Here is a brief excerpt from an article by James Caan featured by LinkedIn. To read the complete article, please click here.

* * *

I have said in the past that there is no magic formula when it comes to being successful in business but there are certain guiding principles that I have followed throughout the course of my career. Not everyone gets what they want in life but if you work hard and keep trying then some measure of success is bound to come your way. Here are [the first three of eight] of the personal rules I have stuck with throughout my career in business and still follow to this day.

1. Application: No matter what people say true success does not come easily. Like everything in life, if you really want something you are going to have to work for it and put in the time and effort. There is nothing wrong with a little bit of hard work and everyone who has gone into business for themselves will tell you it is one of the toughest things they have ever done in life.

2. Believe in yourself: There is no point in going into business for yourself if you do not have any confidence or self-belief. When you set up your own company the only person you have to answer to is yourself – which means confidence is vital. If you do not believe in yourself and your product or service, then how can you get others to put their faith in you?

3. Be creative: If you want to be truly successful then you have to be prepared to stand out from the crowd. Although I have always believed that an idea doesn’t have to be brand new, the best businesses will still have a strong USP that sets them apart from competitors. Creativity is one of the most valuable qualities any person in the business world can have.

* * *

To read the complete article, please click here.

In his own words….

I founded the Mayfair based private equity firm Hamilton Bradshaw in 2004 and joined the panel of heavyweight investors for Dragons’ Den in 2007. In January 2011 I chose to leave the show to focus on my charity work, current investments, and growing Hamilton Bradshaw. My passion is building businesses. I have been building and selling businesses since 1985 and I think it is important to invest in people rather than just products. I’m a great believer that it is people who create a successful business through their passion and conviction.

I work with entrepreneurs through my private equity company Hamilton Bradshaw and also the advisory firm Bluebox Corporate Finance Group. If you are looking to exit your business please visit their website. Alternatively, if you have a business proposal, please visit the entrepreneurs section on the James Caan website. Unfortunately I don’t always have the time to respond to all the requests and messages I am sent. However, if you are looking for a comprehensive guide to securing a job, check out Get The Job You Really Want. Or if you are a business owner looking for advice you can download the free James Caan Business Secrets app. It is available on both iPhone and Android.