EVERY SUCCESS STORY IS ALSO A STORY OF GREAT FAILURE

Failure is the highway to success. Tom Watson Sr. said, "If you want to succeed, double your failure rate." If you study history, you will find that all stories of success are also stories of great failures. But people don't see the failures. They only see one side of the picture and they say that person got lucky: "He must have been at the right place at the right time."

There was a man who failed in business at the age of 21 ; was defeated in a legislative race at age 22; failed again in business at age 24; overcame the death of his sweetheart at age 26; had a nervous breakdown at age 27; lost a congressional race at age 34; lost a senatorial race at age 45; failed in an effort to become vice-president at age 47; lost a senatorial race at age 49; and was elected president of the United States at age 52.

This man was Abraham Lincoln.
Would you call him a failure? He could have quit. But to Lincoln, defeat was a detour and not a dead end.


In 1913, Lee De Forest, inventor of the triodes tube, was charged by the district attorney for using fraudulent means to mislead the public into buying stocks of his company by claiming that he could transmit the human voice across the Atlantic. He was publicly humiliated. Can you imagine where we would be without his invention?


A New York Times editorial on December 10, 1903, questioned the wisdom of the Wright Brothers who were trying to invent a machine, heavier than air, that would fly. One week later, at Kitty Hawk, the Wright Brothers took their famous flight.

Colonel Sanders, at age 65, with a beat-up car and a $100 check from Social Security, realized he had to do something. He remembered his mother's recipe and went out selling. How many doors did he have to knock on before he got his first order? It is estimated that he had knocked on more than a thousand doors before he got his first order. How many of us quit after three tries, ten tries, a hundred tries, and then we say we tried as hard as we could?


As a young cartoonist, Walt Disney faced many rejections from newspaper editors, who said he had no talent. One day a minister at a church hired him to draw some cartoons. Disney was working out of a small mouse infested shed near the church. After seeing a small mouse, he was inspired. That was the start of Mickey Mouse.


Successful people don't do great things, they only do small things in a great way.


One day a partially deaf four year old kid came home with a note in his pocket from his teacher, "Your Tommy is too stupid to learn, get him out of the school." His mother read the note and answered, "My Tommy is not stupid to learn, I will teach him myself." And that Tommy grew up to be the great Thomas Edison. Thomas Edison had only three months of formal schooling and he was partially deaf.


Henry Ford forgot to put the reverse gear in the first car he made.


Do you consider these people failures? They succeeded in spite of problems, not in the absence of them. But to the outside world, it appears as though they just got lucky.


All success stories are stories of great failures. The only difference is that every time they failed, they bounced back. This is called failing forward, rather than backward. You learn and move forward. Learn from your failure and keep moving.


Below are more examples of the failures of successful people:

1. Thomas Edison failed approximately 10,000 times while he was working on the light bulb.

2. Henry Ford was broke at the age of 40.

3. Lee Iacocca was fired by Henry Ford II at the age of 54.

4. Young Beethoven was told that he had no talent for music, but he gave some of the best music to the world.

Bill Porter inspiring story

Bill Porter is likely the most intriguing sales person you’ve never heard of.

Bill Porter started with the Watkins Company in 1955 selling their products door to door. For those of you that haven’t heard of Watkins, they have been selling natural home and health care products since the late 1800′s. Their roots are as a direct sales organization with reps selling and distributing product door to door.

Bill Porter has cerebral palsy and the story of Bill Porter is one of perseverance.

Bill persuaded a Watkins manager in 1955 to give him their worst route, a 10 mile stretch in Portland, in order to prove himself. At first he struggled to connect with the homeowners on his route but Bill persevered and over the course of 4 decades built amazing relationships with his`clients. He was named Watkins salesperson of the year in 1989 and knocked doors on his route until 1997.

In 2002 TNT released a made for TV movie called Door to Door based on Bill Porter’s life. William H Macy plays Bill and does an amazing job. If your expecting the Boiler Room or Glengarry Glen Ross you’ll be disappointed. If you are interested in an inspiring story about a sales person that overcame huge odds to produce great results, make the effort to track this movie down.

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE REMEMBERED?

