08/27/07 - The hidden committment that derails persistence

Persistence is widely known to be the key to success in any endeavor. This is no secret. It's known the world over by the rich and poor, alike. So, if the key to success is so well known, why is it so infrequently used to its maximum potential?

Another widely heard story, which is told by motivational speakers the world over, is that by age 65, 97 percent of all Americans will be dead or broke (depending on Social Security and the good graces of others). The remaining three percent will be the few with true financial independence. Ouch.

Napoleon Hill's astonishing, and still relevant book, Think and Grow Rich, has sold millions since it was first published on the heels of the Great Depression in 1937. It is still relevant now. Here is what the author says about persistence:

Four steps to persistence

There are four simple steps which lead to the habit of persistence. They call for no great amount of intelligence, no particular amount of education, and but little time or effort. The necessary steps are:

A definite purpose, backed by a burning desire for its fulfillment.

A definite plan, expressed in continuous action.

A mind closed tightly against all negative and discouraging influences, including negative suggestions of relatives, friends, and acquaintances.

A friendly alliance with one or more persons who will encourage one to follow through with both plan and purpose.
The preceding four steps are essential for success in all walks of life. The entire purpose of the thirteen principles of this philosophy is to enable one to take these steps as a matter of habit.

They are the steps:

By which one may control one's economic destiny.

That lead to freedom and independence of thought.

That lead to riches, in small or great quantities.

That lead the way to power, fame, and worldly recognition.

That guarantee favorable "breaks."

That convert dreams into physical realities.

That lead to mastery of fear, discouragement, indifference.

There is a magnificent reward for all who learn to take these four steps. It is the privilege of writing one's own ticket, and of making life yield whatever price is asked.
So simple, so powerful, and so rarely done. Why?

I have helped hundreds of people become millionaires at this point in my life. Before things really took off for any of these folks, they usually had to resolve one or more hidden commitments that ran counter to their success.

Some examples:

"I can't make more money than my father or mother."

"I can't make more money than my friends."

"I don't want to be seen as greedy."

"I refuse to ‘brag' about my capabilities."

"It will harm my ability to be a good person."

The list of "reason's" is practically endless.

The biggest reason of all is that they don't want to be disappointed. It seems that literally millions of people are afraid that they will persistently work in a direction that won't lead anywhere; that won't produce good results. This mindset condemns them to inaction. And inaction does not lead to success.

All who want to succeed in business will find it necessary to market if they want their businesses to steadily grow. Word-of-mouth and referrals require a foundation of good marketing (also known as clear communication). If there is no clarity in your communication, there is nothing for word-of-mouth, or the magic of referrals, to operate upon.

Persistence is the foundation of successful marketing. With rare exceptions, your first efforts at marketing will not work as well as subsequent efforts. Each effort, driven by persistence, will hone your skills and educate you about what will work to bring you a steady flow of the business you desire.

On September 12th we will kick off another eight week session of the highly-acclaimed Marketing Fast Track to more clients course. In this course, we will show you the seven simple steps that will rapidly accelerate your ability to improve your personal and business profits.

The thing that stops many, many people is that they are not sure what to be persistent at. This class will show you what to be persistent at. It will show you the things you must do to gain all the business you can handle for the rest of your working careers. And it will do it step-by-step.

These steps apply to any business: wealth management, insurance, commercial real estate, residential real estate, doctors, lawyers, title insurance, mortgage brokers, placement services, catering, life insurance, business brokers, researchers, manufacturing reps, and anyone else who is not selling something retail.

You bring the desire and the willingness to be persistent, and we will bring you a way to be successful in marketing. This method has been tested by thousands. When combined with persistence, this approach always delivers results, in my experience.

People who have taken the class have marveled at:

How much they learned from the other participants.


The discipline they've gained to stay focused, for 90 minutes each week, on what will make them successful.


The clarity they've gained by taking the class from someone who can nearly instantly point them in the direction that will accelerate results.

We have only 20 more slots open for this class, so sign-up now.

Persistence is the master key to success. We have a recipe for success in marketing. You add the persistence, and success is likely in your future.

Cheers,

Eric Albertson
Portland OR
August 27, 2007