There are so many factors that can play a role in determining our results, performance and ultimately our success, but some factors matter more than others. We asked folks what they felt was the most important factor driving their success.

Shayla Northcutt | Certified Travel Counselor

Customer Service. When I started Northcutt Travel Agency, it was to help people travel the world and to make memories. I had always planned travel on my own and through an online portal and found that the customer support with a lot of the companies didn’t care about me or why I was traveling or what my preferences were. They always tried to hide cost and I didn’t get the customer support that I deserved. I wanted to change this. I opened Northcutt Travel Agency to bring a concierge level of customer service to the brand and the name. I care about each and every single one of our travelers. We hold each one of our team members to always hold the client first as well. We know how important an investment vacation is and we want it to be the most easy and seamless experience. After all it is a Vacation! People have continued to ask why I do not charge an agency fee, it is not my structure or my nature. We get paid a commission from booking travel for others from the hotels, resorts and cruise lines, why be greedy? We are the best and at the top of our game because we do go above and beyond for each client. Read more>>

Krystal Proffitt | Podcast Coach & Host of “The Proffitt Podcast”

For me, “success” is defined as being excited about my work more often than dreading it. Don’t get me wrong. There are still days in my business where I don’t feel successful, but those don’t happen nearly as often as days that light me up! And I have to attribute those days to just sticking with something. I teach entrepreneurs how to start, launch, and market their podcasts through my podcasts, digital course, membership, and YouTube channel all dedicated to podcasting. And if I didn’t find any of that fun or exciting anymore…then I’d be in trouble! Many entrepreneurs get started on a specific path and run into obstacles. (I know I have…I’m looking at you failed blog posts!) But when you’re faced with the crossroads of “Do I take a left here, down the mysterious path…?” or “Should I go right and just take the easy way…” I always recommend going with the path that’s mysterious and exciting. If I would’ve taken the path that felt easier when I first started on this journey, I would still be trying to write blog posts (probably unsuccessfully) about topics that don’t really excite me. Read more>>

Deborah Queen | Digital Content Creator

The most important factor in my success is my ability to be consistent and show up no matter the circumstances. Over the years, I’ve had to learn that majority of success stories so not happen over night. It’s a result of consistency and dedication. When you’re scared of failing, it’s almost impossible to succeed because failing is evidence of trying. When you try consistently, you realize you learn on the journey and that in itself is the road to succeed. Read more>>

Katy Schilhab | Lifestyle Family Photographer

When I first started my company I worried so much about making my clients happy that I incorporated things/props/ideas that I didn’t necessarily want to. I shot in places that I didn’t really like or want to shoot. It was all about making them happy and doing whatever they wanted. It took me a while to realize that I had a unique voice and vision. The more I photographed things and people in ways that didn’t align with that vision, the worse I felt and the worse my photos looked. It is the MOST important thing in the world for me that my clients are happy… but if I don’t stay true to who I am and the vision that I have then Ive done both of us a disservice. People that hire me are hiring me for the way in which I communicate their story. It isn’t always easy, but the more I have stayed true to myself and my unique contribution to this space the more successful I have become. Read more>>

Kayla Lawson | Thriver Owner & Trainer

The success of Thriver is built on establishing solid relationships within our community of athletes and their families. As a special education teacher, one of the most important lessons I learned was to begin the year by establishing rapport with both my student and his/her family. Show up, listen, advocate. Let the student’s family know that you are on their side, you are there to help and support however you can. This is one of the pieces of teaching I wanted to ensure transferred over to the Thriver business model. Each intake phone call is handled with care and the individualization of our program begins there. From that point on, my goal is to make sure every parent I interact with knows their child is in good hands. Exercise is more than just an activity to stay healthy. It is an opportunity for social interaction, it is a chance to establish life-long healthy habits, and in our case, it is one-on-one time to continue building relationships. Many of Thriver’s new athletes come out of recommendations from current or previous clients, be it through word of mouth with friends, posts on parent groups, or information passed down through teachers at the athlete’s school. Read more>>

The Banned | Band

As broad as it is, motivation and drive are the leading factors in our success. If we all weren’t as passionate about music as we are, we wouldn’t be where we are right now. Being surrounded by people who genuinely care so much about making music together makes the experience 100 times more thrilling and productive for us. It’s the best feeling knowing that we are all doing what we love together, and it pays off. Read more>>

Reagan Corbett | Artist

Easily, work ethic. I think people assume artists have a pretty laid back job. They think I sit around and paint all day, which I do sometimes. That’s the enjoyable part! But there’s so much work that goes into running a successful business as an artist. I wouldn’t have made it to where I am today without working hard every single day on things that aren’t as fun as painting such as billing and invoices, project management, social media scheduling and just cleaning the studio. Read more>>

Desmond Ikegwuonu | Musical Artist | Composer | Worship Leader | Professor

For me it is the willingness and readiness to unlearn, learn and relearn all that is needed for me to truly be. I have continued to discover that the things that often impede growth and hamper my true artistic expression have been ideologies framed to devalue and diminish rather than to highlight and elevate. There is so much I have to unlearn as I continue on this journey called “becoming.” [Didn’t mean to steal Michelle Obama’s title but it certainly encapsulates what I am trying to say 🙂. Read more>>

Brianna Kelley | 5-Star Professional Makeup Artist

The most important factor behind my success is my ability to remain authentic. Being Authentic has created a lane for me as a brand owner that is like no one else. My skill and technique is self taught. I wanted to embark on my journey teaching myself everything there is to know about makeup from skin prep, skin tones, shades, etc. Doing this i was able to come up with my own technique. My artistry has a very natural feel to it that attracts continuous clientele. Read more>>