I asked this question to some distributors and advisors – “What do you think are the main differences between the Top Professionals (in our profession/industry) and the Rest?”

What do you think were the responses?

Some of them were:

1. Identifying best investments
2. Beating Markets 
3. Providing access to hard-to-find products
4. Providing all products
5. Consolidated Reporting and more such reasons around finance, markets and economy

None of these are the correct answers. Well, they seemed to be the difference once upon a time or they sound correct for a certain time in the past. They certainly aren’t the ones for the future if you wish to build a valuable firm.

The following is a universal list that differentiates the top professionals and the rest worldwide:

1. The ability to make decisions quickly
2. The ability to execute ideas and best practices (many a times doing something that has worked for others without constantly doubting, judging or overthinking)
3. Having intellectual curiosity and a strong desire to learn
4. The ability to invest in themselves
5. The ability to take risks and experiment
6. The ability to follow instructions
7. The skill of having honest and real conversations

Which of these 7 do you possess?