Taking Risks - Don't be a 'me too'!
Wednesday, 05 May 2010 15:28 | 
Written by Vanessa Lanham | 
| 
| 
One of the most powerful pieces ever written on this subject was by Mark Twain, well over 100 years ago – and it still rings as true today as it did then. It starts with this thought-provoking phrase ...
”Whenever you find you are on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect."
And goes on to say…
"The majority in your business, industry or profession are wrong about most – if not all – of their beliefs about how to be successful in that business, industry or profession.
"EVERY population divides roughly into 1%, 4%, 15%, 40% and 40% groups. Many more at the bottom than at the top.
- "Generally, 1% rich
- 4% prosperous
- 15% doing well
- 40% sustaining only mediocrity – in financial terms, heads above water but barely and
- 40% doing poorly
"You may choose to move from one group to another by “moving” your ambition, thinking, acquisition and use of information, initiative, effort. But, regardless of your choices, the fact that the majority of your peers are dead wrong won’t change a whit.
"The first critical decision for upward movement is ALWAYS distrust the majority. It’s not an easy decision to make. It’s even harder to stick to. To see the majority stampeding north and stubbornly turn south. Not easy at all.”
Does he mean that you shouldn’t have a website because everyone else has one? Or that social networking – today’s BIG thing – should be ignored?
In my experience, through a lack of confidence businesses often only aspire to be ‘as good as the rest’ – almost as if they don’t have the self belief to risk to set their own agenda.
According to Mark Twain, being a ‘me too’ means allying yourself to mediocrity; with those who are doing only moderately well or even failing. In order to be part of the 1%, 4% or 15% you have to be prepared to DO something DIFFERENT.
It’s a brave decision, but one that will add energy and purpose to your business, your brand and your marketing.
Leave a comment and share your ideas below >>>
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/hide comments
Show/hide comment form
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
FREE regular marketing ideas newsletter
Sign up now -
Our regular marketing bulletin – 'Energise' - is full of great FREE marketing ideas delivered direct to your desktop. Sign up TODAY!
KEEP UP TO DATE
Subscribe to marketing blog
WHAT PEOPLE SAY...
Thank you so much for involving me in the circle...the best thing I have done for years. You will have a member in me for life!
Keith Thomas, Sightline.
Simply the most proactive and productive morning of the month. Nuggets to turn into actions that will make a difference to my business.
Karen Skidnore, WebTech Club
I was impressed by the passion and delivery of Vanessa when I attended a meeting of the Entrepreneur's Circle. Vanessa pays enormous attention to detail and takes time to make everyone personally welcomed. The Entrepreneurs Circle offers something different with lots of mentoring, coaching and the sharing of experiences with other entrepreneurs and business owners.
Ian Morgan, Regional Director, Business Over Breakfast
Vanessa is as dynamic as ever and the ideal person to lead the Entrepreneur's Circle, spur you into action and help you focus on what is important in your business. Open minded and responsive, Vanessa's marketing background gives her the tools to think outside of the ordinary and challenge convention.
Tim Ostle, Charterhouse Club
Vanessa's enthusiasm plus high energy creates a very positive atmosphere. She is very effective at influencing people to think through their business challenges and options.
Lyn Etherington, Cape Consulting
GET IN TOUCH
CALL: 01483 426577
EMAIL: vanessa@cproject.co.uk
