Solvitas perambulatorum

Where do you get your best ideas?

Late at night?
Early in the morning?
While sitting on a beach during sunset?

If you’re like me, you do your best thinking while exercising.

Running in the mountains. Swimming at the Y. Walking in the park.

Solvitas perambulatorum, as our Latin friends call it.

“Solving problems in the process of physical exercise.”

I first understood the power of this process during an 8 mile run on a 97-degree afternoon in the summer of 2005.

Maybe it was the heat.
Maybe it was the humidity.
Maybe it was the endorphins pumping through my veins as my ever-expanding mind drifted off to Creative La-La Land.

But by the time I finished my run, I had actually written an entire book!

I stumbled into my car. Grabbed my idea jotter. And as the sweat dripped off my chin and onto the paper, I frantically wrote down three words that would eventually change my business forever: BE THAT GUY.

One year later, the book How to be That Guy was released.

Wow, maybe I should go running more often! I thought.

LESSON LEARNED: working out works.

And here’s why:

According to The Artist’s Way, exercise clears your mind, stabilizes your emotions and levels your perspective.

It contributes to an increased production and release of endorphins. That results in a sense of euphoria that has been popularly labeled as the “runner’s high.”

“The rhythmic, repetitive action transfers the locus of the brain’s energies from the logic to the artist hemisphere. It is there inspiration bubbles up untrammeled by the constraints of logic,” Julia Cameron explains.

Furthermore, pumping rhythmically and repetitively also pumps the well of your creativity.

Working out works.

Even Thomas Jefferson was known for taking two-hour walks every day.

“The sovereign invigorator of the body is exercise,” he claimed, “and a strong body makes the mind strong.”

So, if you want to motivate your melon, consider the follow tips for practicing solvitas perambulatorum:

1. Do it daily. Even a fifteen-minute walk around the block counts. Remember, you’re working out your body AND your brain. There’s ALWAYS time. Get up earlier if you have to.

2. Do it rhythmically. Repetition allows you to get lost in the activity. That’s why running, walking and swimming are among the best choices. Repetition = Rhythm = Focus = Increased Creativity.

3. Do it intentionally. Right before you jump in the pool or hit the track, frame your mind. Start thinking about your present problem or new idea. Say to yourself, “OK brain, we’ve got a half hour to think about this. Let’s get crackin…”

4. Do it musically. Grab your iPod and start blasting some tunes. Consider creating your own playlist specifically for these creative situations. You’ll find that combining your senses expands your creative prowess. Plus, music is a great way to get lost in any activity. Plus, running to the Rocky IV soundtrack makes you feel really, really cool.

5. Do it and write it. If you’re walking, bring a notepad with you. If you’re running or swimming, have the notepad waiting when you’re done. There’s no doubt you’re going to get some great ideas, so you MUST write them down! Because if you don’t write it down, it never happened. And that which goes unrecorded goes unmemorable. REMEMBER: writing is the basis of all wealth.

6. Do it strategically. When should you exercise? When your mind draws a blank. When you’re stuck on a new idea. When you’ve been working on a new project for six straight hours. When you’ve got a long day of creative thinking ahead of you. All of these situations should set off the exercise alarm. (Plus, you can write off your new running shoes as a business expense!)

Ultimately, exercising the body relaxes the mind.

Sure, your muscles might be sore; but your brain will be chillin!

The goal is to make your brain feel like JELL-O. That way, your creative mind will mold into its most innovative, most amiable and most productive state.

Solvitas perambulatorum.

Because working out works.

Stretch your legs and you will stretch your mind.

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
Where do you get your best ideas?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…
Share your best melon motivator here!

* * * *
Scott Ginsberg
That Guy with the Nametag

Download Scott’s new book!
Right here, right now, for FREE, no strings.

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10 different approaches for your 10-second commercial

It’s the most frequently asked question, like, ever.

“So, what do YOU do?”

So many answers, so little time.

THE CHALLENGE: coming up with a memorable, concise and brand-consistent message.

However, there’s no one-way to do it! Let’s explore ten different approaches to answering this question.

1. The Lois Creamer Approach
“I work with (target market) who want to (desired outcome) so they can (benefit).”

EXAMPLE:

“So, what do YOU do?”

“I work with small business owners who want to increase productivity so they can spend more time their families.”

2. The Dick Brusso Approach
“I help (target market) accomplish (desired outcome) through (media through which you help achieve that outcome).”

EXAMPLE:

“So, what do YOU do?”

