New Yorkers are known for being tough, blunt, and direct. They are also known for being smart, successful, and hardworking. So, if you want to succeed in business, why not do it like a New Yorker? Here are 10 things to keep in mind.
1. There is nothing faster than a New York minute.
Success loves speed. If you want to make it in business, and remain in business, you’ve got to keep up with the pace of business. To do that, create a positive mindset, make use of your mornings, find your magic time in which you can do most of your work and build better systems. This will help you move into the fast lane. Remember: if you’re not moving fast enough, someone else will pass you by without even breaking a sweat. And honk at you like a New Yorker!
2. New Yorkers are known for being blunt; sometimes rude. But be practical.
Even hard core Big Apple citizens know that a little bit of honey attracts more flies than vinegar – especially when it comes to business relationships (and relationships in general). The key is knowing when and how far to go with your bluntness – especially when dealing with clients and customers who may take offense at your directness or lack of manners (which isn’t always present in other parts of the country). But why not speak the truth with care and concern for others? You’ll go further. Maybe even faster.
3. You can hang alone or together.
9/11 showed that there is power in the saying “United We Stand.” After those terrible events we saw New York City and the country come together like never before – from businesses to residents alike – because we were all affected by what happened on 9/11. It’s important to know that when you need help, you are not alone. Be part of a business community, find a mentor, coach, or accountability partner. Never go it alone. Ask for help and stick together. You’ll be better for it. You’ve got 9 million New Yorkers as living proof.
4. “Watch your back” is something you’ll hear on NY streets. Good advice.
Especially in times like these, be prepared for everything. The best way to prepare for anything is to be ready for anything. That means always keeping an eye on your business – even when you’re not there physically. Take care of your business and it will take care of you.
5. Have you seen how New Yorkers walk? They walk like they mean it!
Likewise, do business on purpose! Keep your eyes open. Work with intentionality. Keep in the end goal in mind. Observe carefully because you never know when a new opportunity might come along that could impact your business later down the road or vice versa. In fact, one of the secrets behind Google’s success was its ability to identify trends and capitalize on them before anyone else did!
6. Don’t take yourself too seriously – but take everything else extremely seriously!
New Yorkers are serious about their business and their lives – but they don’t take themselves too seriously (except when it comes time for professional sports). It’s important that you keep this balance.
7. The City never sleeps.
New York City is a 24/7 city. If you want to succeed in business, you must be on your game all the time. New Yorkers never take their eyes off their goals. Neither should you. Don’t cheat yourself, your family or what you’ve been called to achieve. As we enter Autumn, we see that the days are longer. But remember, time is short. So, redeem the time, focus on the big things, the right things, and make the most of each day – because it will pass by like NY minute!
8. New Yorkers know how and when to hustle.
They are some of the most hardworking people in America. They know how to keep going even when it seems like there’s no hope left for them. If you want to succeed in business, don’t give up when things get tough – instead, find ways to work around those obstacles, reframe your losses into lessons, and keep moving forward.
9. New Yorkers? Fuhgeddaboudit! They’re smart dressers.
Dressing for success is something that everyone should do when they go out into the world, but New Yorkers take it a step further by always dressing up and looking sharp no matter where they are or what they’re doing (with a few exceptions – especially after the Pandemic)! Their appearance shows others that they mean business and respect the people they are meeting with, too. So, if you want other people to take you seriously then dress like one of them.
10. Don’t be afraid of failure – failure is part of success!
New Yorkers always love a good comeback story – especially after having re-built after 9/11 and COVID. We learn from our mistakes, and we become better because of them. We can also learn from other people’s mistakes so that we can avoid them. So, should you fall, pick yourself up like you meant doing it in the first place – and smile like a New Yorker. Never give up – keep fighting. Go out and get those opportunities – go big – even if sometimes you stub your toe on the sidewalk! Good things are waiting for you, especially after you’ve graduated from the school of hard knocks.