I could wax eloquent on this subject and have lots of fun doing so. But in the interest of time … both yours and mine … I will immediately address the subject at hand.
I believe I am smarter than you for five very simple reasons:
1. I read a lot. I don’t care what books you read while attending Harvard or MIT. Or Wellesley or Smith. I was a History Major at UMASS and for the past 40 years, I have yet to be asked a question about the Battle of 1812.
I do want to know everything I can about people … sales … marketing … why people think the way they do and how the different generations differ in thought and practice. The answer to all these questions come as a result of reading. And I read a lot. Do you read a lot? Or are you content on staring at your diploma from a zillion years ago?
2. I fail a lot. I refuse to stay within my comfort zone and play it safe. I am constantly trying new things both on and away from the Internet. I believe that with failure comes learning. I fail a lot. Do you fail a lot? Do you learn from your failures?
3. I am coachable. Knowing you don’t know it all is key. Being able to internalize constructive criticism and learn from other’s experiences is a skill worth developing. With being coachable comes the willingness to practice. I practice a lot. Do you practice a lot?
4. I listen a lot. Most people simply wait their turn to speak. I listen a lot. Do you listen a lot? Do you enter a conversation with the understanding that you already know what you know, and that the trick is to learn and benefit from what other’s know. The key is to develop the skill of “listening.” Go to school on other people.
5. I laugh a lot. The ability to find the humor in most situations is a skill that differentiates the true professionals from the wanna-bes. Humor drives a happy environment. Being confident enough to laugh at yourself puts others at ease. I laugh a lot. Do you laugh a lot?
And there you have it. Five reasons why I believe I am smarter than you are … a lot smarter.
I read, fail, learn, listen and laugh more than you do. Hence, in my world by my definition, I am smarter than you.
But as in everything I do and say, I may be wrong. In your case, I truly hope I am wrong. I want to believe that you read, fail, learn, listen and laugh more than I do. Because if you do, you are on your way to a super-fine life. Get on track. Then keep on track. Be smarter than me.
NEWS – NEWS – NEWS – NEWS – NEWS
In January, 2012 I am launching my New Sales & Marketing, members-only web site. If you want to receive details on how this special site will compliment your 2012 success rate, send me an email to mike@mikemarchev.com
It is as easy as that!