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We watched an old 1966 movie last night, called OSCAR, in which the Maitre D’, a failed film star, tells the famous film-star just how precarious the film star’s position really is. It’s human nature to avoid reality, wear blinkers, and stick our heads in the sand, but facts are facts. Your eager replacement is waiting in the wings. If you don’t perform, you will be replaced fast, and the scary part is that you won’t even know it until it’s too late.

We all buy life insurance, houses, websites, holidays, cars, furniture, and many other things, and we are free to decide whom to purchase from. I had someone call me and ask me, “Why didn’t you buy from me?” My response was very simple: “You didn’t earn the right. You need to earn my business. You didn’t.” Last week I had someone ask me to recommend a realtor. I know a few realtors, but there was not one that I would recommend - they didn’t earn the right.

I am currently in the process or replacing one of my service providers, and he is blissfully unaware that his replacement is already waiting in the wings. Why? He has been unreliable, unprofessional, and unresponsive. So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodnight. When he wakes up and wipes his eyes he will realize he has lost a fortune in future business and referrals. Too late for tears.

Pride comes before the fall. Take people for granted, let your service slip, and before you know it, you’ve been replaced by a hungry competitor. In order to avoid this unhappy and costly predicament, here are a few pointers to allow you not only to keep the business you already have, but to add to it significantly:

1. Respond promptly to e-mails, calls, and letters. That means FAST.
2. Pay on time. If I have to remind you, I might suspect you never intended paying.
3. Go the extra mile - add unexpected value.
4. Communicate effectively, respectfully, and regularly.
5. Reciprocate with referrals, invitations, and recognition.
6. Constantly improve your service and products.
7. THANK people for the business they send you with money or other real value.

Your replacement is eagerly waiting in the wings. He wants to take your business, and he’s ready to earn it. DollarMakers specializes in showing people how to add massive value and differentiate themselves from the competition with no additional cost, through the use of Joint Ventures.

Many entrepreneurs and wanna-be entrepreneurs are terrified of competition, and this is evidenced by business networking groups who only allow one representative of each industry to attend their events.

The “Shrinking Pie” mentality posits that there is only so much to go around. This dis-empowering approach is built on a timid philosophy of scant resources and lack, and is usually manifested as aggression. (Fear often incarnates as aggression.) Someone with a Scarcity Mentality focuses on shortage, risk, what can go wrong, and insufficiency.

Whatever you focus on is guaranteed to grow.

Your mind is a magnet. When you are consumed by thoughts of poverty and privation, guess what kind of people you will attract into your life? This victim mindset is programmed for failure and disappointment. We seek evidence to prove our dominant beliefs, and those who mistakenly believe that everyone is out to rip them off and undermine their success will subconsciously sabotage themselves to prove themselves right.

We have to be congruent, and our circumstances will always bend to reflect our self-esteem and beliefs. For example, the person who is genuinely convinced that they can’t make money will show up late for appointments, and when successful people decide to no longer do business with them because of their tardiness, they will whine, “See, I told you!” The Self Fulfilling Prophecy Is not a figment of some author’s imagination.

When a penurious intellect is offered a lucrative business opportunity, its first reaction will be, “What’s the catch?” and it will immediately go on the defense and start making excuses to remain poor, mediocre and passively aggressive. They actively look for reasons why the opportunity is a scam and a hoax, while the winners eagerly grab the opportunity and rush off to make more money. Losers will seek reasons why they will fail. “It’s a holiday – there won’t be any people around to attend the seminar. It’s too expensive – nobody can afford that! (they’re projecting their own lack) I won’t make enough money! I’m being taken advantage of! What if I fail? (you’re already failing, buddy) What can go wrong?”

Drop Kick the Losers to the Curb - Fast!

These people will contaminate your business, undermine your success and bleed you dry. They will discourage you, dissuade you and depress you. And they’re unlikely to change. They are a cancer on capitalism and a danger to your success. They are poison to profits and they will subconsciously do their best to drag you down to their level of despondency. Worst of all, they will attack anyone who is more successful than they are; jealously is a very common attribute of this type of person. The only way to deal with them is to drop kick them to the curb. Fast and decisively. Squish them like cockroaches and replace them with an ambitious, determined and disciplined optimist.

