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Inspiration
Six essentials for business leaders
3. Be decisive
Being able to assess options, decide what to do and then
take the requisite follow-up actions is an essential skill in
a business leader. Some entrepreneurs miss opportunities
simply because they spend too much time evaluating
opportunities, fearing they will make the wrong decisions.
4. Take failure in stride
Wise ISOs and MLSs know that when you take measured
risks and then act decisively, sometimes you fail. It is what
you do afterward that makes or breaks a career. Successful
business owners endeavor to understand what led to a
failure so they can learn from it, but they do not wallow in
regret. They face forward and tackle the next opportunity,
knowing they will persist toward their goals no matter
how many obstacles they face.
5. Adapt to change
The need to keep tabs on shifting economic conditions,
evolving technology, new competitors, merchant demands
t takes a leap of faith to establish an ISO or to and changing consumer preferences is uppermost in the
become a merchant level salesperson (MLS) in minds of today's payment professionals. Educational
the payments industry. Mustering the resolve and presentations at industry tradeshows and company
I resources to start a business is a major step; how- training programs, as well as articles in The Green Sheet
ever, it's just the beginning of what is required to build a and other industry publications provide ongoing guidance
thriving payment career. about changes within the industry and suggestions
regarding appropriate actions to take.
To succeed, payment professionals must have an
entrepreneurial mindset and be prepared to do certain 6. Take responsibility
things repeatedly, such as take risks, be committed, be
decisive, take failure in stride, adapt to change and take When you have a professional setback, it might provide
responsibility. All of us are strong in some areas and weak a petty type of satisfaction to direct blame away from
in others. As you read through the following notes on yourself. But this sort of deflection is not productive.
these key actions, think about where you have attained Debriefing after plans go awry is appropriate so that
mastery and where you could stand to improve. remedial steps can be taken, if necessary. Pointing the
finger at other people, even if they made mistakes, is a
1. Take risks waste of time. You are the leader of your enterprise.
Accepting that you are ultimately responsible for all that
It is the ability to see opportunities as they arise and take occurs will help your company regain equilibrium and
the risks needed to profit from them that distinguishes move forward.
outstanding business leaders from their mediocre
counterparts. Playing it safe once your business is off If you've realized you are weak in any of these areas, take
the ground might guarantee a certain level of monthly decisive action today to strengthen your skills. Your future
residuals, but it will not lead to prosperity and dreams prosperity depends on it.
fulfilled.
2. Be committed
Once you have chosen your path, you must stick with
it. Other business opportunities might arise. If they are
compatible with and enhance your objectives, it makes
sense to explore them. But if they drain resources from
your primary goals, it makes sense to leave them behind.
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Six essentials for business leaders
3. Be decisive
Being able to assess options, decide what to do and then
take the requisite follow-up actions is an essential skill in
a business leader. Some entrepreneurs miss opportunities
simply because they spend too much time evaluating
opportunities, fearing they will make the wrong decisions.
4. Take failure in stride
Wise ISOs and MLSs know that when you take measured
risks and then act decisively, sometimes you fail. It is what
you do afterward that makes or breaks a career. Successful
business owners endeavor to understand what led to a
failure so they can learn from it, but they do not wallow in
regret. They face forward and tackle the next opportunity,
knowing they will persist toward their goals no matter
how many obstacles they face.
5. Adapt to change
The need to keep tabs on shifting economic conditions,
evolving technology, new competitors, merchant demands
t takes a leap of faith to establish an ISO or to and changing consumer preferences is uppermost in the
become a merchant level salesperson (MLS) in minds of today's payment professionals. Educational
the payments industry. Mustering the resolve and presentations at industry tradeshows and company
I resources to start a business is a major step; how- training programs, as well as articles in The Green Sheet
ever, it's just the beginning of what is required to build a and other industry publications provide ongoing guidance
thriving payment career. about changes within the industry and suggestions
regarding appropriate actions to take.
To succeed, payment professionals must have an
entrepreneurial mindset and be prepared to do certain 6. Take responsibility
things repeatedly, such as take risks, be committed, be
decisive, take failure in stride, adapt to change and take When you have a professional setback, it might provide
responsibility. All of us are strong in some areas and weak a petty type of satisfaction to direct blame away from
in others. As you read through the following notes on yourself. But this sort of deflection is not productive.
these key actions, think about where you have attained Debriefing after plans go awry is appropriate so that
mastery and where you could stand to improve. remedial steps can be taken, if necessary. Pointing the
finger at other people, even if they made mistakes, is a
1. Take risks waste of time. You are the leader of your enterprise.
Accepting that you are ultimately responsible for all that
It is the ability to see opportunities as they arise and take occurs will help your company regain equilibrium and
the risks needed to profit from them that distinguishes move forward.
outstanding business leaders from their mediocre
counterparts. Playing it safe once your business is off If you've realized you are weak in any of these areas, take
the ground might guarantee a certain level of monthly decisive action today to strengthen your skills. Your future
residuals, but it will not lead to prosperity and dreams prosperity depends on it.
fulfilled.
2. Be committed
Once you have chosen your path, you must stick with
it. Other business opportunities might arise. If they are
compatible with and enhance your objectives, it makes
sense to explore them. But if they drain resources from
your primary goals, it makes sense to leave them behind.
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