“I help hotel chains boost their customer service numbers through online training programs.”

3. The John Jantsch Approach
“I (verb) (target market) (benefit).”

EXAMPLE:

“So, what do YOU do?”

“I educate furniture salespeople on closing techniques.”
4. The Gitomer Approach
Just say something funny and confident.

EXAMPLE:

“So, what do YOU do?”

“I’m the greatest valet parker in the world!”

5. The Paul Edwards Approach
(Common Problem) + (Reason Why) + (Positioning Statement)

EXAMPLE:

“So, what do YOU do?”

“You know how marathon runners’ backs always hurt after a long jog? Well, that’s because their vertebrae are out of sync. See, I’m a chiropractor and I help marathon runners get their bones back into shape so they can break their personal running records!”

6. The Joke Approach
Say something unexpected and funny to disarm the situation, then follow-up with a real answer.

EXAMPLE:
“So, what do YOU do?”

“As little as possible!”

(Insert gut-busting laughter here.)

“But seriously, my job is to…”
7.The Steve Hughes Approach
Just pretend you’re talking to a five year old.

EXAMPLE: “So, what do you do?”

“I help grown-ups get better at show and tell!”

8. The Benefit of the Benefit Approach
I make (target market) (benefit of the benefit)

EXAMPLE:

“So, what do YOU do?”

“I make customers breathless.”

9. The Jeff Magee Approach
I do three things…

EXAMPLE:

“So, what do YOU do?”

I do three things: write books, give speeches and conduct teleseminars on how to expand your creativity.

10. The Scott Ginsberg Approach
(“Huh?”) + (Value Statement) + (“Aha!”)

“I wear a nametag 24-7!”

“Huh? Are you serious?”

“Yep! And I write books, speeches and training materials on approachability.”

“Ohhhhh,” she nodded. “I get it. Cool! We should hire you.”

Yes. Yes you should. Here’s my fee schedule 😉

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
What’s your approach to the 10-second commercial?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…
Share your formula here!

* * * *
Scott Ginsberg
That Guy with the Nametag

Download Scott’s new book!
Right here, right now, for FREE, no strings.

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Go to where people are

One of my favorite movies is M. Night Shaymalan’s Unbreakable, staring Bruce Willis.

He plays David Dunn, a mild-mannered security guard who discovers he’s a superhero.

The coolest part of the movie is when he finally comes to terms with his true identity.

“I wasn’t hurt in that car accident,” he admits. “I’ve never been injured.”

“What do I do?”

“Go to where people are,” Samuel Jackson says. “You won’t have to look very long.”

Wow. I get chills every time I watch this scene.

Mainly because Shaymalan is an amazing director.

But also because there’s a powerful marketing lesson to be learned.

Go to where people are.

HERE’S YOUR ASSIGNMENT: Think of yourself as a superhero.

Your expertise is your superpower.

Your branding is your costume.

And there are innocent bystanders (aka, customers) who need saving.

They need you to rescue them.

HERE’S YOUR CHALLENGE: Figure out where your people are.

Your target market.
Your perfect customers.
Your pool of prospects that need you.

Here’s a list of five questions (and five approaches) to help you find the answer:

1. Where do they hang? Maybe there’s a popular bar, club or coffee shop that draws crowds of your people. Perfect! That’s where you need to be spending time.

YOUR APPROACH: Next time you meet with an existing customer, ask him: “Where do you and your colleagues hang out at lunch or after work?”

YOUR GOAL: create such a presence in this hangout that your customers either think you work there, or that you’re one of them!

2. Where do they meet? As a professional speaker, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that there’s an association for EVERYTHING! Especially your target market.

YOUR APPROACH: go online and do a search for “association,” “your city” and “your target market.” For example, if you sell copiers to lawyers in Milwaukee, type “Milwaukee” “attorney” “association.”

YOUR GOAL: Find out where they meet up, and join up!

3. Who (else) do they see? OK, let’s say you’re a massage therapist who specializes in athletes over 50. Ask yourself, “What other doctors or health professionals do they see?” After all, those are the exact people who will recommend your services!

YOUR APPROACH: consider writing articles, white papers or even books on your area of expertise and giving them away for free. Great way to deliver value.

YOUR GOAL: to develop mutually valuable relationships with these “other people” your customers also see.

4. Who else serves them? You’re not the only person who serves the people you serve. Now, this isn’t about competition; this is about complimenting. For example, when you go to the store to buy a bag of Tostitos for the Superbowl, what else might you buy? Salsa? Beer? Nacho cheese? Right. All of these items are complimentary products.

