nancy Reply:
March 26th, 2012 at 11:04 am
Peter,
I did just that. I loved my job of 24 years but I was ready for a new challenge. I am a special education teacher and have done a tremendous amount of vocational training with my secondary students. However, I was ready to take it to the next level. Therefore, I've enrolled in a local junior college where they offer an Entrepreneurship Certificate and I want to use that to help me set up my own consulting business to assist individuals with intellectual disabilities in setting up their own small businesses. It's starting to happen and is very exciting. I also hope to teach entrepreneurship at the junior college level to this same population. I think you just need to network, make connections, and know what you want to do. Hopefully, it's where your passion lies. I believe the rest will fall into place. Good luck!
Now, as long as I've posted this, if anyone has suggestions or info relating to either entrepreneurs with disabilities or curriculum relating to entrepreneurship that's been adapted for individuals with intellectual disabilities, I'd love to hear from you. Thanks. Nancy
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I'd like my emails to Success' customer service department answered.
You have a great magazine, and I subscribed to read it on my tablet.
The android app crashes all the time ans has an unsuitable zoom function.
Twice I took the time to writeyour customer service department, to no avail.
I also posted on the facebook page only to see it summarily removed.
It's not the $20 bucks I'm out that irks me…it's that a magazine dealing with personal development can treat it's customer's in such a way.
In disappointment,
Michael
[Reply]
Jennifer Chang Reply:
March 21st, 2012 at 10:15 am
Michael, please accept our deepest apologies on this. I just sent you an email and hopefully we can get things straightened out. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reply back there. Again, we're truly sorry and hope we can make it up to you.
[Reply]
Jennifer Chang Reply:
March 21st, 2012 at 10:15 am
Michael, please accept our deepest apologies on this. I just sent you an email and hopefully we can get things straightened out. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reply back there. Again, we're truly sorry and hope we can make it up to you.
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I'd really like to learn how people can stop working in jobs they dont like for a living and start their own gig. In my case I'd like to know how to figure out what to do if you dont have this great calling / passion for something that is usually advised. To that end I'd like to see interviews with ordinary people who were able to start their own businesses and get financial liberation. I'm not as interested in people who are extremely successful (for this project that is) as I am in people who started off with minimal resources, referring to both time AND knowledge / opportunity etc, and were able to start regardless. I'd especially like to know HOW they went about changing, and in what kind of time frame. The more detail the more helpful it would be. A section on advice they could give to would be entrepreneurs on how to start, which books to read etc, would be great.
[Reply]
Nancy Reply:
March 26th, 2012 at 11:27 am
Daanish,
If you get the chance to take a class called The Ice House Entrepreneurship Program (or "Entrepreneurial Mindset"), I'd highly recommend it. I think it would answer several of your questions. It's based on the book "Who Owns the Icehouse" by Clifton L. Taulbert and Gary Schoeniger. The book is based on 8 simple concepts; choice, opportunity, action, knowledge, wealth, brand, community, and persistance. However, much of the core of the class comes from the on-line video part of the course where they interview several self-made entrepreneurs that started off with little more than $200.00 and bootstrapped their way to becoming a million-dollar organization. They are very inspirational stories. The Kauffman Foudation has paired with the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative to bring the Entrepreneurial Mindset to people around the nation. See: http://www.kauffman.org/newsroom/kauffman-foundat… or
http://www.elientrepreneur.com/index.html. Good luck.
[Reply]
daanish Reply:
March 27th, 2012 at 7:16 pm
wow thanks nancy!
i didnt find these videos, are they on that site?
is there a charge for the videos? i did see some on the other site you gave but that seemed more mindset related as opposed to mechanics.
[Reply]
daanish Reply:
March 27th, 2012 at 7:16 pm
wow thanks nancy!
i didnt find these videos, are they on that site?
is there a charge for the videos? i did see some on the other site you gave but that seemed more mindset related as opposed to mechanics.
