I was told the following story the other evening and I was so touched I needed to share this narrative with you . . .
A few years ago, at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100 yard dash. At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with the relish to run the race to the finish and win.
All, except for one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt and tumbled over a couple of times and began to cry. The other eight heard the boy cry.
They slowed down and looked back. Then, they all turned around and went back . . . every one of them. One little girl with Down Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, "This will make it better." Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line. Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for several minutes. People who were there are still telling the story.
I think the story moved me so much because very often in business many people think that "cut throat" tactics will help their business grow and that will help them come out ahead.
When in reality it is collaboration and unconditional giving that helps you succeed every time.
As you know, I recently re-launched my new and improved Inbox Empire program. In doing so, we asked for very limited joint venture support.
The responses were fascinating.
I was able to divide the folks whom we contacted into three separate groups:
Group #1 - The Givers:
These were friends who are also my colleagues. This group jumped on board instantly. They followed through exactly as they said they would. And, in doing so, they were not only rewarded by incredible response rates and extremely high EPC's leading to healthy affiliate commissions, but they also have my undying gratitude.
Group #2 - The Fair Weather Friends:
These were folks that were more colleagues, not close friends. Yet, when they dropped my name at industry functions, they would position us as good friends. This group chose not to participate. However, they very politely wrote back to us and said the program either did not fit their current business model or that their marketing calendar was full.
Group #3 - The Fakers:
Again, these were folks that were more colleagues, not close friends. But yet again they dropped my name at industry functions where they positioned us as very close friends for their benefit.
Only this group did not even have the decency to respond to emails, text messages and phone calls.
You may be saying, "So, what. They just did not want to participate."
Fair enough . . .
However, what you don't know is that every person in each one of these groups has asked me for multiple business favors over the years.
I have either mailed my community for them, spoken at their conference, let them interview me, or participated in their webinar or telesummit.
And, when I did so, I did not do it with the intention that someday they would owe me. I did it because I believed them to be good and honest people (at the time) that I wanted to help out. And yes, if I mailed, I only did so with the premise that it would benefit my readers.
But as far as the interviews, webinars and telesummits, I did not benefit from these time commitments monetarily. I truly did it for their benefit. And frankly, it made me feel good to do so.
I was not afraid that by helping others that I would come in last, just like the children in the race.
However, I will tell you that group #3, The Fakers, the ones that did not even respond, will not have access to me or my time going forward. Please do not think of this as holding a grudge - I am not. I wish them the best. However, I will not tolerate disrespect in any aspect of my life. Also, I do not believe in passive aggressiveness.
Through all this, I learned that most people will do what is best for them. While others, The Givers, people who have an abundant mindset, will help others out at the drop of a hat.
Please look back into your business relationships and do the following:
- Determine which you group you fall into today.
- Determine which group you would like to be in.
- Take action to make the necessary changes in your life.
To get even more success tips, sign up for MaryEllen's special report, The Ultimate Success Code: Make More Money for Yourself in Seven Easy Steps than You Ever Made Working for "The Man" at this link.