book.chapter Lay the groundwork

To thrive in business, it's essential to prioritize extracting money from customers and securing it for yourself. This requires a well-thought-out strategy, starting with a detailed business plan that outlines your goals and how you'll track progress. Commit this plan to paper, scrutinize its logic and feasibility, and ensure you've considered all possible challenges. Success demands taking your ambitions seriously and putting in relentless effort to realize them, rather than waiting passively for outcomes. Streamline your life by eliminating nonessential activities, allowing you to focus on what's truly important for achieving your objectives with the least resistance. Building a strong support team is crucial. Surround yourself with competent, positive, and trustworthy individuals who can help bring your vision to life. Additionally, having a trusted advisor is like having a consigliere—a source of objective advice to help you avoid impulsive decisions and stay on track. Take a cue from mobsters who excel at simplifying their approach to go straight for the money. Once you've mastered the basics, you can move on to more complex strategies with confidence. Work your plan with diligence and efficiency, and be ready to present offers that your customers can't refuse. Remember, there are no shortcuts or magic formulas in business. It's about facing challenges head-on and putting in the hard work. As Vince Lombardi said, "The harder you work, the harder it is to quit." With a relentless focus on your goals and a willingness to tackle difficult tasks, you can achieve lasting business success.