YOUR APPROACH: ask your customers “WHAT else you buying?” and “WHOM else are you buying from?”

YOUR GOAL: make sure these complimentary salespeople know who you are; and vice versa.

5. Where do they grow? Let’s say your target customers are independent hairstylists in Chicago. Ask yourself, “Where do they study, train and grow?” Research every beauty school, hair styling college and fashion organization in the city! They key is to start early. Do what McDonald’s does: get ‘em while they’re young.

YOUR APPROACH: ask if you can be a guest lecturer. Position yourself as an expert from The Real World who seeks to educate these up-and-comers. Tell them what to expect when they graduate.

YOUR GOAL: to build relationships with the faculty, and more importantly, the students. And eventually when your customers are old enough to be on their own, they’ll perceive you as an expert, a friend and a resource.

CHALLENGE: this week, take time to ask yourself these five questions.

And remember that you truly ARE a superhero.

You have the power to deliver value and save the day!

But ONLY if you go to where people are.

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
Do you know where to find your pool of customers?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…
Practice these five approaches and let me know what happens!

* * * *
Scott Ginsberg
That Guy with the Nametag

Download Scott’s new book!
Right here, right now, for FREE, no strings.

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Do as I say (AND) as I do

Next time someone says to you, “Do as I say, not as I do…”

A red flag should go up.

Think about it.

This person is willfully admitting that his words and actions are not consistent.

Which represents a deficiency in character.

My mentor Bill Jenkins always reminded me, “Character is the degree to which your words and actions are congruent.”

Yes! Yes! Yes! 100%

Also, William Shakespeare once said that action is eloquence.

Absolutely! Totally! You bet! Possibly the three most brilliant words ever uttered.

So, in light of what Bill #1 and Bill #2 said, here are two additional points to ponder:

1. People don’t give you credit for what they HEAR you SAY consistently. They only give you credit for what they SEE you DO consistently.

2. Practice orthopraxy, not orthodoxy. It’s the difference between the correct ACTIONS and the correct BELIEFS. In short: practices, not principles. So, instead of practicing what you preach, preaching what you practice. It’s more authentic, more believable, more persuasive, more approachable and more eloquent.

Ultimately, your challenge is to develop the consistency and character to be able to say the following sentence…

“Do as I say (AND) as I do.”

Because when you’re consistent with your words and actions, those two things will become one in the same.

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
Are you telling people to do as you SAY or do as you DO?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…
Keep a running log of how many times people say this sentence. Then ask yourself how it makes you feel. Then ask yourself if you’d want others to feel that way about you.

* * * *
Scott Ginsberg
That Guy with the Nametag

Download Scott’s new book!
Right here, right now, for FREE, no strings.

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Be child-LIKE, not child-ISH

Everyone loves kids.

Because kids are fun and creative and positive and playful.

Which makes them approachable.

And what’s cool is, any time an adult comes in contact with a kid, those attributes transfer. Even the biggest, toughest, most polished executive will stop in their tracks, bend down and say, “Where’s your nose? I got your nose!”

So, if children are approachable (and as a result, everyone loves being around them) doesn’t it just make sense to act the same way?

Not so fast, kiddo.

THE CHALLENGE: maintain a balance between being childish and childlike.

See, child-ISH means, “juvenile, immature, irresponsible and foolish.”

But child-LIKE means “innocent, pure, candid and simple.”

(Not to mention fun, creative and super happy!)

If you want to boost your approachability TODAY, consider these two ideas for becoming more childlike:

1. Observe. It’s amazing to just sit back at marvel at the creativity, positivity and simplicity of kids. Not to mention learn a few lessons on the way!

TRY THIS: once a month, spend at least thirty minutes hanging around a group of kids. From birthday parties to classrooms to kickball fields, take the opportunity to surround yourself with them. Oh, and make sure to bring a little notepad with you too. Jot down the Top Ten Business Lessons you learned while observing the group. Then email those to your customers the next day.

2. Celebrate. Kids love to make a big deal out of little things. For example, imagine you’re in fourth grade. It’s Wednesday and the cafeteria has tater tots. What would you say to your friends? Probably something like, “Sweet!” or “Woo hoo!” or “Yessssss!”

NOTE: you’re not too old to say stuff like that! Those expressions are perfect ways to express excitement and positivity, even in the most mundane situations. And they’re attractive to other people. So, next time you make a sale, receive an exciting email or accomplish one of your goals, celebrate! Exclaim, “I did it!” “I’m the man!” “Yesssss!” Everyone in the room will smile. Including you.

