In this Edition
1. Lessons from the Rolling Stones
2. A Novel Concept
3. Quotes
4. Recommended Reading
Lessons from the Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones were in my city of Toronto last month playing at the Air Canada Centre as part of their latest world tour. The show was a huge hit, with rave reviews. What struck me was why the Rolling Stones, four guys who are almost old enough to collect their old age pensions, are still on top of their game after over 40 years in the music industry!, and they still are one of the highest gross earning and top bands in the world today. (And as we all know in the business of selling, the numbers do not lie.)
I decided to learn a little bit more about them and came up with five observations, in my opinion, that explains the Stones incredible success and longevity. There may be something we can all learn from these and apply to our business lives.
1. They love and are passionate at what they do. They are also very good at what they do, and it shows.
2. They are consistently challenging themselves, trying new things, getting out of their comfort zone and taking risks. They have a willingness to learn, practice and improve, and they do not just sit back on their success, even though they are at the top of their game.
3. They are great and unashamed self promoters. They have created an image and brand out of the band. As all great marketers, they are proud of who they are and what they represent. They are brash, confident and never waste an opportunity to get publicity and promote themselves.
4. They give their fans what they want to hear. While a lot of bands are self indulgent and refuse to play the “old stuff” because they feel they are beyond that now, the Stones, despite successful “new stuff” that they obviously include in their play list, listen to what their fans want and deliver all the old hits time and time again!!
5. They are CONSISTANT, a distinction I see in all successful people. They give value, show up on time, deliver what they say they are going to deliver, and more, provide great music, are fresh, every show is show time, an create an experience you are not likely to forget and that you want to experience again.
Look for the similarities to your business. What can you learn from the Rolling Stones and apply to your business NOW!!!
A Novel Concept
I am always amazed at people in business and sales, and how poor they are at following up. I know this is not the first time I mention this, but it is continuously mind boggling actually.
Whatever business you are in, one of the things that is going to set you apart is to be pro-active. Invest in a good contact management system like ACT, Goldmine, etc. and schedule in the follow-up meetings or phone calls. Make these as important an appointment as the one to close the sale or meet the new hot prospect, or to just keep in touch with people and build a relationship and bond with them. It is not only courteous and respectful, but makes good business sense.
The number one reason people fail to follow-up is the fear of being rejected. The second one is the fear of failure. Guess what, this is just all part of the game and the nature of doing business.
Do not let rejection and temporary failure get to you, do not let people who let you down spoil your day, do not take it personal, it is NOT, it is just business.
The people in this world who are highly successful are single minded, focused, and confident of their ability. They do not take stuff personally. They use a system and process for following up, asking questions, solving problems and finding solutions.
In today’s busy and competitive business environment, people want to deal with experts, trusted advisors and consultants; professionals who can help them solve their business problem. If you are simply the sales person, you are just a commodity and can easily be replaced.
The world does not need any more information; we are on information over load. Today, successful sales people are in the solutions business.
Find the problem, the challenge, the need and the pain. Come from a mindset of serving and helping people, not selling them. Be real, sincere and authentic. See the difference in your results.
QUOTES
“There are never any traffic jams on the extra mile, the road is always clear:” Charles M. Marcus
“I find it fascinating that most people plan their vacations with better care than their lives. Perhaps that is because escape is easier than change” Jim Rohn
”Success…..seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving; they make mistakes, but they don’t quit.” Conrad Hilton
RECOMMENDED READING
Sales Gurus Speak Out by Kathy Glover Scott and Adele Alfano
Fifteen top sales experts share their insights, wisdom and expertise on being successful in sales. This book is a no-brainer for anybody in the sales and business world. There is wonderful common sense information and different approaches from 15 experts, that will help you grow your business and your sales in so many ways. This book is incredible value and you will come back to it time and time again. It possesses a gold mine of information.
Why Should They Do Business With YOU? By Laurel R. Simmons and Daniel Saintjean
This terrific new e-book from two very smart and wise business authors and experts will teach you LOTS. If you want to get ahead in business, be successful, and cut your learning curve by half, do yourself a favor and make the investment in this e-book now. As a special bonus to EIG subscribers please follow the link before to order and to receive some incredible and very generous free bonus gifts on specific dates when ordering this e-book.
For Nov 16-17 = http://www.thebizzboosters.com/specialoffer1617.html
For Nov 21-22 = http://www.thebizzboosters.com/specialoffer2122.html
Franklin Rides a Bike by Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark
Any of you out there who have seen one of my keynote presentations will know all about Franklin Rides a Bike. This is the children’s book that I refer to in my presentations, tongue and cheek for life lessons. The mums and dads out there will know all about the wisdom of Franklin Rides a Bike and in fact I am a big fan along with my wife of all the Franklin collection. So many people out there have asked me for more information about it, so hear you have it, read it to your kids, grandkids, nieces or nephews or just read it by yourself. The wisdom and lessons are there for all to see.
Copyright
Permission is granted to reproduce this newsletter in whole or in part provided the following byline below appears along with the article and that a copy is sent to me after publication. Thank you: To check previous issues for publication, please go to www.cmarcus.com and click on articles/newsletters.
Charles Marcus is an international motivational speaker. To subscribe to his FREE success newsletter, please send an email to subscribe@cmarcus.com. An electronic copy will be sent out to you every month. For more information on how Charles, his book and his programs can benefit your organization or group, please call 905-847-2323. Toll-Free in North America at 1-800-837-0629, or visit his website: www.cmarcus.com