About a hundred years ago, a man looked at the morning newspaper and to his surprise and horror, read his name in the obituary column. The news papers had reported the death of the wrong person by mistake. His first response was shock. Am I here or there? When he regained his composure, his second thought was to find out what people had said about him. The obituary read, "Dynamite King Dies." And also "He was the merchant of death." This man was the inventor of dynamite and when he read the words "merchant of death," he asked himself a question, "Is this how I am going to be remembered?" He got in touch with his feelings and decided that this was not the way he wanted to be remembered. From that day on, he started working toward peace. His name was Alfred Nobel and he is remembered today by the great Nobel Prize.

Just as Alfred Nobel got in touch with his feelings and redefined his values, we should step back and do the same.

What is your legacy?

How would you like to be remembered?

Will you be spoken well of?

Will you be remembered with love and respect?

Will you be missed?

Seven Rules of Motivation

Seven Rules of Motivation

#1 Set a major goal, but follow a path. The path has mini goals that go in many directions. When you learn to succeed at mini goals, you will be motivated to challenge grand goals. #2 Finish what you start. A half finished project is of no use to anyone. Quitting is a habit. Develop the habit of finishing self-motivated projects. #3 Socialize with others of similar interest. Mutual support is motivating. We will develop the attitudes of our five best friends. If they are losers, we will be a loser. If they are winners, we will be a winner. To be a cowboy we must associate with cowboys. #4 Learn how to learn. Dependency on others for knowledge supports the habit of procrastination. Man has the ability to learn without instructors. In fact, when we learn the art of self-education we will find, if not create, opportunity to find success beyond our wildest dreams. #5 Harmonize natural talent with interest that motivates. Natural talent creates motivation, motivation creates persistence and persistence gets the job done. #6 Increase knowledge of subjects that inspires. The more we know about a subject, the more we want to learn about it. A self-propelled upward spiral develops. #7 Take risk. Failure and bouncing back are elements of motivation. Failure is a learning tool. No one has ever succeeded at anything worthwhile without a string of failures.

The Easier Way May Actually Be the Tougher Way

Once there was a lark singing in the forest. The lark stopped him and asked, "What do you have in the box and where are you going?" The farmer replied that he had worms and that he was going to the market to trade them for some feathers. The lark said, "I have many feathers. I will pluck one and give it to you and that will save me looking for worms." The farmer gave the worms to the lark and the lark plucked a feather and gave it in return. The next day the same thing happened and the day after and on and on until a day came that the lark had no more feathers. Now it couldn't fly and hunt for worms. It started looking ugly and stopped singing and very soon it died.

SOME PEOPLE ALWAYS LOOK FOR THE NEGATIVE

There was a hunter who bought a bird dog, the only one of its kind in the world. That could walk on water . He couldn't believe his eyes when he saw this miracle. At the same time, he was very pleased that he could show off his new acquisition to his friends. He invited a friend to go duck hunting. After some time, they shot a few ducks and the man ordered his dog to run and fetch the birds. All day-long, the dog ran on water and kept fetching the birds. The owner was expecting a comment or a compliment about his amazing dog, but never got one. As they were returning home, he asked his friend if he had noticed anything unusual about his dog. The friend replied, "Yes, in fact, I did notice something unusual. Your dog can't swim."

Some people always look at the negative side.

Acres of Diamond

There was a farmer in Africa who was happy and content. He was happy because he was content. He was content because he was happy. One day a wise man came to him and told him about the glory of diamonds and the power that goes along with them. The wise man said, "If you had a diamond the size of your thumb, you could have your own city. If you had a diamond the size of your fist, you could probably own your own country." And then he went away. That night the farmer couldn't sleep. He was unhappy and he was discontent. He was unhappy because he was discontent and discontent because he was unhappy. The next morning he made arrangements to sell off his farm, took care of his family and went in search of diamonds. He looked all over Africa and couldn't find any. He looked all through Europe and couldn't find any. When he got to Spain, he was emotionally, physically and financially broke. He got so disheartened that he threw himself into the Barcelona River and committed suicide. Back home, the person who had bought his farm was watering the camels at a stream that ran through the farm. Across the stream, the rays of the morning sun hit a stone and made it sparkle like a rainbow. He thought it would look good on the mantle piece. He picked up the stone and put it in the living room. That afternoon the wise man came and saw the stone sparkling. He asked, "Is Hafiz back?" The new owner said, "No, why do you ask?" The wise man said, "Because that is a diamond. I recognize one when I see one." The man said, no, that's just a stone I picked up from the stream. Come, I'll show you. There are many more." They went and picked some samples and sent them for analysis. Sure enough, the stones were diamonds. They found that the farm was indeed covered with acres and acres of diamonds.

