This is a repost of an earlier blog that has been one of our most read articles. We have had so many new subscribers, that we wanted to put it front and center. As we get into our end of year planning, goal setting, and visioning for the future, keep this in mind!
If you want to listen to the podcast version of this, CLICK HERE
When I say the word “it”, what does it make you think about? It is a simple word, carrying very little emotional meaning, am I right?
Now, what happens if I use it with other words like; Cujo, Misery, and Carrie. Now “It” evokes horror, fear, and disturbing images of clowns!
Stephen King is the author of those and almost 100 other novels. He is a prolific writer, and not many will argue, one of the best of our time. I recently read that he often goes to writers' conferences, sits on panels, and answers questions from aspiring writers. He is trying to give back to the industry that has been so good to him.
During one conference, Mr. King was sitting as a panel member, and was asked the following question:
“What type of pencil do you use?”
Yes I am serious. An ambitious, future novelist, asked this question. Was he thinking that if he could only use the same type of tool that the great Stephen King used, he could also write great books?
Before we are too critical of this poor fella let’s do a check-up from our neck up, and ask:
How many of you are chasing success by trying to copy what someone else is using or doing? Full transparency here, I have! Everywhere we look, we see advertisements offering secrets, systems, experts of this and that. As entrepreneurs, sometimes we are just looking for that magic bullet.
“Pay $497 now, and only $19.99 per month, and I’ll tell you how I made a gazillion dollars.”
Maybe you are in real estate and someone is selling a secret tool or system that will show you step by step how they earned to $10 Million in listings a year! Realtors, writers, developers, speakers, there is no discrimination here. There are snake-oil salespeople in every industry. You have to be careful before you buy that next pencil.
If Stephen King were to claim that the only way he could write a novel, was with a Ticonderoga #2 Yellow Pencil … Ticonderoga sales would go through the roof.
I agree that having the proper tools to complete your job is necessary. However, I could write this blog with an IBM Selectric typewriter or a $6,000 computer and it won’t change the content. Those that have found success in whatever they do have the exact same formula that you should be using. The formula isn’t much of a secret. It is something it works on nearly every product or service, and in pretty much any type of economy.
Sales come to those that have something someone needed when they needed it. They offered value, a solution to a problem, a service that was missing. Success comes when you rinse and repeat.
Before you buy this better mouse trap, ask yourself some key questions about your business.
Do I have a product that others need?
Does my product or service solve a problem?
Do the prospects know they have this problem?
Do they know I have a solution?
Is there value in my solution?
I do agree that in today's competitive environment if you want to; be more, have more, and do more, you may need your secret sauce. Until that happens though, focus on what makes your product or service better, creates higher demand, or develops a competitive advantage. Look at ways to make your business more productive or efficient. Look at the long view. Stop looking for quick fixes, and silver bullets.
What to do?
Your customers will do business with you because they know, like, and trust you. Your product will sell if it solves a problem. If this pencil you are looking at investing in helps you answer any of the above questions it might be a good investment.
Focus on building your business in a way that works for you. Someone else’s 4-hour workweek or Ticonderoga #2 pencil, may not be the answer.
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At the Kole Performance Group, we don’t offer you immediate success. We tell you up front that we are going to work hard today for a better tomorrow.
If you are looking for ways to improve in 2023 and beyond, have you thought about joining a peer advisory group? Some call this masterminding, and there are dozens of other names. The Kole Performance Group is now partnered with Vistage Michigan. We are developing a group of CEO’s, Presidents, and Leaders now. If you are interested, and want to learn more, let’s schedule a 15-20 minute meetup! Just CLICK HERE and our calendar will pop up!
This is what our members say about Vistage! Members stay on an average of 5+ years, and they claim the following benefits:
Make better decisions
Gain deeper insight to opportunities
Get more solutions to any problem
Get better business results
No longer isolated
Become better leaders
Have better relationships
Improve the quality of life and work
Connect with us to learn more!