Standing Out
My friend, Patricia Fripp, built her fortune, first as an owner of salons, and then as a speaker and author, by living the following principle:
“Don’t concentrate on making a lot of money, but rather on becoming the type of person people want to do business with.”
“What!?” you may be asking. “But, Burg, you avowed and unapologetic capitalist; are you saying we shouldn’t focus on making money?” Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying. But only if you want to make a LOT of money.
More confused than ever? Please allow me to ’splain. If you focus on making money, you’ll make a living, and make some money. If, on the other hand, you take Ms. Fripp’s advice and become the type of person people want to do business with, you’ll take your business to an entirely new level.
You’ll consistently build the “know you, like you, trust you” relationships with people who will gladly connect you with those in their network with the understanding that you’ll always do a superb job and make them look good. Because you’ll earn a reputation as a person of principle and character (and competence), you’ll be sought out as special. In a world filled with distrust of salespeople and business people, you’ll stand out from the crowd, and profit and abundance will be the result.
In other words, be good. Both in terms of character and competence. It’s good business and it’s good for business.
Isn`t it wonderful to be able to focus and concentrate on “BEING” rather than “MAKING”?
And then to also benefit from it?
This falls in nicely with everything I have been learning in Buddhism, various Holistic Body-Mind Techniques, and of course, Marketing.
I love it when a plan comes together!
Thank you Bob, and have a wonderful weekend!
Well said, my friend!
How true my friend! I am just amazed by how many businesses start out with this as a core value but as soon as the “Going gets tough” their focus switches to the almighty dollar! Not only do many skimp on client service but they just chop the beans out of employee service (and I’m not referring to employee benefits) and are left scratching their heads wondering why are we off course!
Have a great day Bob!
Joe
I’m not a huge proponent of TV, but do like to zone out sometimes in my down time. I happened upon a show on the USA network called Royal Pains about a doctor, played by Mark Feuerstein, who has been unfairly blackballed from practicing medicine in New York and subsequently starts a personalized medical practice in the Hamptons. Despite being in a tough situation and often tempted with obscene amounts of money, prestige or popularity this Doctor holds fast to his integrity and continues to find continuing success. I think this perfectly exemplifies what you are talking about – doing the right thing for you and other people will build that like you, know you, trust you feeling and will ultimately bring success while not only protecting, but strengthening your own conscience so that when things are not going right you have the strength in reserve to persevere. Thank you Bob for continuing to promote the kind of business practices that are good for the individual, community and country!
Thank you, Osnat, Gail, Joe and Cameron . . . I appreciate all your nice and well-thought-out comments. Much appreciated!!
Bob,
Here’s Fripp as an MTV style rock star…
Video – “Do You Fripp?” NSA PHILADELPHIA http://animoto.com/play/q1QkhNt5IigbL03mvgJiKg
Fripp rocks! You rock! Great points about being good to folks who will in turn be good to you – AND your wallet!
~ D.
Thank you, David. Fripp indeed does rock! And so do you!
Hi Bob,
I had a blast back to the past when I read your post. This might date me a little, I remember when my dad would pull up into a gas station, a pump boy would fill up the car with gas, check the oil and wash all the windows no matter what the elements was like outside. I remember when a hand shack was a good as your word and the agreement was carried through with integrity.
Now days we have to train and remind people how to work with integrity, build relationships be a rock solid person truly caring for others.
My dad went to this one gas station for years. Treat people the way you want to be treated and it will come back to you 110 fold. Dad never paid the cost he always left a tip! (-:
Hi Debby, I remember those gas stations as well (I guess they were actually “service stations” in the true sense of the word). Your Dad sounds like a great guy who definitely rewarded value.
Hello! Good concept, but could this genuinely function?
Yes sir. And does!