Do you think it pays to read? I just read an article that may have saved me from making a big blunder…
As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.”
But you’ve got to invest the time to do that, to read books, newsletters (like this one), trade mag’s, to listen to audio programs, watch educational videos during your lunch break, etc.
And these days, who takes the time?
According to Dan Kennedy in a recent edition of the Information Marketing Newsletter, the people who are committed to self-improvement and mastery in their fields are the ones who would seem to need it the least, the ones who are already successful.
Perhaps it’s because they are bucking stronger headwinds.
He goes on to point out that if you are just dealing in information, whether as content in your information products or using information to sell your traditional products and services, you are working with stuff that is becoming more of a commodity every day.
What keeps your customers with you over the long haul, life time ideally as Dan has done and continues to do, is to inspire.
You do that with a strong sense of values that you require “the faithful” to commit to, and to give them recognition for, from you and from the masses when they accomplish great things as a result.
Inspiration is rare and will never be commoditized. Just look at companies like Apple Computer, Tazo, Omaha Steaks. They extract relatively high prices and develop raving, loyal fans that get hives at the thought of going elsewhere.
There are plenty of examples on a smaller scale – think Tony Robbins, Frank Kern, Ryan Deiss, even Brendan what’s-his-name (just kidding Brendan, I know you’re awesome) not to mention older mentors including Earl Nightingale, Zig Ziglar, Jim Rohn, Tom Hopkins.
So at the risk of sounding preachy, I’ll leave you with this, because I believe it’s true – don’t just spit out products and information – deliver inspiration – to those in your care who will listen. Your best customers are hungry for it.
Inspiration – pass it on!
Sincerely,
– Mike Connolly
BTW, speaking of Ryan, here’s a set of seven reports on different split tests he ran and the results – might save you the trouble. Click here to access all seven (free, obviously).