It’s better to have no JV than a JV with a loser. And there are many great JV partners to be had. There is an abundance of money and opportunities out there, just waiting for you.

Look at nature – how many leaves on one tree? How much water in the ocean? How many trees and rocks? Focus on affluence, plentitude and abundance and you will attract it into our life. Self discipline, high standards and self-confidence will result in prosperity and luxury for you.

Expect to succeed in all you do. Associate with winners, not whiners. Set great goals and believe in your dreams. A life of plenty is easily available to you through Joint Ventures, as long as you have the right JV partners. Your generous Abundance Mentality is creating a life of power and prosperity for you, and a plethora of options. Freedom is the result of right thinking.

Your circumstances are a revelation of your thoughts and beliefs. Look at someone’s circumstances, listen to them talk, and decide whether or not they have what it takes to be your JV partner.

When entrepreneurs get emotionally involved in their businesses, they start seeing their business as an extension of their ego, and that’s when pride clashes with profitability. Remember the 3 Steps to Achieving Success as an Entrepreneur? None of them include ensuring that everyone knows it’s YOU doing it.

Men, especially, sabotage their own success when they become territorial, competitive, and pig-headed. My good friend and mentor, Marnus Roothman, the new DollarMakers Director for South Africa, used to ask me, “Do you want to be right, or do you want to be rich?” I’m not talking in the context of values - I’m talking about egotistical stubbornness. We’re in business to make a profit, and as long as you don’t step on your values, you can benefit a lot from being somewhat flexible and overlooking certain things in the interest of the big picture; losing a battle to win the war.

As a “black or white”, right or wrong, politically incorrect, A-Type personality myself, I know whereof I speak. There is a time to compromise and a time to insist, and there is also a time to understand
and forgive. Again, as long as your values remain intact, you will find yourself skirting detours and getting to your destination, while your old self is still attacking the detour with a battering ram and a small
 canon.

There’s a difference between being smart and being soft.

If someone gets it right 98% of the time and messes up 2% of the time, perhaps it’s wise to focus on the 98% and reward good choices, instead of hammering on the bad ones. Maturity doesn’t have to mean passivity.  You don’t have to compromise your own standards. You do have to give in order to get, and when you are prepared to overlook a flaw in your business partner’s performance, the reciprocal favor can mean a lot to your bottom line. And it’s all about the bottom line, not your bottom lip.

You’re in business to make a profit, not to look good at your local Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Seasoned entrepreneurs understand that they should keep their egos on a tight leash, spend good time on objective, strategic planning, and maintain an eye on the big picture. They know How to Manage their time and also whom they spend it with. They also know the value of giving people enough rope to hang themselves - that’s the chess player at work. Hissy fits, tantrums, and throwing babies out with bathwater has it’s place - Indian organ grinders are said to discipline their pet monkeys by periodically killing a chicken in front of the monkey - but they should be the exception rather than the rule, and used only when entirely appropriate for the optimal results.

You’re in business to make a profit, not to make a statement - remember that.

Your time is your most valuable asset, and it is like priceless pearls to you. They are limited, as your days on earth are limited. Your time is that important.

Hilton Johnson has been in direct sales for over 40 years. He has been coaching and training salespeople, managers, professionals and business owners for over 30 years. This man knows what he’s talking about. He says,

“One thing that will burn you right out of this business, folks, is spending your time with the wrong people.”
- Howard Johnson

I cannot stress this strongly enough.

There is an idiomatic Japanese saying, “Gold coins to a cat.” Not only will you waste time that could have been put to better use with good people, but there is a serious danger attached. Read the following:

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”
- Christian Bible

Note the scary last part: “And turn and render you” - that means rip you apart! Yes, they will turn on you when they can’t understand your opportunity and message! They will punish you for their own lack of understanding and discipline. By casting your pearls before swine, you bring them into your business, your circle, your family, where they can become dangerous traitors. Now here’s another shocking reality:

“A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within. An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known and carries his banner openly. But the traitor moves amongst those within the gate freely, his sly whispers rustling through all the alleys, heard in the very halls of government itself. For the traitor appears not a traitor; he speaks in accents familiar to his victims, and he wears their face and their arguments, he appeals to the baseness that lies deep in the hearts of all men. He rots the soul of a nation, he works secretly and unknown in the night to undermine the pillars of the city, he infects the body politic so that it can no longer resist. A murderer is less to fear. The traitor is the plague.” ~ Marcus Tullius Cicero

It’s not just dumb to spend time with the wrong people, it’s dangerous. Make people qualify for your time. Protect it carefully, steadfastly and seriously!

