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From Mark Ford, founder, Palm Beach Research Group: I love books about people who, against all odds—and contrary to the advice of friends and colleagues—succeed on a monumental scale.
People like Henry Ford, Henry Flagler, Oprah Winfrey, Mark Zuckerberg, and Steve Jobs.
But these stories support a common myth: that you can be successful “on your own.”
The truth is successful people rely on the help of many, many others along the way. I’ve been involved in hundreds of product launches and dozens of businesses. Many of these have had my face and name on the front of them. But none were solo endeavors.
I’ve had my share of ideas that friends and colleagues initially doubted or dismissed. I gave up on some of those ideas. Others I kept at and found a way to make them work. But I never did them alone.
On the contrary… whenever I have an exciting idea for a new product or business, the first thing I do is find someone smart and hardworking to help me bring the idea to completion.
Even though I love a good “overcoming-the-odds” story, the idea that you can do anything big or important by yourself is a kind of arrogance. I understand the feeling. But you must overcome it.
It’s important to acknowledge you aren’t “all that.” This humility gives you the freedom to ask questions, seek mentors, take on partners, and hire employees who are as smart—or smarter—than you are.
Reeves’ Note: If you’re dying to gain additional income streams—but can’t find a trusted mentor—don’t pass up this unprecedented chance to let Mark be your guide…