ONE FINAL NOTE: the last reason acting child-LIKE (not child-ISH) is so approachable is because it’s contagious.

One person’s playful spirit brings out the same in another. So, by acting child-LIKE, you subconsciously give other people PERMISSION to the same.

I challenge you to start becoming more childlike today. Remember to observe AND celebrate, and you’ll be one step closer to getting them to come to you.

Come on. Do it for the kids.

(For more was to escape adulthood, ask my friends Jason and Kim. They’re the experts!)

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
Are you child-LIKE or child-ISH?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…
Share your two best kiddy-attributes here!

* * * *
Scott Ginsberg
That Guy with the Nametag

Download Scott’s new book!
Right here, right now, for FREE, no strings.

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9 Ways to Create Strategic Serendipity

It’s not luck.
It’s not chance.
It’s not accidental.

It’s not even serendipity. (Not completely, that is.)

“Strategic” Serendipity means attending an event, conference or other networking-rich venue with an attitude of expectation.

That something great is going to happen.

That opportunity is going fall right into your lap.

That you’re going to meet that one person who changes everything.

Here are 8 keys to practicing Strategic Serendipity:

1. Detach from outcomes. Sure, you have goals. Maybe to sell. Maybe to get in front of the right buyers. However, also try to focus less on the outcome and more on the big picture. Free yourself from agendas. Develop a no-entitlement attitude. And focus on having fun, delivering value and creating a memorable (er, unforgettable) presence.

2. Prepare yourself mentally. Before walking in the front door, spend 15 minutes affirming to yourself, “Today is going to be a great day! I’m going to meet cool people and give them value. Opportunities are going to come my way. I will attract success.”

3. Come prepared. Have every marketing material, business card and any other part of your networking arsenal easily accessible. Wear army pants and bring a backpack if you have to! Expectation attracts; but only if it’s supported with action.

4. Grow bigger ears. Listen to what the world is trying to tell you. Be on the lookout for people, situations and locations that seem to be begging you to approach them. Especially the unusual, unexpected ones.

For example, I once walked by massage booth at conference. The massage therapist saw my nametag and said, “Scott, would you like a massage?” I thought about it for a moment, said yes, sat down and enjoyed my massage. A few minutes later when I rose out of my chair, the woman who was next to me in line turned out to be a reporter for a major newspaper. We struck up a conversation that ended in a 30-minute interview and a 2-page article!

LESSON LEARNED: say yes more.

5. Evaluate your surroundings. If you’re attending an event, conference or trade show, be prudent about geography. Ask yourself the following questions:

a. Where will I be the most visible?
b. What landmark are people constantly walking by?
c. Where are people most likely to engage with me?
d. Who can I meet that is likely to tell his friends about me?
e. Who else is this room could be that ONE guy that changes everything?

6. Stick yourself out there. Don’t plan so darn much. Just show up and be prepared to let new people and situations unfold by themselves. Put out your raft and ride the current. It will take you where you’re supposed to go.

7. Extend every encounter. When talking with someone new, ask if they’d like to continue the conversation over lunch or coffee. Keep the interaction alive. The longer you spend with someone, the more likely you are to discover how you can help each other. Also, find out if there are other events, happy hour or post-conference parties you could attend together.

8. Make your memory happy. After you meet someone, WRITE DOWN (either on their business card or elsewhere) the following things:

a. What she looked like
b. What you talked about
c. A few bits of personal info you can bring up next time you talk
d. How you can help each other
e. What your CPI (Common Point of Interest) is

9. Follow up. Use the information gathered from the previous example in your second approach. Prove your listening skills. Then, deliver something valuable like a link, recommendation or article.

HERE’S THE CHALLENGE: with Strategic Serendipity, you won’t always know when it worked.

Defining the ROI of something like this is tough.

But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work.

JUST KNOW THIS: when you develop an attitude of expectation, prepare yourself mentally AND physically, and when you stick yourself out there, they WILL come to you.

“They,” meaning people.
“They,” meaning opportunities.
“They,” meaning new business.

Because it’s not chance. It’s not luck. And it’s not accidental.

It’s Strategic Serendipity.

And it works.

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
How do you create serendipity?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…
Share your best story here (and lessons learned) here!

* * * *
Scott Ginsberg
That Guy with the Nametag

Download Scott’s new book!
Right here, right now, for FREE, no strings.

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19 ways to become the ONE person at the conference everyone remembers

(To watch a video of The Giant Nametag, click here!)

