MARKETING
TIP #065
Selling Shoes to the Aborigines
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” — King Solomon
As we begin planning for 2007, I am reminded of the importance of “visionaries” in growing a company. I’m not referring to those individuals who created your company “Vision Statement.” No, I’m talking about individuals in your organization who can see what can’t be seen – ways to do business that are truly unique, angles on selling or producing products that haven’t been tried before and methods for getting closer to the market/customer than ever dreamed possible. That’s a “visionary,” the modern-day business equivalent of a missionary.
The following story illustrates my point:
Many years ago, a major American shoe manufacturer sent two sales reps out to the Australian outback to see if they could create some business among the Aborigines. Some time later, the company received two telegrams, one from each sales rep.
The first telegram read: “No business here. Natives do not wear shoes.”
The second telegram said: “Great opportunity here. Natives do not wear shoes.”
Men and women of vision are desperately needed in business today. Find and cultivate those in your organization who are showing vision. Look for those who are exhibiting personal power and vision – not the kind of personal power that is out to manipulate, but the kind that has the power of penetrating insight, the power of understanding and the power of listening.
“Visionaries” will declare themselves through the passion of their work and through insight that penetrates deeply into what is happening. Look for strength of mind, depth of character and concentration of focus. These individuals represent the future of your company.
Talk to you soon,
Kae Groshong Wagner
CEO, Founder — North Star Marketing
Award-winning Author, Speaker
Brand Consultant
CEO Advisor for Sales & Marketing