There are so many factors that can play a role in determining our results, performance and ultimately our success, but some factors matter more than others. We asked folks what they felt was the most important factor driving their success.

Taaj Marjanee | Illustrator, Author, and Publisher

The most important lesson my business has taught me is to never stop persevering. Once you put a halt on your business, EVERYTHING will be at a standstill. Nothing moves without you because you are that key component which gives your business its boost. Read more>>

Dontaye Carter | Media Strategist

The most important lesson that I’ve learned in my career is to persevere. I started learning that lesson at 14 years old when my mother was laid off her job. Even at that young age, all I could think about is how I help her make ends meet. I started working with TADA – Teens Against Drugs and Alcohol. They gave us a box full of candy to sell at six dollars apiece. Out of the six dollars, I was paid $1.50 per item sold. At 14, I had identified my target audience. I mapped out neighborhoods that I believed I could sell multiple boxes of candy. On a good day, I was bringing home $100. I didn’t start there, but I kept refining the process. I’m not saying it was easy, but it forced me to think critically about making the most out of each day. There are more than 7.5-billion on this earth. Read more>>

Lauren Brinks | Owner, Operator, and Everything In Between

The most important factor that drives our success is that we know exactly who our customer is. The reason we know that is because I am the customer. When I started The Little Blue Jay I wanted to break the mold of the traditional kids salon and gear more towards the parents. Creating an experience that kids enjoy but also adding in the tiny details that parents enjoy, like coffee, light and bright colors, diapers, wipes, and changing tables in the bathroom, and a uniquely curated boutique of affordable items. Clients have told us they can tell the effort we have put in to make our shop great and we treasure the relationships that we have built since we opened our doors last year. Read more>>

Lisa Simpson | Realtor & owner of I Heart Atlanta

Consistency and great customer service is one of the most important factors that contributes to the success of our real estate brand. Over the last six years, I have managed to create a super fun brand to go along with selling homes called I Heart Atlanta. Having six successful years where we are continuing to grow each year has allowed us to completely perfect our craft. The way we have done that is fine tuning our systems and models. Not only is our company a well known real estate team (currently in top 4 teams for Keller Williams in Georgia), we are a lifestyle brand. Great customer service has always and will always be our #1 goal. We focus on the needs of our clients first and provide the best communication. We answer our phones, we are accessible, and we are easily able to let our clients know what comes next during their transaction so they are never left in the dark. Read more>>