If you take note, you will see that concepts that I spoke about nearly 12 years ago such as a PRE-TOUR of your business, and the fact that PERSUASION (and now PRESUASION) is actually a positive in business, are now “shadowing” me and being presented as “NEW.”
How do I know that they
are following my trail?
Let’s just say that I know the individuals AND I know how they operate. If I had introduced the non-disc portable music player (i.e. iPod™) and they were still using portable disc players, they would have told you that disc players rule and non-disc portable music players suck. But when the non-disc portable music player proved itself to be numero uno, they would come along and join the party.
The problem with my “shadows” is that they don’t understand implementation – they just think they do. It actually makes me feel good when they attempt to replicate my strategies. Although they draw the spotlight, the fact that they and I both know from where the strategies originate, puts a big smile on my face.
Shadowing is actually a very safe strategy for a consultant. They let the innovator implement, and if the innovator is successful, the shadow follows close behind. The real loser is the client (you). You see folks, many of you are paying for outdated and ineffective strategies that, in the near future, will be contradicted by something “new.”
When I delivered my first GOAL SETTING presentation in 1992, I used a lot of terms that slammed the door in the face of what was current conventional wisdom in the “change” business. When I delivered my first marketing presentation, I used a lot of terms that slammed the door in the face of the crap being peddled as “marketing strategy.”
I bring this topic up today only because it’s funny. What’s even more funny is watching people pay for what sounds good, and then realizing that what they really needed (which didn’t look so appetizing at the time) is now coming out of the shadows and being presented as “NEW.” It’s interesting to watch people gravitate to something that sounds good and is EASY. Eventually, the gurus and consultants realize that they can no longer get away with something that takes little effort. Eventually the gurus and consultants realize that sometimes, the things in life that create the greatest results, often require that you get your hands dirty.
When you see the “easy way” being sold as THE way (and you will), understand that your consultant and/or guru is 20 steps behind. I’m not saying that this is WRONG, rather, just pointing out an observation. If that’s okay with you, then so be it. If it’s not okay with you, then you need to face the fact that there is work to be done, and you need to find the best means of delivering results – not just the one that sounds good.
Have A GREAT Day!
…Dr. Marc