Inspirational stories

Inspirational stories truly have the power to change your life. Stories have the ability to help us paint pictures of what's going on. Understanding this can help you both in your personal life as well as your professional life. If you are in sales or in any position where you need to persuade someone, using stories can be a powerful tool to really help the other person see what you see and even feel what you feel about your idea.

Crew management

Several well-defined and exceedingly clear principles of action underlie the successful handling a cew:--

Crew Plan

1) First, there must be a clear plan well thought out, progressive in its stages with an aim for each stage.  In other words no man need try to work with a crew unless he knows what he wants to do, not only in outline but in detail.   He must have these details in mind and so well worked out in his thought, knowing exactly what comes next and just what is to be added to that which he has already accomplished, as to be master of the situation at all times and to be the recognized leader.  Not only this, but the crew must feel that he really knows what he is driving at in everything that he attempts.

Outlined Statement of Crew Plan

 2) Secondly, before the crew leader tries to do anything with the group, if he is to be successful, it is necessary for him to make frank outlined statement of his plan.  That is to say, he should tell the crew what the game is and how it is to be played, getting their approval, and agreement to get in on the deal.   He can explain this to all of the crew at one time or singly to each individual.   There is no question but that he  will succeed best if he should go over the matter first with each individual  personally, finding out the individual impressions, and also having discussion before the group or crew unit.  This being done the crew know the plan, the leader knows what he is working towards, and the leader and the crew are partners in the work.  In this way the right idea of Crews will be given to the crew and they will understand just what it means.  Too often crews are brought together and the aim is so hazy in the leader's mind that all the crew can possibly see in the scheme is a "good time."  No Crew Leader who fails to hold up before the crew a clear, comprehensive statement of Crews that the crew can understand, can ever hope to see his crew do anything else but look for fun and mischief in everything they do.  Such a team cannot last very long because the Crew Leader will very soon be asking himself if the thing that he is attempting is worth the trouble to which he is going.

Application of Self-Government.

3)  Thirdly, the best way to have crews accomplish things is to allow them to do the things.  Many a crew leader thinks out a plan, gives it to a team and then thinks that the team are themselves doing it, whereas he is only trying to use the team as his instrument.  The most effectual way of getting crews to do things themselves is to let them do as much as they can and will do under adequate supervision. Lead by suggestion, so that unconsciously the crew follow your advice and dictation, giving them the benefit of their decisions and impulses.  Pure self-government in which the crew are entirely the dictators of their policies and activities can not be thought of because such a course is so generally fatal to successful development.  But self-government fostered and dealt with through suggestion by the leader mind is just what is needed, and should always be encouraged.

The Crew Leader as a Real Leader.

4) Fourth, in letting the crew run their own affairs in this way, the Crew Leader must become a real leader.  A real leader never stalks in front, nor gives orders openly.  The generals of today fight their battles and win them twenty-five miles in the rear of the firing line.  So it is with the Crew Leader.   He must be the power behind the throne, rather than the throne itself.  He must be as a conscience -- to hold the crew back just a little when they go too fast and push just a little when they are going too slow.  The Crew Leader must recognize himself to be the impetus, not the goal.  The solution of each problem that comes before a crew should not only be considered by the whole group, but should be solved by the boys whenever such  action will not interfere with the best interests of the group and the movement.  The important thing for the Crew Leader to remember in these matters is that his fundamental objective is develop others.  But this rule should, of course, be tempered by governing leadership.  Thus the Crew Leader will not do anything that the one of he’s guys can do himself, and he will be continually placing responsibility on the other.  Responsibility is the great maker of men.

Differences, "Scraps" and Misunderstandings.

5) Fifth there will be of course noticeable differences among the crew. The most serious differences arise even among man.  The boys will "scrap" at times, and there will sometimes be a tension and rigidity about their discussions that will approach the breaking point.  Through it all it will be difficult for the Crew Leader to keep himself patiently aloof and allow the thing   to work out its own way.  Sometimes an appeal will be make to him to settle the dispute, and he will be tempted to do so, but often such action will imperil the object for which he is working.  It is best to allow the crew to discuss, and try our all of their logic before he begins to make suggestions and, if he can get the crew to settle the matter themselves, it is to he interest to do so.  If a deadlock threatens to exist, then by wise counsel and judicious suggestions he may be able to lead the crew our of a quandary in such a way that it will look as if the boys had gotten out of the difficulty themselves.  This will certainly add strength to their organization and they will settle their own quarrels with peace and dignity.  Sometimes the break between the team will be so bitter as to cause the formation of intensely hostile factions, and then the best thing the Crew Leader can do is not to try any patching or drawing together of the opposing forces.  There is no use trying to make crew members who are bitterly antagonistic, agreeable to each other.  Let them make new alignments if necessary and in combinations of their own choosing, even if the result should be the formation of new patrols.