Yesterday, I received this encouraging note from a friend of mine who is a very successful entrepreneur:

“Hi Robin, I just read your Eagle Attitude article and you are right on. I always make asset vs. liability calls. Recently one of my staff did considerable damage to our main computer and database by going to inappropriate places on the internet. Certainly grounds for firing, not too mention suing for damages. Instead we are reworking his job description to take advantage of some obvious talents. There are some penalties he is working through, but there should be some substantial benefit to the company long term. Its nice to read that a risky decision is sometimes the best decision.”

That reminds me of the time I was a manager in a large, resort hotel and we learned that one of the staff members was secretly running his own little room service business inside the hotel. He diverted all the orders to his cousin’s café on the corner. The thing was that he gave excellent service and guests were delighted with the quality (that’s how we caught him – compliments from guests about dishes that weren’t on the room service menu!) So instead of firing him, we created a joint venture: we saved his salary, cut overhead substantially and continued to provide the service to our guest, while his own business flourished. Win/Win!

Successful Entrepreneurs Capitalize on the Strengths of their Staff

Savvy entrepreneurs look for ways to capitalize on the strengths and resources of their partners, associates, employees and vendors. They focus on what does work instead of what doesn’t work and, most importantly, keep their egos in check. Take the time to listen carefully and discover hidden assets like skills, connections, resources and information. Sometimes, opportunities take a little while to appear and options take time to become apparent. Patience and good communication skills, as well as being prepared to generously share the profits, are essential. Think outside the box and keep your eyes on your common goals. Be flexible and open to new ideas. Good people are hard to find.

The #1 Sales Tip

The better you know your salespeople, the better you can channel their energy, interests, skills and time. Don’t make the salesperson fit the job; rather, make the job fit the salesperson. Take time to listen to their opinions and suggestions, encourage sharing and reward innovation and risk.

The #1 Management Tip

By clearly defining the parameters of your employees’ jobs, you remove fear. Show them what they have to do to get fired, and you reduce any reticence to innovation. Fear stunts creativity and openness. People who feel secure will be more productive and honest with you. Spend more time developing relationship with your staff than you do with your customers.

This morning, as we enjoyed a delicious breakfast (including black pudding!) in an Edwardian Bed and Breakfast in Worthing, Sussex (we’re here for my JV Bootcamp), prior to our visit to Arundel Castle, someone asked what I do. We got onto the subject of investments and I told him how he could earn 12% on his money.

Naturally, he was skeptical, and I did what I usually do - I briefly compared the opportunity with the stock market and other equally crazy investment choices, and then I said, "But you know, this is probably not
for you…" The "Take-Away".

When you’re trying to sell, persuade, and convince, you’re begging people to look for a way to escape. Instead, make it obvious that you don’t need them (because you don’t), and you will relieve the pressure and have them relaxed enough to make an objective, reasoned decision which they won’t regret later .

That’s why we don’t whip vulnerable, desperate people into emotional frenzies at our events and have them running like sheep to the slaughter to the back of the room to buy overpriced products, "investments", and "opportunities" that they will never use and often can’t afford.

Give people the facts , give them time to make a decision, take the pressure off, and don’t manipulate them. In the long run, you will retain your reputation and build your wealth. Use the Take-Away and be prepared to withdraw, and you’ll be surprised at the result. Also, you will waste a lot less of your time (and theirs!).

Successful people are very careful how they spend their time, and even more careful about WHOM they spend their time with.

The most successful salespeople I have ever met were all very cautious to PRE-QUALIFY people before they wasted any time with them, by asking them very specific questions. If you decide to only spend your time with great, qualified prospects, you will make better presentations, work less, and make a lot more money. Qualify them on their interest level and qualify them on the money (can they afford it?) before you spend any more time with them.

