Namrata Kath Hazarika | 26 Jun, 2008
Like the old saying goes: 'Great Minds Think Alike', the same is very much applicable to successful businessmen and their businesses. Most successful businessmen invariably share similar traits, no matter whichever industry they are into. And all agree that hard-work and patience are the keys to success.

"There is nothing more pleasant like success. All the same, a successful businessman is never satisfied with his current success...life wants more, my business wants more," says Sunjiv Verma, Chairman of Touch Sky entertainment.

"I am never satisfied with the little successes in my life. I always want something better. For example, today, if I have 100 employees, I would like to multiply it to 150, says Verma.

When asked about his success mantra, he says, "To be frank, I have a theory and idea about running my business...hard work, sincerity and patience. Nothing else can replace these three. It's also about listening more, it's about paying attention to what people are saying and doing."

"If my business is running good, it might be that I have planned it in a good way. On the other hand, if the business is not doing good than the shortcoming is also within me. I'm to be blamed for an unsuccessful venture. Maybe I'm not doing enough or maybe I have taken a couple of bad decisions."

"Success in business does not depend on the publicity or advertising a full page advertisement in the newspaper or commercializing the trademark on television. My success in business begins with public relations. Most of the time I try to meet people either in public gatherings or parties to make my trade mark popular...being a part of a business clubs, socialize with the right kind of people and never ever missing out on the right business opportunities," he added.

"I know that somebody is always buying and selling products everyday. Here, what I realize is that 'Why should they take our services rather than buy the same from someone else?' My company is a production house which needs creativity. Perhaps, there is so much competition in the potential market that I have to always focus on one area: customer satisfaction."

"Successful business owners who feel they can succeed in a certain business also feel responsible for their own actions. When things go wrong they never point the finger at or blame other individuals and external factors. Instead, they look to themselves and ask, 'Where have I gone wrong?' Then they act accordingly to solve the problem," says Malini Srivastava, Director of EMMS Global.

"When I had left my cushy job as a merchandise manager to start my own garment export company, I told myself that this decision is solely mine and I would not blame anyone later if I fail. I think three things are very important if you are to succeed as a businessman. Taking responsibility for your business decisions, learning from mistakes and perseverance. A successful businessman is the one who had not given up during trying times," she adds.

However, many feel lady luck plays a huge role in making or breaking one's business prospects. They opine that although the parameters of luck are unknown, in business one makes his own good luck.

"In fact, business is a kind of gambling," says Hitendra Sangal, Managing Director of Indu Arts.

"We get great deal of business in a month and same may not be achieved in the next month. Success comes if you have confidence and market your products by setting a target," he added.

"Employees play a major role for the success of the business. Right selection of employees who are efficient and thinks out of the box can definitely bring success to any venture," says  Verma.

"Successful businessmen are just like mountain climbers, they climb one peak and look forward to climb the next," says Ajay Mehra a Delhi-based fashion designer and owner of Janak Studio.

"For instance, we need to build our relationship with our customers. In the first meeting we have to convince the customer with our fabrics and collections. Once we are able to win their trust, than it is sure to build a long-term relationship with the customers in the future," says Ajay.

"If it is start up company, the initial stage is very crucial. Obviously, prepare yourself to work extra hours to be a successful businessman. When I started my venture I used to concentrate on finding ways for the survival of the business. To tell you a fact, I never had left any stone unturned, Verma adds with a sigh of relief.