Doesn’t that headline sound much better than “A Penny for Your Thoughts?” I would have to say too many business professionals are looking for “penny” ideas instead of seeking out ideas that can have a real impact on their business.
I can remember when I was a kid (I’m not that old so isn’t wasn’t that long ago) they had penny candies and penny gumball machines. Those times are long gone. That is when a penny had some value.
Today, we should be looking for the “Five Hundred Dollar” idea. There is a reason so many businesses fall by the wayside when we go through tough times like we have for the past few years.
People are too busy worried about the little things that have nothing to do with their bottom line. Thoughts that make them feel good that they are “busy” and can’t make that next sales call to find the next great opportunity that lies waiting for them.
I say, “Let’s think BIG! If you aren’t interested in that then step aside as there are opportunities to conquer for those of us who are deep in the battle.” There is a lack of “big thinking” out there anymore. We are in this race anyways, why not leave it all on the track. Why not go home with your head held high instead of sulking about the opportunities that didn’t come your way. Opportunities do not just show up. They show up to those who put themselves out there risking life and limb to survive and thrive.
How do you think big you may be asking? How do you take fate into your own hands? The only answer for that, don’t leave your business to chance. Take complete responsibility for your place in this shark infested business world. Let me give you an example…
The trend right now is to tighten the reins on “spending” money on marketing. Many businesses that were showing up in the mail to customers are now switching to email only. Instead of sending out direct mail letters they are sending out postcards. Important requested sales literature is being sent standard mail instead of Fed Ex. Or even worse, marketing is being cut off completely.
To that I say, pfui! You should go the exact opposite way. Go as far in the opposite direction as your competition is so you stand out 500x’s more.
When you meet a “hot” prospect don’t just send them an email thank you. Send them a handwritten note, followed up by a phone call, followed up by items of value to show your prospect why you deserve the business over the next guy. Send them a white paper, a CD interview of you being touted as the unquestioned expert in your industry, tickets to the next educational-value added seminar you are putting on or a “shock-n-awe” package that shows up in a box that weighs 10 lbs.
Go big! Show him you want it 500x’s more than your competition. Show him you are willing to fight for it. Call on the “big boys” that could land you bigger accounts and more revenue. Be relentless. Be fearless. Leave it all on the table. Make it happen.
If you have the guts to take it to a level unsurpassed by your competition and you want me to critique your ideas on how to do it, send me an email at Kevin@TheKowalkeGroup.com and I will give you my feedback. Let me help you think big so you be one my secret society that wants to make big things happen when the majority thinks nothing can happen but try and survive. Here’s to those of us that want to be true champions.
I will now get off my soapbox and get back to my next big thing! I need to work on my next $500 idea. I’ve gotta get back at it!
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