A Face, A Touch, A Connection
A brief, but much needed, rest before heading out as a group to Chinatown. It is hard to believe that we had three speakers today. Business travel can be quite exhausting.
Our second speaker was another Alumnus, Rob Dyson, who owns five major businesses. Obviously he has been quite successful with these organizations, as demonstrated by his financial contributions to his Alma Mater. His continued success in his diversified business interests is credited to continued innovation, even in industries where most would anticipate little change to occur. The most important improvements to products and services occur if they cut costs and/or help the consumers. To maintain a high level of innovative skill Dyson recommends developing an appreciation of something other than your focus, in his case that was an understanding of art. Innovation also requires individuals to be aware, open and flexible. Without these key aspects throughout a business, innovation becomes a dream rather than a reality.
Once again, developing relationships is vital to establish connections with consumers and business partners. Physical interactions with others are far more important and memorable than even the most well crafted e-mail. These connections put a person behind the company, a face, a touch, a tangible connection.
For our last official presentation on the trip, Eric Enehorn discussed his take on the strategy of marketing. Enehorn described three key precepts to follow within the business.
- “Find something you can do well.”
There are many sides of marketing, so find a the part you both enjoy and can do well. You must at least like it and become a craftsmen, being the best possible in that sector. If you love something, but are only passable at the work you cannot be as successful as if you were highly skilled. - “Don’t let fate take over.”
To be successful you have to live the lifestyle of the person in the position of which you aspire. You will have to work weekends. There is no success in this business without pain. - “Selling is two thirds of life.”
Your ideas must be sold to others and people will hire you to market and sell their own ideas. Passion and conviction are required to become a skilled seller. It is also very important to practice the selling process, keeping in mind that it is necessary to tailor the sale to each audience member.
