I TOOK A WALK WITH NAPOLEAN HILL…
It’s become part of my routine to walk (and, on occasion, even jog) and listen to audio books in the morning. It’s an inspirational time of day, and I have found that I enjoy exercising more because of the company that I eep. Whenever I spend time with someone that I think is insightful, I feel the need to take a chance to reflect. That is how My Morning Walk journal (or blog) was born.
Today, I listened to the second chapter of Think & Grow Rich. In this chapter, Hill continued to fulfill his promise to share the stories of others and how they support the Laws of Success.
The stories drove home the message that “having a burning desire – a deep, overwhelming, obsessive desire – is essential to success.” Hills says a goal has to be a personal mission so that you can use that energy to overcome obstacles. He also outlined the necessary steps that one must take to harness the power of a burning desire to “think and grow rich.” These six action items are, in my opinion, the main takeaway of his book.
1. Understand the distinction between a wish and a burning desire.
2. Know the price you are willing to pay to achieve your goal.
3. Set a definite date to achieve your desired goal.
4. Create a detailed plan and act on it. Ready or not.
5. 1 – 5 must be written down.
6. Read it. Out loud. Twice a day.
The premise of Think and Grow Rich is building wealth but in my quest to become the Best. Marketing. Consultant. Ever., I wanted to come up with ways that I can apply what I hear in my walks to marketing advice that will work for my clients. These are the comparable essentials to activate a successful marketing plan or strategy:
Know your goal. First and foremost, without an objective, plan, or strategy, your marketing program is not set up to yield you the “riches” that you are seeking. If you don’t know what you want, you can hardly make a plan.
Set a budget and timelines. I find this is a place where one will find the distinction between a goal and a wish. If you are not willing to invest time, energy, resources, the “goal” leans to the “wish” category.
Create a written plan out and act at once. Ready or not. A marketing plan is a working document. There are factors that you can’t account for and activities that will require adjustments, so there is no such thing a perfect plan from the start.
Be persistent and review your goals. Often. To keep the fires burning, one must continue to stoke the fire. Marketing, branding, and communications are the same. Regardless of whether things are going good or bad, you have to be persistent and consistent, regularly review your goals and make adjustments.
Yes, you may have probably heard these things before. All told, I’ve also heard many of Napoleon Hill’s ideas throughout my career. But you have to admit; it’s easy to overlook the basic steps when you aren’t paying attention.
What type of business development goals are you working on? Do your branding, marketing, and communications efforts support those goals? If you need help, be sure to take advantage of my complimentary consultation. I would love a chance to help.
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