The secret to success in business has nothing to do with how much money you have, how great you are at something, or even having the killer brand.  I think it has to do with your gut instinct and acting on it quickly.

The last few years I’ve spent a ton of time trying to learn how and why some people have the “Midas Touch” – or what is it exactly that gives some people rockstar status while others who may be even more talented fail.  It’s fascinating to me how people I know like Brian Gardner and Cory Miller have created very successful businesses, without having a ton of experience upfront doing what made them well-known in their trades.  It amazes me how companies like John Deere and Coke took decades to build their brand as a global leader and how companies like Google, Twitter, and TOMS Shoes have been able to do the same at blinding speed.

Here’s just one gold nugget that I have discovered in my research…

Those people who have an idea that they are passionate about and create something they would use themselves AND that actually step out and do something about it now, are way more likely to be a business success. They go with their gut feeling that “this” needs to be done and done right now.  They don’t wait for venture capital or public approval or the perfect product, they just move on it.

Cory Miller has been instrumental in my new business mindset.   If it were up to me, I would wait until our products or services are perfect because I tend to be extremely anal about attaining perfection.  It’s an artist thing.  But Cory has the “get it launched now” and we’ll improve it as it goes attitude — and it works!!!  I now champion this ideal especially having seen others like 37 Signals and Guy Kawasaki preach the same.

My encouragement to you is go with your instinct and follow it now.

If you think you have a product or service that is cool, needed, or that you would want for yourself, then make the most of your opportunity and start doing it today.  Even if it’s not the end result you want (meaning perfection) you are better off releasing it sooner rather than later.  These are two business lessons I’ve learned and recommend that will make a HUGE difference between your success and failure.  Now the rest is up to you.