WRN Newsletter volume 054
Well, the start of a new year — that magical time when we suddenly feel compelled to take inventory of our lives. Are we crushing it, or just barely surviving on a steady diet of coffee and questionable life choices? Most of us have a parade of thoughts rolling around in our heads, but let’s be honest — without tangible measuring sticks, it's a bit like playing darts in the dark. Success may be a personal concept, but having some clear yardsticks can keep you from wandering aimlessly into a midlife crisis or a motivational YouTube binge.
Personal Success: Measuring Growth Beyond Wealth (and That One Random Skill You Learned on YouTube)
Let’s start with personal growth. It’s more than just reading self-help books or meditating for five minutes before getting distracted by your phone. Ask yourself: Am I becoming the best version of myself or at least a slightly upgraded model? One way to gauge this is by checking your skill set. Did you learn something new this year that you didn’t know before? And no, mastering the art of ordering Uber Eats doesn’t count. Have you invested time in your growth through books, courses, or mentorship? Because let’s face it, personal development is the gift that keeps on giving — unless, of course, you gift yourself excuses.
Next, let’s talk about relationships. Success isn’t about having the most contacts in your phone — it’s about whether those contacts would actually answer your call. How many new connections have you made this year, and more importantly, are they worth your time? A successful network isn’t just about numbers; it’s about depth. Think quality over quantity. If your new connections inspire you more than your coffee does on a Monday morning, you’re doing it right.
Now, let’s discuss time freedom. Are you running your schedule, or is your schedule running you? Can you take a day off without panicking about what’s falling apart in your absence? True success means having the ability to say “yes” to what matters and “no” to what drains you. You're winning if you’re spending time on activities and people that bring you joy (and not just out of obligation).
And finally, let’s not forget your legacy. Are you positively impacting your community, or are you just known as “that person who shows up late to meetings”? Personal success is more than just ticking boxes — it’s about leaving something behind that makes people say, “Wow, they really made a difference.” Or at least, “They were a pretty decent human.”
Financial Success: More Than Just Fancy Toys and Shiny Things
While personal success is all about self-improvement, financial success is about cold, hard numbers — and perhaps a little bit of warm, fuzzy financial security. Start by asking yourself: Is my net worth growing, or is it stuck in neutral? Ideally, you want it to grow by 10-20% annually. And if half your income is passive, you’re practically living the dream. Just don’t spend all your passive income on avocado toast.
Next, consider your cash flow and liquidity. Is your monthly income higher than your expenses, or are you doing mental gymnastics every time you get a bill? Do you have an emergency fund that could keep you afloat for 3-6 months if life throws a curveball? If you can access your funds without selling a kidney, congratulations — you’re ahead of the game.
If you own a business or invest regularly, it’s time to talk about ROI (return on investment). Are your investments outperforming inflation, or just sitting there like a lazy roommate? Is your business revenue increasing year over year, or is it stuck on autopilot? And most importantly, are your clients coming back and referring others? Because let’s be real — a solid client retention rate is the real MVP of sustainable success.
And let’s not forget lifestyle and experiences. Can you afford to live your desired lifestyle without financial stress, or is your dream life still on layaway? Are you able to enjoy experiences like travel, dining out, or pursuing hobbies that make you happy? If your money is enhancing your life rather than being a constant source of worry, you’re doing something right.
Holistic Success: The Ultimate Balancing Act (No Juggling Required)
True success is about finding balance between personal and financial goals. It’s about achieving the freedom to make choices based on desire, not necessity. It’s about creating value in the world and receiving fair compensation for it. And most importantly, it’s about feeling fulfilled, happy, and at peace with your progress.
To check if you’re hitting that sweet spot of holistic success, ask yourself these key questions:
~Am I financially free to make choices based on desire, not desperation?
~Am I creating value in the world and getting paid what I’m worth?
~Do I feel fulfilled, happy, and at peace with where I’m headed?
Am I building a legacy that makes people say, “Wow, they really lived a life worth remembering”?
Remember, success isn’t just about reaching the destination — it’s about enjoying the ride. By regularly checking in on your personal development, relationships, time freedom, financial security, and lifestyle, you’ll ensure you’re not just running in circles. After all, life’s too short to spend it measuring your worth with someone else’s ruler. Grab your own measuring stick, and make sure it’s one that works for you.
Networking Tip of the Week
Start the Year with Intentional Conversations
As you plan for a successful new year, don’t just focus on goals—focus on relationships. Networking is about more than collecting contacts; it’s about building meaningful, intentional connections that align with your personal and professional goals.
Use the new year as an opportunity to reconnect with your network. Schedule one-on-one meetings or calls where you discuss not only business but also personal aspirations and shared goals. Ask meaningful questions like, “What’s one thing you’re excited to achieve this year?” or “How can I support you in your goals?”
