By Becca McBryde
State Historian

Have you ever wondered what makes people become so successful in the business world? It doesn’t just happen overnight, there is a ton of work and communication that goes into such accomplishments. Bill Gates didn’t make millions for being another ordinary salesperson; he made himself an extraordinary business expert.

So what makes people like Bill Gates stand out from everyone else? Some of the most important components to the business mindset are: networking, risk-taking, leadership, creativity, and adaptability to whatever life throws your way.

Networking is all about getting to know people and making connections. Associating yourself with others who could potentially contribute to your achievements could make the world of a difference in the future. Risk-taking is what keeps everything fresh and interesting. Walt Disney created an entire world of fun and imagination by taking a huge risk and bringing something to life that few people believed in. Business is all about leadership and how you use it. Being a great leader is what inspires others to follow and pursue their own dreams, as well as creates an ideal image of what a businessperson should be like. Leadership is like a chain reaction; when one leads, others follow. And others follow them, and so on. Creativity is what helps you to think outside the box. How else would the inventor of the “Snuggie” come up with the idea of a blanket with sleeves? Last but not least, adaptability. No matter who you are or where you are from, this is an important characteristic to practice. In reality, unexpected things will always happen. It’s how you choose to handle those situations that set you apart from the rest.