Rules and Infringements of Rules.

6) Sixth, the crew should make their own rules and provide for the infringement of minor rules. insofar as such action will not be a harm or a hindrance. Responsibility should be the key-note; and the awakening of such a feeling in the crew should be the goal.

Principles of the Trainee Programme

Advancement

This programme provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps to overcome them through the advancement method. The trainee plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he overcomes each challenge. The trainee is rewarded for each achievement, which helps him gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a trainee grow in self-reliance and the ability to develop others.

Ideals

The ideals of this program are spelled out in the Office motto, and slogan.

Crews

The crew method gives trainees an experience in group working and participating citizenship. It places a certain amount of responsibility on trainees’ shoulders and teaches them how to accept it. The crew method allows trainees to act in small groups where they easily can relate to each other.

Personal Growth

By planning their activities, and progress towards their goals, they experience personal growth. Frequent conferences with his Manager help each trainee to determine growth toward programme’s aims.

Leadership Development

This programme encourages trainees to learn and practice leadership skills. Every Scout has the opportunity to participate in both shared and total leadership situations. Understanding the concepts of leadership helps trainees accept the leadership roles of others and guides him toward the manager position.

Apperance

Looking smart makes the trainees visible and creates a positive professional image in the community.

This programme encourages people to develop their own gifts and talents and to be responsible for who they become and what they do.

Method

The programme achieves its purpose and works well when people enjoy Learning by Doing in partnership with others. They do this by:

§  learning the systems

§  exploring the field

§  participating in teams

§  taking responsibility

The Programme gives people the opportunity to Learn by Doing. The Programme is a seamless progression of training, activities and awards that covers everything people do.

The Programme is based around helping people develop knowledge, skills and attitudes in the following five Personal Development areas:

§  Body

§  Mind

§  Faith and beliefs

§  Relationships

§  Surroundings

The five personal development areas translate into the different Programme Zones for the different Sections.

The programme succeeds when it is:

§  fun

§  attractive to people

§  fulfilling for Members

§  trusted by parents and carers

Door to door is not easy!

Door to door sales is a tough business involving a lot of walking, talking and what turns most people off; Rejection. Being rejected time after time after time can make this type of selling very hard. There are many door to door sales tips and tricks used by great sales people but the real building blocks for success come from motivation, planning and persistence.

Motivation

Staying motivated from street to street, door to door and day to day is an ongoing challenge. It is said this sort of sales is just a numbers game, the more you knock the more chances you have to get a sales and while this is true it is only a part of the truth. If you knock unsuccessfully for too long it can get to you and the next call you will not be as lively or persuasive, having high motivation and energy throughout the day is essential for being persuasive and making each call count. The first thing you must do is not take any rejection personally, you are in an industry where you are selling to people who are not actively looking for your product and do not know you are coming. Just think that every unsuccessful call has enabled you to get to the next call that may be a winner! Another way to stay motivated is to keep track of sales but do not keep track of unsuccessful calls, only focus on positives not negatives and you will find success comes more easily.

Planning

While this may be a numbers game not all calls are equal. Choose your locations well for your products, some areas simply will not generate the same sales as other due to demographics. Also the time of day you call is important, calling at the wrong time can lead to a wasted call. You must strike a balance between numbers and quality of calls for a good sales conversion rate.

Persistence

Persistence can be a double edged sword; I was once told that the difference between a good sales person and a great sales person is persistence. However later I learned that the difference between a great sale person and an annoying harasser is but small degrees apart. If you are pressing too hard you simple put people off, the art of listening is more important in this situation or even just giving up. If you apply your persistence where it can get results you will go far but you must prioritise calls and customers quickly or be stuck in dead end. Having more time for more calls can often bring better results than simply trying not to take no for an answer. Remember that door to door sales is about quality and quantity, sticking with a low quality call means you have no quality and you are missing out on more quantity!