By fostering deeper, more authentic conversations, you’ll create a network of people invested in mutual success. Relationships built on genuine connection lead to greater opportunities, collaborations, and fulfillment. Start 2025 with intention, and watch your network thrive!
Member Spotlight: Harpal Singh
As small and medium-sized enterprises are blossoming across our screens on a daily basis, so are their needs for the technical knowledge and support which is imperative to their stability and future growth. AI is impacting economies and their workforces, as business owners are struggling to keep pace with everyday business needs PLUS technology.
Meet Harpal Singh. The founder and CEO of Blue Ribbon Technologies (BRT). Harpal brings a twenty-year career in executive and technical leadership to answer the problems faced through progressive growth stages as businesses encounter complex operational challenges. Experienced in launching projects from concept to finish, he applies an integrated approach with crisp tech-stack implementation to achieve comprehensive business objectives.
His goal is to turn project visions and goals into reality, offering tangible results in line with client expectations.
To explore the full range of services, visit the BRT website at
http://blueribbiontechnology.com and talk about growth.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harpal-singh-ceo-brt/
Message from the CEO...
It’s Never Too Late to Succeed: Debunking the Youth Myth
A recent Inc. Magazine article dispelled the myth that entrepreneurial success is limited to the young. While twenty-somethings founded tech giants like Facebook and Microsoft, many impactful businesses were created by those well past their 40s.
Take Colonel Harland Sanders, who franchised KFC at age 62. Ray Kroc started McDonald’s at 52. Reid Hoffman founded LinkedIn at 43, and Arianna Huffington launched The Huffington Post after turning 55. Even Julia Child, Vera Wang, and Grandma Moses found success later in life.
These stories prove it’s never too late to start fresh.
Steppenwolf’s 1969 song says it best: “It’s never too late to start all over again.” Today, longer life expectancy and healthier lifestyles mean many seniors have the energy and wisdom to pursue new ventures.
With decades of experience, older entrepreneurs bring emotional intelligence, networks, and industry insight that younger founders lack.
Persistence, self-belief, and a willingness to adapt are key traits for success at any age. Ray Kroc and Colonel Sanders are prime examples—their resilience turned small ideas into global brands.
As life expectancy increases, more people are realizing retirement isn’t the end of their productive years. Many seasoned professionals have valuable ideas, energy, and a wealth of knowledge to share. Why hang up the cleats when there’s so much left to offer?
In business, success knows no age limit. Whether you’re launching a startup, pivoting your career, or exploring new passions, remember: it’s never too late to achieve greatness.
Why Regularly Attending Business Networking Events Can Be Your Superpower to Success
In business, success is rarely achieved alone. The most accomplished entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders have one thing in common — they’ve mastered the art of building relationships. Attending business networking events regularly is your gateway to developing this superpower.
First, networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards. It’s about building trust and visibility within a community of like-minded professionals. The more often you show up, the more recognizable and reliable you become. People do business with those they know, like, and trust comes from consistent, meaningful interactions.
Regular attendance also creates opportunities to stay top of mind when someone needs your product or service. It’s about being present when opportunities arise. Miss one event, and you could miss the connection that leads to a significant deal, partnership, or referral.
Networking also keeps you in the loop with market trends and insights. By engaging in conversations with a diverse group of business owners, you stay ahead of shifts in your industry, making you more adaptable and innovative.
Plus, you’ll gain access to resources and collaborations that you wouldn't find otherwise.
Finally, attending events boosts confidence and hones communication skills. Repetition breeds mastery, and over time, you’ll become a natural at pitching your ideas, identifying needs, and closing deals.
In short, networking events aren’t just meetings. They’re opportunity incubators where connections grow into collaborations, referrals, and lifelong business relationships. Show up consistently, and you’ll build a powerful network that accelerates your success.
Dan Willmott, An international Award Winning Actor,
Headlines Elevate Your Entrepreneurial Edge
Dan Willmott will be one of the keynote speakers at the upcoming Elevate Your Entrepreneurial Edge on January 18th, sponsored by the World Referral Network.
Dan is an award-winning actor, voice talent, and coach with over 30 years of experience inspiring broadcasters, actors, voice artists, and corporate leaders across North America through his VoiceSpot and Willmott Communication Services.
Known for his authentic coaching approach — “Be Yourself, Be Real, Be Extraordinary” — Dan has voiced major campaigns for brands like Dairy Farmers of Canada, Subaru, and Fox. His film and TV credits include roles in Fargo, Private Eyes, Shazam, Umbrella Academy, Supernatural, and the iconic Mean Girls as Mr. George.
A passionate performer, Dan has earned critical acclaim in theatre, including a DORA nomination for Hogtown and a standout role in Proof. He’s also a past Toronto Monologue Slam winner.
Register for the event at
https://wrntechnologies.com/elevate