[Reply]
Nancy Reply:
March 26th, 2012 at 11:27 am
Daanish,
If you get the chance to take a class called The Ice House Entrepreneurship Program (or "Entrepreneurial Mindset"), I'd highly recommend it. I think it would answer several of your questions. It's based on the book "Who Owns the Icehouse" by Clifton L. Taulbert and Gary Schoeniger. The book is based on 8 simple concepts; choice, opportunity, action, knowledge, wealth, brand, community, and persistance. However, much of the core of the class comes from the on-line video part of the course where they interview several self-made entrepreneurs that started off with little more than $200.00 and bootstrapped their way to becoming a million-dollar organization. They are very inspirational stories. The Kauffman Foudation has paired with the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative to bring the Entrepreneurial Mindset to people around the nation. See: http://www.kauffman.org/newsroom/kauffman-foundat… or
http://www.elientrepreneur.com/index.html. Good luck.
[Reply]
I would like to see inspiring stories about business owners who found success later in life. What about including articles about those who had to first overcome an obstacle like cancer before they achieved their goal?
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I am going to add one more suggestion. More Darren ! Maybe excerpts from the books or sharing of his personal stories of his successes and overcoming trials.
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Links/contacts to people who can help start a business from a concept.
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Angela Howard Reply:
March 20th, 2012 at 11:30 am
Hey Charles , try http://www.kickstarter.com
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Angela Howard Reply:
March 20th, 2012 at 11:30 am
Hey Charles , try http://www.kickstarter.com
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Hi, Susan! I often use this magazine to help train my team of sales people. I love the short blurb – bullet point type stuff as it is easy and effective to use. I also love to read the stories of everyday heroes who have made it in their chosen professions. I love this magazine and look forward to watching it continue to evolve. Thanks for doing such a great job!
[Reply]
Figure out a way to get more success stories from "everyday" successful people. We're inundated with too much celebrity news from every other media source. Not that I'm suggesting you ride on Inc. Magazines shirt tails, but success stories from start-up entrepreneurs who went from start-up to higher levels of success with their business is inspiring and provides tips on various formula's for success. Like Inc. Magazine tracks with their ratings for businesses nationwide. Some spin off that concept in your own unique way. Articles on how people beat the odds and nay slayers to create a successful business. How about articles on potential future business opportunities based on consumer's evolving future needs – What might the future hold for aspiring entrepreneurs?? I know myself and other friends are always looking for great ideas for new businesses. I'm actively doing that right now, and brainstorming with friend's for ideas.
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I would like to see more Personal Development / Psychology / Business & Finance articles, and less celebrity profiles, unless there's a genuine inspirational lesson to be learned from them, or an in depth interview with someone who has something interesting to say. Please leave the 'look at them, aren't they rich and famous' articles for the supermarket gossip mags. I appreciate that featuring shiny hollywood types on the cover boosts sales, but you have to draw a line… Kim Kardashian may be hugely 'successful', but really!!?
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I love your magazine! I read it cover to cover within 24 hours and listen to the CDs driving to & from work. How to improve—less celebrities. I understand you need them to sell more at the newstand, but only 1-2 per issue. I would like to see more on improving sales (i.e. Jeff Gitomer, Zig Ziglar, Harvey Mackay or Jill Konrath)and improving customer service. Maybe highlight more businesses that are successful (for example the NFL). But keep up what you are doing!
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Hi,
1)It would be great if small, impressive Video's of Darren / interviews of Darren, interviews conducted by him will be put on YOuTube or other sites.
2)There should be articles where real time success stories will be given from throughout the world.
Thanks
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I believe that Thought Management is the next "new" thing, and that within 5 years most Fortune 500 companies will have a Chief Thought Officer. I would to see your ideas about this. @stevewhitetoday
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I would prefer less articles about Hollywood celebrities. I think the current issue has Rob Lowe, Mario Lopez, Zooey Deschanel, and more. Granted there are some good stories, but I'd rather hear about some "everyday" people that I can relate with.
[Reply]
RonB51 Reply:
March 19th, 2012 at 8:41 am
I agree. I'd search out significant, proven business leaders and thinkers whether living or past. Find out what they believes motivates a business, a customer, and how the two can merge. There are too many businesses failing or close to the edge and they don't have time for cuteness or ineffective jammer.
The name is Success – so make it happen.
[Reply]
Tim Mc Lellan Reply:
March 19th, 2012 at 9:32 am
Amen !
