Change is something that many people resist and they tend to get stuck in a rut. However successful people are prepared to embrace change and they are aware that we are in a rapidly changing world where things are moving fast. And don't forget that what was a successful business model in the 80's will likely not work as well today.

4. Are systematic and work by method

Systems are very important in business and provide a consistency that people love. Think McDonalds ' that business is built on systems that people know and can trust and they know they'll get the same result every time. You can do the same in your business. If you have had high standards and you start to slip your customers will notice straightaway and will wonder what is happening to you and your business. So write down your expected customer service standards and make sure your staff understand and practice them in order to provide top-quality and consistent service.

5. Always walk on the sunny side of the street

Successful people are positive, enthusiastic and optimistic. They view the glass as half full rather than half empty. This very enthusiasm rubs on others they deal with ' their employees, their families, their customers. So be positive and smile. Remember a smile is a curve that can straighten out lots of problems.

A successful person will never assume he or she knows everything. They are always willing to listen to what some else may say simply because they recognize that there are other people who know more than they do about certain topics. So be willing to learn from others. Of course you don't have to believe everything you hear but show respect to other people's views anyway.

This applies to keeping your customer happy. Successful people recognize that by doing that little extra they are creating a very loyal customer. Those little things that people don't expect you to do that costs you next to nothing. Carrying the goods out to their car, opening the door to let them out, throwing in a chocolate bar with each parcel dispatched, dispatching that order that came in at 4.55pm so they get it the next morning ' there are many ways to just go the extra mile to gain and keep a satisfied customer.

Successful people don't get all het up about the economy and worry about the sky falling on their heads. They know that the sun will come up tomorrow and people will still spend their money and life will carry on. And they know that if they provide top-quality products, with top-quality service, on time every time then they will always be able to attract customers to buy from them.

This is important. If you make a promise as to when you will see a customer, stick to it. Successful people follow this to the T. And if you are going to be late, phone the customer before the due time and let them know. Everybody has got cell phones these days so there is no excuse not to do this. There is nothing worse than waiting for someone to come at a time and the time rolls round and no-on turns up and then you're watching the minutes go by on the clock and wondering whatever has happened. People love a little respect so if you're running late give them a call to let them know.

Remember you're doing business you're not on holiday. So dress properly and not like a slovenly person. There are many industries that set this out brilliantly, namely airlines, banks, and supermarkets. This applies to small business owners as well.   Dress smartly and people will sit up and take notice. Turn up roughly dressed with your shirt hanging out and shoes untied and people's impression of you will immediately drop. Where you have staff, providing a uniform is a great way to get everyone looking smart and it provides a really great image for your business.

Successful people work extremely hard when they're at work. Some people go to work and treat it like a holiday camp and just muck around all day. But successful people work hard while they're at work and then go home to their families knowing they've achieved something worthwhile today. And they know that they can only spend a certain number of hours at work each day and so while they're working they're working hard and to a plan.

They also have a plan to work to. They know where they want to go and how they're going to get there. And then they're monitoring the results as they go along and if they start getting off the track they take measures to get themselves back on the track again.

The key thing to remember is that successful people don't just have a lot of good luck. They actually are very self-disciplined and take deliberate measures to ensure they are successful. This is where everybody who wants to be successful needs to take note that it's up to your attitude as to whether you will be successful or not.

Monthly Business Growth Tips Disclaimer

Important: We cannot be held liable should Clients act solely on the basis of the material contained in the Monthly Business Growth Tips. Items herein are general comments only and do not constitute nor convey advice per se. The Monthly Business Growth Tips are issued as helpful guides to our clients. We cannot guarantee that your business will grow if you follow the guide of the Monthly Business Growth Tips as many other factors that can lead to decline are not necessarily influenced by making one change to the way your business operates.