I’ve known this for a while, but I’ve never wanted to admit it. However, today is the day I come clean. My dad wasn’t as dumb as I thought he was when I was growing up. When I purchased my first car at 16, it was my dad’s idea that I should get a car with some size because the chances were good that I would be in an accident and I needed a car with some protection. I wanted something small and sporty, but dad won the argument and the result was a two-tone brown 1982 Buick Regal which saved my life when I was hit head-on by a drunk driver. The car was ugly, but dad was right.
When I was a youngster, my dad would remind me every winter NOT to sled ride head first. It was more daring to go head first down the hill, through the trees, and over the ramps, so I always did it my way even though it had been pounded into my head that, sooner or later, I was going to run into a tree and that I shouldn’t test fate. Well, one cold winter afternoon fate won when I was going too fast and couldn’t steer away from a big tree that I swear jumped in front of me. With a bloodied and bruised face, my buddies helped me home. I was fortunate not to break anything, but dad was right.
I now understand that my dad was taking his past successes and past failures and passing that knowledge on to me. Unfortunately, when you are young you think you know everything and you need to learn the hard way.
That brings me to you and your business. Are you taking advantage of the past successes and failures of people in your industry? I believe that SUCCESS LEAVES CLUES. Over the course of history, there have been hundreds and maybe thousands of people who have done, or are currently doing, what you do. Some have failed, some have succeeded, and some have become great. But no matter THEIR outcome, you can learn something from it to help YOU today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
Who are the big success stories in your industry?
What did they do that made them successful?
Who are the biggest failures in your industry?
What did they do wrong?
If you can’t name at least one success or one failure for your profession, there is a good chance you are missing out on a golden opportunity to learn something that could help lead you to greater success. If you ignore these learning opportunities, you run the risk of running face first into a tree. Trust me, I know!
Doug Smith is a Senior Account Executive for WREW Rewind 94.9 and www.cincysavers.com in Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky. You can contact Doug at (513) 535-9123 or dosmith@hubbardinteractive.com