[Reply]
RonB51 Reply:
March 19th, 2012 at 8:41 am
I agree. I'd search out significant, proven business leaders and thinkers whether living or past. Find out what they believes motivates a business, a customer, and how the two can merge. There are too many businesses failing or close to the edge and they don't have time for cuteness or ineffective jammer.
The name is Success – so make it happen.
[Reply]
Tim Mc Lellan Reply:
March 19th, 2012 at 9:32 am
Amen !
[Reply]
SUCCESS is the only magazine I read cover to cover. I, too, would like to see the cd/dvd bonus included each month. As a teacher and coach, I like the articles that profile college or professional coaches and athletes. I share their success strategies, philosophies and relevant quotes with the student-athletes in my 3PointPlay program, emphasizing Academics, Attitude, and Athletics. If you could include a monthly feature in your magazine and/or on the cd, similar to Success for Teens, it would be awesome!
[Reply]
I miss the dual CD/DVD disc for one. I mean the CD's are great, but the added videos I just loved them.
But as far as the magazine goes. I love hearing from the super successful because as they say success leaves clues, but there are many levels of entrepreneurs reading your magazine. I for one would love to hear about the trials and tribulations of a guy going from start up to taking a modest six figure income home as well, because that is within my current reality right now. Going from zero to billionaire is not.
Thanks for allowing some input,
Cary
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I love success magazine.
I would love to see more stories about smaller business success instead of all of the very rich.
Also I would enjoy seeing some real estate success stories.
Thanks for a great magazine.
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I deal with many young people and a problem always comes up: drug use and no way back.
Once a person has been taken in for drugs and has a mark on their record, it is almost impossible to get a job, even month and years later. For manyit is an experiment and they are trying to change their life, but not getting employment (and with this a second chance) because of this, makes it very hard to change their life to the extend they are intend to.
a) there should be possibilities to get this of the record after a certain amount of time just like bad debt, etc.
b) is there any success story out there of someone that was in a situation like this and was able to turn their life around and become a business owner or educatore, etc. This would give young people hope that their life is not over before it began for something stupid they did in a spurr of a moment.
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I like SUCCESS magazine and I like being motivated. I like motivating and inspiring webs. Sparkpeople.com is one of them. Watching the SHARKS program i get these mixed feelings. Seems like many people are being taken advantage of. What alternative suggestions do you have for people who want to start a business? Were does one start and what are the resources. Where can one submit an idea for an invention and get paid accordingly?
Keep up the good work.
Life has many doors that lead to SUCCESS that many people fail to open.-Themotivator1
[Reply]
With all the news programs, radio and print media talking about what is happening in the debt collection industry, how about some articles or information about how this affects small to mid-size business owners, how they can avoid it and what to do if they are having trouble getting their customers to pay in this bad economy.
[Reply]
Suzanne Reply:
March 29th, 2012 at 9:31 am
I like the bios of well known successful people but would like more emphasis on their start in their career, ie, how did they 1st get noticed? How did they have their 1st "hit"? What was the key moment that brought them from getting doors closed on them to their getting heard by those who could help them?
[Reply]
Nancy Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 4:10 am
I think networking is huge and building those relationships over time. That's helped me tremendously in getting me where I want to go and I didn't even realize it for a long time. It's important to always put your best foot forward when meeting others. You never know where it will lead. Genine interest in what they do can give you insight and new ideas for further development. I love bouncing ideas off of other people, getting feedback, and doing "reality" checks – these things have been extremely beneficial to me. Good luck.
[Reply]
Nancy Reply:
April 9th, 2012 at 4:10 am
I think networking is huge and building those relationships over time. That's helped me tremendously in getting me where I want to go and I didn't even realize it for a long time. It's important to always put your best foot forward when meeting others. You never know where it will lead. Genine interest in what they do can give you insight and new ideas for further development. I love bouncing ideas off of other people, getting feedback, and doing "reality" checks – these things have been extremely beneficial to me. Good luck.
[Reply]
Suzanne Reply:
March 29th, 2012 at 9:31 am
I like the bios of well known successful people but would like more emphasis on their start in their career, ie, how did they 1st get noticed? How did they have their 1st "hit"? What was the key moment that brought them from getting doors closed on them to their getting heard by those who could help them?
[Reply]