I wanted to share something inspirational with all you crazy DP'ers that I shared with my blog readers last year. I'm going to keep this short and sweet - and I want you guys to really think about what I'm saying here. Early on in Wayne Gretzky's career he was labeled with his infamous nickname "The Great One". One night, between periods, Wayne was doing an interview with one of the local press regulars. The journalist asked Wayne a very simple question, "What do you think the difference is between a good hockey player, and a great hockey player?" It took Wayne 2 seconds to construct his answer. He replied, "A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be." That my friends is the winning attitude needed to succeed in any business you choose to pursue. Let's take the Music business for example: People who are successful in the Music business set the trends. They make music that is ahead of it's time. The predict what is going to be popular and they introduce it to the public before any other artist can. There is no difference with succeeding at Internet marketing and making money online. You have to position yourself to always be one step ahead of the pack. If you are simply riding coat tails you will never see the true light of success that you feel you deserve. Look at all the successful "guru" guys.. Frank Kern, Joel Comm, etc.. These guys set the trends and create the terminology and products that we use day in and day out. They study the market endlessly and step in at the right moment, with the right product, and it changes everything else which follows. Now don't start comparing yourselves to people on this level, because that's just silly. But start to look around your immediate surroundings online. People who are in the same position as you. People within your network. What are they all doing the same? How can you differentiate yourself from them, and make your mark as a "thought leader" and trend setter amongst your circle? It doesn't have to be something huge and ground breaking.. If you're a blogger, it could literally be one post that will set you apart - and I've had this experience directly. All in all, leaders become successful and followers spend their time following - and this has been proven time and time again. Start off 2009 with the mindset of a thought leader, and don't be afraid to try new things. Yes you will fail, you will have shortcomings, but the sooner you make these mistakes, the sooner you will know what works. As long as you figure this out before those around you - then you are in prime position to have people follow you, and help you fuel your success further. I wish you all the best in 2009!
Very interesting post, and I agree 100%. Never thought about this analogy though. But as you said, if you are just following trends, you will never become great, you will just experience moderate success. - jens -
Good post. I agree you have to anticipate not react. Also, remember if you don't shoot you don't score. So don't be afraid to try out different techniques.
I'm glad you guys found some value in this story. It was originally told to me by an SEO expert, can good friend of mine who is known for thinking outside the box. "if you don't shoot, you don't score" That's also a great one!
I first read something about Britney Spears and the Internet Marketers and this. I wonder who will be next! Mined posting about me!