If someone asked you what Lily Tomlin and Winston Churchill have in common, you might have a hard time coming up with an answer. In many ways they seem to be polar opposites, but both were quoted in an article I read recently by Sir Richard Branson about inspirational quotes on success.
The article inspired me to think back over my own successes and what helped propel me toward them. I’ve helped run a successful real estate development company with offices in multiple states for 45 years and have developed more than 500 retail, industrial and residential projects in 19 states, weathering four economic downturns along the way. While many factors have contributed to the company’s — and my own — success, four strategies stand out.
1. Implement the power of the calendar.
When my friend and business partner Gregg Alpert was still alive, he and I would often talk about fishing. We shared a passion for the sport, but all we ever did was talk about it. One day as we were having one of those conversations in his office, Gregg abruptly said to me, “Skip, go get your calendar.” …