Just got back from my first ever BEA experience.

Here’s what I learned:

1. Attitude. In a sea of thousands of people all trying to get noticed, you have NO choice but to be unforgettable and remarkable. So you better begin with the attitude of approachability. That you’re going to stick yourself out there.

2. Detach from outcomes. Sure, you have goals. Maybe to sell. Maybe to get in front of the right buyers. However, also try to focus less on the outcome and more on the big picture. Free yourself from agendas. Develop a no-entitlement attitude. And focus on having fun, delivering value and creating a memorable (er, unforgettable) presence. Because sometimes, when you care the least; you do the best.

3. Go beyond free. Every booth, vendor, exhibitor and company is going to give something away for free. So, before you attend the show, brainstorm a list of the Top 50 Most Common (and Annoying) Free Giveaways. Don’t do any of them. Instead, pick something cool, remarkable and consistent with your brand that people will actually KEEP. Otherwise, you may as well just tell the attendees, “Here, YOU throw this away!”

4. But don’t go overboard on free. You don’t have to give away something for free to EVERYBODY. If they don’t want it, don’t force it. REMEMBER: approachability is a two-way street. Consider offering a free item that’s so good, people actually come up to YOU and say, “Ooh! Can I have one of those?”

5. Smile. The whole damn time.

6. Wave.To every single person.
7. Use disarming approaches. Six words: “Hi, I don’t know anybody here!”
8. Practice strategic serendipity. Say yes a LOT more. Spend time with people in areas and around things you wouldn’t normally approach. Break your patterns.
9. Don’t pick and choose. Talk to everybody. Even your non-buyers and customers. Even the food service people. Even the janitors. Even the information booth guy. Even the conference planners. Especially the conference planners. Because you never know. And consistency is far better than rare moments of greatness.
10. Dress it up. If you can find some sort of costume that’s consistent with your brand, do it. I wear a giant nametag to my conferences. Nobody misses me. Does your appearance stand out or blend in?

11. Achieve The HVA. Which stands for 1) “Huh?” 2) Value and 3) “Aha!” Attract people to yourself (or booth) with curiosity. Spark their interest. Then deliver your value statement. Then get them to say, “Ah! I get it! That’s cool…”

12. Speaking of curiosity. Do something that encourages strangers to approach you and say, “So, what’s the story behind that?”

13. Strike the match. Do something that make people say, “Dude, did you see that guy who…” Generate inner-conference buzz.

14. Make music, not noise. Everyone else at your conference is going to be making NOISE. With their annoying, boring promo materials and free toys that nobody wants or cares about. You need to make MUSIC by getting people to smile, laugh, say hello, start talking, have fun and deliver remarkable value.
15. Interact; don’t interrupt. Everyone else at your conference is going to be INTERRUPTING the other attendees. Take this! See this! Have a free cookie! They say. Instead, consider INTERACTING, not interrupting people. Making friends. Strike up conversations. Talk about business later. Lead with your person; follow with your profession. Open your conversations with topics OTHER than business, sales, the weather, traffic and the like.
16. Just chill. Stressed and hurried are not approachable adjectives. Separate yourself from other attendees by not appearing overly needy and desperate for business. After all, it’s hard to sell with your tongue hanging out! Just chill. Relax.
17. Attract attention. Notice it says “attract,” and not “draw.” Major difference. Your job is to be remarkable and cool and fun and valuable. If so, people that see you will follow these six steps:

a. Smile and point at you.
b. Nod in agreement.
c. Think or say, “Nice!” or “That’s cool!”
d. Grab their friend’s shirt and say, “Jimmy, you’ve got to check out this guy over here…”
e. Approach you.
f. Tell everyone about you.18. Find the cameras. Photographers, press folks and bloggers LOVE to capture images and videos of cool, fun, remarkable stuff. They also like to share those images in their publications and on the web. So, ask yourself the following three questions:

a. Are you worth videotaping?
b. Are you worth taking a picture of?
c. Are you worth blogging about the next morning?
19. Be a rock star. Do things to enhance your celebrity status. Bring a friend to follow YOU around with a camera all day. Give a speech. Hold a pre or post event party.

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
How do YOU become unforgettable at conferences?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…
Share your strategies here!

* * * *
Scott Ginsberg
That Guy with the Nametag

Download Scott’s new book!
Right here, right now, for FREE, no strings.

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Action is eloquence

Shakespeare once said, “Action is eloquence.”

Wow. Consider the sheer magnitude of those three words.

