Following up is a simple one time activity that anyone can do.  Leaving a meeting with an expected 'follow-up' date or meeting is easy (provided the meeting went well), but committing to something of real value during a meeting that would require you to 'follow through' is much less common.

I am surprised every day as I go out and meet with business owners and leaders how many people work as a team of one, whether as an Entrepreneur or in a career position.  Unfortunately these people never achieve the level of success that they are dreaming of and they never achieve those 'big goals' that they seem to set for themselves every year but always come up just short.

I was reading the current issue of Fortune Magazine and there is a regular section in the Technology pages called 'The Best Advice I Ever Got'.  This week I particularly enjoyed the tips that were shared by Mike Splinter, CEO of Applied Materials in California.  In my opinion he has really hit the nail on the head in terms of some of the characteristics and key behaviours of true leaders.

Perseverance on its own has all the tell-tale signs of insanity unless you are willing to apply some learning at the same time.  After all, Mr. Einstein defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results!  The key to success through perseverance is the inclusion of reflection and learning in your daily routine... yes you need to keep at it and keep your eye on the goal, but not at the expense of missing the forest for the trees.

Entrepreneurism is a great life for those that are cut from the right cloth and who are prepared for the unique challenges that it brings.  If you're ready to wear your game face 24/7 and are willing to commit to the long hours, rejection, and difficult decision making it is a very rewarding life choice.  If you are looking for something more in line with your past experience in the corporate world (or a life that mirrors that of a professional hockey player) perhaps Entrepreneurship isn't for you.

In the current installment of the McKinsey Quarterly newletter (much recommended for anyone who doesn't already subscribe) they have released an interactive tool that provides the results of their Web 2.0 and Business survey from this year.