It’s senseless to fish in a lake without fish. It’s stupid to fish in a lake where the fish are not hungry. It’s crazy to use the wrong bait. And you can’t force the fish onto the hook.

Remember, you already have the information and the business. You’re in control. You don’t need everyone in the world - you only want only a few good ones out of the millions out there. Spend your time very selectively.

Some will, some won’t, so what? NEXT!

YAHOO! You Always Have Other Options.

How do you qualify someone? BEFORE doing the presentation or arranging the meeting, ask, “If I could show you a way to reach the goals/solve the problems you have told me about, and you were comfortable that the system would work for you, would you take immediate action?”

If they say, “NO”, respond:

“I’m curious - may I ask why?” Determine their level of hunger before you try to sell them food. “The investment required for you to participate in this system is $1,000. If you feel this is the right solution / vehicle for you, is that something you can afford?” If they tell you they definitely can’t afford the program, even if they agree that it’s the best thing since sliced bread, MOVE ON. Someone’s Waiting! NEXT!

Seek Out The Producers And the Winners (That’s Only 3% of the Population!)

Would you rather spend ten hours with ten losers who never do anything, don’t show up at meetings, forget (or refuse) to return calls, and are always late, or with one real go-getter who is reliable, responsive, proactive, hard-working, eager, and positive? You may LIKE someone, but that’s never a reason to do business with them. Remember that. Seek out the producers and the winners. That’s 3% of the population: 9.9 million people in North America (out of 330 million.)

Walk away from losers and to winners. When the eagle mask slips and you see a loser underneath, hit the road, Jack. Talk is cheap - look for action. Forgive them twice, then kick them to the curb where they belong and go looking for a champion. Working with winners is very rewarding and satisfying. It’s stimulating to work with creative, positive people who take the initiative and motive you. You look forward to their calls and enjoy your time with them, and you all make lots of money in the process.

Robin J. Elliott

We know “You have to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince” and “Duds Lead to Studs”, so we often justify time wasted with losers, posers, wannabes, has-beens, and conmen, justify pearls cast before swine, and are consequently tempted to kill more often than is healthy. Throwing them up against the wall and hoping some with stick gives you a sore back and dirties the wall. I have learned in the past few months to become an obsessive compulsive QUALIFIER to avoid killing someone out of pure frustration.

In the past, I would believe the lies or losers and arrogantly and idealistically convince myself that I could change a duck into an eagle. Then I learned that it is better to pre-qualify people. The more selective I become, the more rewarding my relationships have become. “Some will, some won’t, so what? NEXT!” is fine, but why spend so much time shouting, “Next”? Learning to say “No” will save more time, since by the time you get to “Next” the blood pressure has risen, the hands on the clock have moved, and you have wasted time that could have been spent with a more deserving character. Spend more time with less people.

And so, to provide you with a few clues to con-men, here are Six Red Flags that can save your precious resources:

1. Victims - look out for self-pity, blaming of parents, excuses, or self-absorption.
2. Track Record - People seldom change and they need to demonstrate this ability before you vest to much in them. Give them a few small tests to make sure they are even able to change.
3. Back Doors - if they insist on back doors, escape routes, Plan B’s, “money-back guarantees”, and other revelations of their inadequacy, weakness, and putrid self-esteem, you know they have failed again, before they even begin.
4. Hesitation - Second-guessing, analyzing, and questioning your guidance and instructions right at the outset - find a cattle brand and put that “L” on their foreheads to protect others from them in the future.
5. Entitlement - Any signs of socialism, greed, arrogance, or being cheap should instantly disqualify them.
6. ‘Paper’ Proof - Anyone touting a resume is really waving a bright, red flag.

Make people qualify for your attention. Raise the barrier. Increase the price. Reserve the right to reject. Qualify and select, and remember that you’ll only accept 3% of the applicants. Don’t confuse peasants and laborers with entrepreneurs. Have them do a personality assessment at their own cost. Make them earn the right to your guidance. And at any time, do not hesitate to terminate the relationship. Spend more money on royal banquets than you do on wart ointment.

Robin J. Elliott
 www.jvwisdom.com