Startups.com

You know that one friend or coworker who always seems to be so happy and positive, even in the face of problems that would easily get other people down? Do you enjoy being around them? We’re not talking about the fake sort of always smiling, but poised to stab you in the back sort of person. We’re talking seriously just optimistic, genuine people. They are easier to be around and often able to attract positive people, work, and other things into their lives seemingly effortlessly.

Positive, optimistic people get ahead in business faster and go further than the pessimistic, naysayers. But why? Surely intelligence, talent, education, drive, and a variety of other factors contribute to a person’s success as well, right?

People who demonstrate these three basic attributes are told “yes” more often:

The Principle of YES
Youthful
Energetic
Sex Appeal

Obviously all the more easy to remember as they are themselves an accronym for the word “YES,” but let’s take a closer look…

The Art of Being Youthful
Age is not a factor here, but attitude and actions certainly are. Do you give off the impression that you’re always worn-out, tired, broken down, bored, or boring? If so, you are not fully tapping into this key attribute to get to “Yes.”

We have all heard the saying that, “Age is just a number,” but getting to “YES” is more than just going out for a night on the town at 50. It’s more than dressing in “younger” clothes than your peers. I appreciate what American writer, activist, and feminist, Betty Friedan said on the subject:

“Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.”

Being youthful means staying active (both physically and mentally), and it means being positive and bringing a fresh perspective to the table. Regardless of your position at work, you can incorporate the principle of youthfulness into your demeanor. Some of the best CEOs and Founders I know are youthful regardless of their age.

Energy Doesn’t Meen Being the Life of the Party
You don’t need to be the Energizer Bunny or a Cheerleader, but be honest here, how much energy do you have each day? Now think for a moment how your energy (or lack thereof) effects the people around you. I’ll bet you get told “no” a lot and it’s not necessarily that you have bad ideas. It could be your lack of energy preventing you from getting to “YES.”

People who are full of energy are more attractive to others. They help other people recharge and get inspired. Being a source of energy for other people rather than an energy drain can mean the difference between losing the deal and closing it with a resounding “YES!”

Bringin’ Sexy Back
Ok, “Sexy” isn’t always the best or most appropriate word to use – especially in the workplace. But that being said, people with more sex appeal have a lot easier time getting to “YES” than those of us without it. If this isn’t an attribute you already possess, that’s even more reason to concentrate on the first two – Youthfulness and Energy.

Take Action – How to Use this in your everyday life

• Change your frame of mind and BE EXCITED about work. Even if you’re in the middle of a particularly difficult project, find SOMETHING, no matter how small, that you can be excited about, even if it’s just getting the project done.
• Laugh! It’s so simple and it may seem a bit silly but laughter really IS the best medicine – for pretty much anything. Laughing more helps you be more youthful while increasing your own energy and that of others.
• Get Enough Sleep and Exercise Regularly. It’s nearly impossible to be youthful and energetic without appropriate rest and fitness.

And remember, a positive, optimistic attitude, attracts positive people and business into your life.

When working on your site and hustling to make it grow, you have probably had the experience of calling someone up to see if they want to buy advertising, and you get rejected, right? It sucks. I know. But never get disheartened. They are a ton of other potential advertisers out there for your site. Be persistent, and you WILL find them.

Keep looking, keep calling, keep emailing, and most importantly, Stay Positive!

As a bit of a side note here, I’d like to thank Pablo, here at the Startups.com office for being one of the Youthful, Energetic people in the office. His optimism and energy are contagious and we’re lucky to have him.