Many people believe that success in business is the byproduct of a participant's intellect. The wealthy, the reason, get that way because they are smart. They have an upper hand compared to the great mass of people who don't possess genius-level IQ scores, and those who aren't considered among the best and the brightest don't stand a chance at ?making it big.?

That perspective, however, is nothing but a myth. Although being a very smart person can undoubtedly be beneficial to a home business owner, it is not a prerequisite for success. Operating a successful business has much more to do with consistency, dedication, a willingness to put ideas into action and using proven tools than it does with being a genius.

Henry Ward Beecher once wrote that, ?Genius unexerted is no more genius than a bushel of acorns is a forest of oaks.? In other words, all of the ?smarts? in the world won't get you anywhere if you don't take action! Action is the key. The great idea doesn't mean a thing if it isn't backed by actually doing something with it.

Thomas Edison, the famed inventor (and someone we can all agree was a success) once said that, ?Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety nine percent perspiration.? Edison recognized that what appeared to be the result of a keen intellect was usually more attributable to hard work and effort. Success simply is not the outgrowth of intellect, it is the outgrowth of doing things the right way in a consistent and dedicated fashion.

Let's apply these lessons to operating a successful home business. Instead of worrying about being clever, focus upon being productive. Spend your time finding proven techniques and applying them in a way that is certain to produce results. Too many people never try because they believe that being a genius is key to success. Other people spend too much time concerned with proving their genius as they constantly re-invent the wheel. Both should instead worry less about genius and more about focused effort.

Are you a certified genius? Most of us aren't! Don't worry about it. Someone once said that he was more worried about the numbers in their checking account than the numbers in their IQ score. That's good advice. Don't let the myth of genius slow you down on your way to home business success.