It’s all connected…
Over the past 6 years I’ve been on one big journey. And I have succeeded in transforming myself through hard work and dedication.
It all started with a problem, a big one. I knew I needed help with so I turned to books in search of answers.
That’s where it all began and since that time I have become a sponge for knowledge which has helped make me a better parent, a better businessman, a better educator, a better me.
And through all my studies I have come to the conclusion that it’s all the same.
What works in business, works at home, works with relationships, works in finance and…well, you get the idea.
Today I divide 95% of my studies between into three separate areas: success, marketing and finance.
But that doesn’t stop me from every now and then checking out a book or program that intrigues me.
Two years ago I ticked off Women Are From Venus, Men Are From Mars from my list; a book I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who wants to understand the opposite sex whether at home or at the office. It is eye-opening to say the least.
Early last year I finished off Jack Canfield’s Breakthrough To Success, a 36 hour program. Whew…
A few months later, I became friends with a guy who’s as interested in personal development, possibly more-so, than I am. He kindly gave me access to much of his library (which was very.
As I had many programs and books of my own to get through, I didn’t start on some of the material he suggested I go through till this year…and boy was that a mistake.
I should have started sooner!!!
You may remember him from a previous post as the gentleman who has been at this for over 20 years and he knows his stuff.
Recently I decided to go through one of the programs he picked up a few years back by a man by the name of Ron Ipach.
Never heard of him? Great, neither had I.
He’s an auto repair marketing expert and I just finished his course.
While I may not be in the auto repair business I can say that it’s a course I would recommend anyone go through because much of what he talks about applies to any business…as well as life.
As I said, it’s all connected.
Whether I listen to the great self-help gurus, the top marketers, the #1 sales people, the best authors, the most creative inventors, the best teachers…each of them devotes talking about the very same concept: success (just in very different ways)
And one the best things any entrepreneur, parent or business man or woman can do is see the world through different people’s eyes. It gives you a whole new perspective on the same idea, allowing you to fully grasp the concepts discussed.
No one person, regardless of how good they are, has all the answers. And the best will admit this upfront.
It’s the fools that always know everything…and are always wrong.
There’s just so much to know, and so little time, which is why we need to find specialists in each field and in doing so, we save ourselves lost time and money.
Anyway, back to auto repair…I mean, Ron Ipach.
I thought you might find it interesting what an auto repair marketing expert’s 10 Steps to Success (and my comments) are:
STEP 1: Do something.
How simple is this. But he’s right. Nothing happens without action. Theory and study is all well and good but action is where miracles happen.
STEP 2: Step away from your business.
So many people are engrossed in doing that they forget to take the time to plan. Take a week off work and think. You’ll be amazed how much more clearly you will see things upon your return.
STEP 3: Focus on direct-response marketing.
Without customers, you don’t have a business. You must develop a marketing plan, and then put it into action.
STEP 4: Market to your current customers first.
This is the #1 most valuable group for you to market to. They already know you and trust you, plus you’ve already invested time and money to attract them to you. By far the best strategy to accomplish this is with a monthly newsletter. (and something I intend to start in the near future)
STEP 5: Never create marketing from scratch when a proven strategy can be copied.
When in doubt, copy. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Your best success, and easiest success, will come from duplicating the successful efforts of other sharp marketers. This saves you time and heartache.
STEP 6: Duplicate the process exactly.
When testing a new marketing strategy that you already know has been proven to be successful, it is important that you duplicate the strategy EXACTLY as it is.
STEP 7: Test small, track your results and then go big fast.
Never assume that a marketing piece will be a home run. Test it small, track the results, and once it works, go big fast. Don’t delay.
STEP 8: Embrace failure.
Nothing is a surefire winner; you will FAIL! Failure is simply part of success. Each failure teaches you what not to do…just make sure not to make them too costly.
STEP 9: Join a Mastermind group.
This is probably the most powerful concept in the classic Think And Grow Rich, and it’s something nearly every successful person understands. As Richard Tirendi once said, “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.” Don’t be afraid to share ideas and take criticism. Every great leader does.
STEP 10: Let others do all the work for you.
There is simply not enough time in the day to do everything you need to do to run a successful business. Find people who can support your business, give them the tools with which to do so, then get the heck out of their way.
10 concepts. Simple to learn, hard to master.
I hope you found them as valuable as I did.
Adrian Shepherd