Enthusiasm - Your Secret Ingredient to Success

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

What does it take to land a great job, make wonderful friends, open doors in your career field, or land lucrative accounts for your employer? Go on; think of the qualities that might help you get ahead in these situations. Knowledge and intellect? Advanced degrees? A great skill set?

Not necessarily. Did anyone say enthusiasm?

Enthusiasm may seem like a lower order attribute compared with other qualities such as knowledge, skills, and abilities. However, many times a job candidate’s  enthusiasm is precisely what influences a hiring manager to favor one of two equally qualified applicants, or what sways a potential client to give his or her business to one of several possible companies.

I believe that enthusiasm is a secret ingredient for accomplishing great things. During my investment career, I gave countless presentations to multi-billion dollar sales prospects. After careful observation and coaching from our company’s best marketers, I developed quite a reputation for telling our story. I was told it was my enthusiasm that set me apart from my peers. I passionately believed in our company and its services, and I made sure our prospects could tell! Ultimately, it made a significant difference to our sales success.  

People who exude positive energy and enthusiasm are infectious. They inspire others with their spirit and obvious love of life. They motivate everyone around them to do and believe the best. It’s an incredibly helpful quality to have in your business and your personal life. 

How can you demonstrate your enthusiasm on the job? Here’s a sample:

•  in a job interview, sit up straight, make eye contact, smile, and ask lots of questions demonstrating your interest in the company and the position
•  always discuss work-related issues in a positive and upbeat way
•  show up on time—early even!
•  show interest in expanding your skill set to add more value to the company
• always demonstrate your willingness to listen, seek constructive feedback to improve, and try new things
• approach customers proactively and focus on exceeding their expectations
• seek out extra tasks and projects when there is down time
• suggest new ways to improve sales, reduce costs, develop new products/process, and add value to clients
• always project that you are someone who wants to be there and who is willing to do what it takes to get the job done
• seek opportunities to mentor and encourage others

When you’re with others, be positive and enthusiastic—and be sure to smile. Whether it’s simply enjoying the company of others or interviewing for the most significant career opportunity of your life, show your enthusiasm. It WILL make a difference!

How differently do you feel around people who are positive and enthusiastic versus those who are negative and critical? Why do you think this is so?  We’d love to hear your feedback; please comment below. And share us with a friend!