22 Feb 2008 03:51:47 | Joe Vitale
Today I received a long letter from a man who created a new
self-defense system. He claims he can defeat anyone in under 3
minutes. He wants me to promote him and his method. He went on
to say he'd be happy to meet with me to prove his skills. What
did he have in mind? He wants to beat me up. I'm serious. "If I
can defeat you within 3 minutes," he said in his letter, "then
you promise to promote me and my products. Deal?" He went on to
give me the contact information for his agent so I could set up
the match. It might have made an interesting webcast. I can just
see the headline:
"51-year-old formerly obese Internet Marketing Expert meets
30-year-old Superman-fit Martial Arts Expert in Quick-Kill
Match. Register now."
Gee, I wonder who would win? I'd lose even if I went armed. What
would you have done? How would you have responded to his offer?
Unless you're a fighter looking for a match, you'd probably toss
this offer in the trash. I often wonder what people are
thinking. Does this guy really think I'll fight him? And then,
if I lose, I'll gladly smile and start marketing him? I don't
claim to be a fighter and am not seeking bouts. I'm also not
seeking new clients. Especially clients who want to break my
nose to prove they are better than me. When you reach out to
anyone, keep in mind that no one likes to be told they are
inferior. It is not a good way to win friends and influence
people. In fact, it's not a good way to do much of anything.
I think the lesson here is that we all have egos. The better way
to approach people is to put your ego under theirs. In other
words, be willing to lower your status. Don't flaunt your stuff.
Instead, show your weakness and ask for help. This nervy fighter
might have done better by offering to teach me his new method,
not offering to embarrass me with it. This works in your
marketing, too.
Rather than boast that you or your business is the greatest,
focus on how you or your business can make your customer or
client the greatest.
See the difference?
This redirection of focus can trigger a true transformation in
your sales.
Take heed.
See you in the ring.
About Author :
Dr. Joe Vitale is the author of way too many books to list here.
His latest title is "The Attractor Factor: 5 Easy Steps for
Creating Wealth (or anything else) From the Inside Out."
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