If you haven’t read Malcolm Gladwell’s latest book – Outliers - do yourself a favor and pick up a copy right away. As with his first 2 books, Tipping Point and Blink, Gladwell manages to turn your thinking about his topic upside down.

The why of success (and it’s not always what you think!) – how it happens, what factors lead to monumental success, how it is that some gifted individuals never quite achieve the success in life you would expect.

You will better understand why the kids in Asia are really so much better at math than the average US citizen. How players are chosen to become elite hockey players. Why school cut-off dates give some kids an unfair advantage. And so much more.

I was drawn into the stories and case studies immediately. An intense read that I found difficult to put down, Gladwell’s Outliers certainly challenges traditional thinking about the subject of success.

Amid the pessimistic reports of recession, bailout battles and the jailing of yet another corporate thief, there is a brighter side!

Did you know that 92.8% of Americans ARE employed?

Prior to my interview last night on Andy Greider’s Uniqueness is Power business radio show, Andy and his co-host Lee Kantor were talking about the economy. BTW – if you missed the show, it should be available for download by Monday. Anyway, Lee pointed out that the media types like to make the 7% unemployment rate the issue when in fact a really significant percentage of our citizens have jobs. It’s easy to overlook that fact when we are beaten to death with gloom & doom.

It’s up to us to change our mindset. What’s the upside of whatever problem or challenge we perceive? What is a positive way to look at it?

We must…Think positively. Use positive language. Set our goals. Take Action on them. Maintain focus. Close our ears to noise. And darn it, just keep pushing forward.

I am posting here Brian Tracy’s Seven Rules for Success, which I hope you will not only be motivated by, but be inspired to take the action he suggests.

1. Take Action – Act of taking 1st step separates winners from losers.

2. Always Forward, Never Backward – The ability to persist in the face of setbacks and disappointments.

3. The Only Time You Have is Now – Deal with what lies clearly ahead, not what lies dimly in the distance.

4. Fly with Eagles – Watch out for naysayers, get around positive people.

5. Obstacles and Difficulties Instruct Not Obstruct – Learn from mistakes in order to achieve success.

6. Be Clear on Your Goals. Keep Your Mind Open – Not what you have but what you do with what you have. Be willing to change, try something new, and accept feedback from your environment.

7. No One does it Alone – Asking for help is a mark of strength, courage and character.

What do you use to build your network? Linked In, Plaxo? – once you have your profile, how are you using it?

What about Facebook, Twitter – using them? What things have you done that have successfully attracted clients?

What’s your blog strategy? Do you know why a blog is important?

Love to hear how you are using social media to attract more clients and sell more often!

You seriously don’t think you need to be there? Are you kidding me? Read the article

If you haven’t set up your profile, do it now!

Guy is a great resource for learning about using online and social media resources to build a business.

Good discussion which will give you information about current media tools. His book is all about outsmarting, outmanaging, and outmarketing your competition.

Listen to his interview!