Action is eloquence.

Brings to mind a few thoughts:

1. Having a great, positive attitude doesn’t do you any good if you don’t follow UP, and follow THROUGH with action.

2. Goals without actions are just dreams. (Not sure who gets credit for that line, but it’s true.)

3. People don’t give you credit for what they HEAR you SAY consistently. They only give you credit for what they SEE you DO consistently.

4. Luck isn’t accidental. You create it and attract it with your actions combined with your attitude.

5. Practice orthopraxy, not orthodoxy. It’s the difference between the correct ACTIONS and the correct BELIEFS. In short: practices, not principles. So, instead of practicing what you preach, preaching what you practice. It’s more authentic, more believable, more persuasive, more approachable and more eloquent.

6. DO things first; don’t SAY things first. So, do something first, THEN tell people about it. THEN tell people what you learned. THEN encourage them to do the same. Lead with actions, not words.

Action is eloquence.

Well said, Bill.

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
What’s your favorite Shakespeare quotation?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…
Post it here!

* * * *
Scott Ginsberg
That Guy with the Nametag

Download Scott’s new book!
Right here, right now, for FREE, no strings.

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The Nametag Guy is featured in the premiere issue of Escaping Adulthood!

Growing up?

Ha!
Once a kid, always a kid.

And my friends Kim and Jason agree. They’re two of the coolest, most creative and folks I know.

That’s why I’m proud to be featured in their brand-spankin’ new publication, Escape Adulthood.

Download a PDF of the issue here.

They even included a picture from when I was seven years old! Try not to laugh too hard…

LET ME ASK YA THIS…
What’s your favorite childlike quality … to practice as an adult?

LET ME SUGGEST THIS…
Share them here!

* * * *
Scott Ginsberg
That Guy with the Nametag

Download Scott’s new book!
Right here, right now, for FREE, no strings.

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What’s in YOUR wallet?

It’s rare to have an epiphany while standing in the middle of Hooters.

But I guess there’s a first time for everything.

“Look around this bar,” my friend Matt urged, “and tell me what you see.”

“Um … hooters. I see hooters,” I said.

“Alright, wise-guy. Now tell me what you REALLY see,” he joked.

“Well, I see lots of businesspeople.”

“OK. Good,” he said. “Now. Do you know what all these businesspeople have in common?”

“No idea.”

“Here. Let me show you something,” he said as he pulled out his wallet.

Matt unfolded a well-worn piece of paper. Both sides were covered in text.

“These are my goals,” he proudly stated.

“What, like, ALL of them?”

“Yes. Every one of them. Over 100, too: short term, long term, personal, business, relationship, you name it!”

“Wow. THAT is cool,” I nodded. “And I see you’ve dated and quantified each goal too. Nice work.”

“Thanks,” Matt smiled. “Now, do you know why I showed this to you?”

I leaned forward.

“Because statistically, about three percent of all businesspeople actually write their goals down. And less than one percent actually carry their goals with them at all times.”

“Which means, at this very Hooters, at this very moment, I guarantee you that I’m the ONLY person in the room who has his goals written down AND stored in his wallet.”

A chill ran down my spine.

“That’s what all these people have in common. They just don’t get it.”

Matt changed me on that day.

The way I think about goals.
The way I think about self-motivation.
The way I think about personal success.

When I got home that night, I sat down until 1 AM typing out every one of my personal and professional goals on a single piece of paper.

When the printer finished up, I grabbed my goal sheet and took one last look at it.

And I felt excited. Confident. Motivated.

Then I folded it up, stuck it in my wallet and committed to looking at it once a day, every day, until every goal was accomplished.

– –

I dare you.

I double dare you.

No, I TRIPLE DOG DARE YOU … to do this exercise.

Because it won’t just change the way you look at goals.

It will change the way you walk into a room.

Because even when you’re feeling down … even when you’re feeling unsuccessful … and even when you think business sucks

… all you’ll have to do is pull that little piece of paper out of your wallet, take one look around, and think to yourself, “You know what? I’m probably the ONLY person in the room who has one of these.”

Subscribe

Month: June 2007

Solvitas perambulatorum

10 different approaches for your 10-second commercial

Go to where people are

Do as I say (AND) as I do

Be child-LIKE, not child-ISH

9 Ways to Create Strategic Serendipity

19 ways to become the ONE person at the conference everyone remembers

Action is eloquence

The Nametag Guy is featured in the premiere issue of Escaping Adulthood!

What’s in YOUR wallet?