Martin Crockett’s Post

How long do you celebrate your achievements and successes ? One day ? One week or even more ? Seeing in this way, it appears confusing especially if you do not not even know what achievements or successes it comes to let’s be more specific then, Let’s suppose the business you’re actually running for 12 long and unsuccessful months has made 1000 sales within a week, you have made your first million dollar. Does it appear clearer to you now ? Okay, since you’ve made a million dollar, you can get yourself anything you’ve dreamed of your entire life, on Sunday night your business is at it’s best. Take a second to picture it…. Done ? Now imagine you waking up the following Monday, in what mood are you going to leave your bed ? I know you’re probably gonna be happier than ever that wasn’t my point 🙊🙊 I mean how hard are you going to work this day ? How motivated do you think you would be ? At what hour do you think you are going to get to your office and at what hour are going to leave ? Honestly, I’m often in the mood of : you’ve done enough for today, have a break, you know that no one works harder than you actually do… I’m this mood but a never made 1000 sales in a week, if I did, I think this viewpoint won’t involve that much, would yours?? If you do, then keep in mind that you’re business will probably crash if you work less for reaching such or such a goal. Business is not about one day’s effort results, no matter if you made 1000 sales a week, that won’t make your business survive in long run. If you made 1000 sales a week, you’re probably one of these people who work smarter ( great) or instead you’re just a lucky man…. But whatever if you’re a wolf who works with no consistency you will probably be eaten by the wolves that’s how business work. If you have to survive you should remove this governor from your mind and learn to work harder. Regarding my initiatial point, if you are eager to do business in long run you should every new day like what it is : a different day, and work and work and work in this new day regardless your previous achievements. You deserve to celebrate your successes but the celebration should never last over 24 hours. When the sun raises it means an additional day in your realationship, with your parents, your friends, even for you it’s an additional day since you’ve aged of of one day. But for your business, a new day should have no else meaning but a new day. As an entrepreneur you are that uncommon amongst uncommons so be proud and it and overall defend it #business

October is my favorite month! It’s my work anniversary month and now I’m starting my 30th year at Nisus. On my first day, I was one of seven employees and didn’t know anything about the business or industry. Absorbed content like a sponge and put what I’ve learned into action. Lots of wins. Lots of losses. Everybody sees the glass of wine, but only you and God see the crushing of the grapes. Over the years, I’ve catalogued thousands of experiences and lessons from living on the road and interactions with people. Here are my favorite life lessons and takeaways. 1. “Embrace the struggle.” Without the struggle, success has no value. Thirty-five years ago, I began my sales career working for a food distribution company on 100% commission. I learned quickly that if I didn't close the sale, there would be no food on the table for my young family. Many days I returned to our tiny apartment with less than $5 in commissions earned for that day. My manager challenged me to be better and I took it to heart. I caught a huge break when a prospect threw me a bone and turned a corner and began to build the business one sale at a time, every day of every week. You become a success by what you do every day, not by what you do occasionally. 2. “Tell the story”. It’s never always been about the sale; it’s the story. People love stories – especially those of overcoming adversity, rags-to-riches, or personable humorous events. A good story will launch a product, build a business, or change a life. I’ve been fortunate to present more than a thousand seminars across the United States and with every session there is a story component that builds an interpersonal connection that becomes the backbone of personal and business relationships. 3. “The Trifecta of Life: Trust, Integrity and Confidence.” People you interact with will subconsciously check these boxes. These three are my absolutes. Non-negotiable. 4. “Take time to rock on the front porch.” Be intentional about meeting people and getting to know them. No matter what you do for a living or aspire to become, building relationships is the key to long-term success. This is a life changer. 5. “Focus on making a difference.” Love. Serve. Care. The more you speak and impact people, the word will spread, and your influence and impact will grow. Find mentors. Be a mentor. Have the courage to embrace a servant’s heart and surround yourself with those who inspire you. Be authentic. Be sincere. If you hadn’t met a certain person, would your life be different? If you work with a great leader who treats you more like family, than a mere pawn, someone who taught you more about life, than just the business, make sure you thank them and repay the favor by doing the same for someone else. I’m grateful for the industry I serve and for what I do. The country singer Alan Jackson sings it best: “The older I get, the more thankful I feel for the life I’ve had and all the life I’m living still.” Peace and love to all.

Years back, I visited about 35 organisations within 19 days and, on the 20th day, we had our first business engagement. Remarkable and unprecedented! I realised it would not work if I booked appointments to introduce our new Brand ServiceTouch if I booked appointments and waited for answers. I aimed not only at reaching the skies with the Brand but "breaking the skies". Sometimes, and I mean not all the times but when it's necessary, "professionally" break some rules to break the skies. I did not book for appointments but made sure when granted opportunity "I did not sit down in someone's office to introduce the Brand. I had to do this within 30 seconds. First words were "Sorry I did not book appointment and I will not sit down. You did not expect me". That's how you professionally demonstrate professionalism when you break the rules. After saying this most would interject "...no it's okey, I have sometime to listen" but I would insist for 30 seconds, scheduled for proper appointment and leave for the next office around the corner. We all have the power to break the skies. To shatter the limits that hold us back, to defy the odds that say we cannot do this and to reach for the impossible. Breaking the skies is not just about achieving greatness. It is about believing in yourself. It is about having the courage to take the first step, embrace the unknown and to trust that you have the strength to overcome any obstacle. The sky is not the limit. it is the beginning. Break the skies. Reach for the stars. Make the impossible possible. Disclaimer: I do not encourage individuals to leave "formal" employment rather that they be at their best exactly where they are. Break the skies while right there! E|M

25 Lessons from 25 Years in Networking and Professional Relationships Lesson Ten - Celebrate the Moments In Tip 9 I shared how business or a career isn't a journey in just one straight line. Similarly, there isn't just one moment where everything comes in and you've won the game. Unless you reach a retirement goal or sell your business of course - I'm not there yet! Many people will tell you to celebrate the moments, the small wins that come your way. Even then, it's hard to tell when the right point to celebrate is. From my perspective, the most obvious 'big wins' come when a new client agrees to work with them or when a new book deal is agreed upon, the manuscript is submitted or the book is published. But, all too often, those moments don't feel like the appropriate time to celebrate. They are simply the beginning of a more important journey and the join is seamless. Do I celebrate a new client working with me when they shake hands on the deal, when the paperwork arrives, when the first sessions are in the diary or when payment lands? The moment to open the Champagne never appears obvious as, before you know it, you're on the next leg of the journey and the moment has passed. So, yes to celebrating your moments, but it's important both to recognise when they appear and to find the right way to celebrate in what may feel like a fleeting instant. Don't just make it the big moments for yourself - celebrate a win for a client or colleague you've been able to enable in some way, as much as you'd celebrate a win for yourself. Celebrate the support you have built around you, and take time to recognise the impact you have had on others and the impact you've allowed them to have on you. We do need to celebrate but sometimes the 'moments' are not obvious. Blink, and you'll miss them. #businesstips #25years

Growth Minute - a negotiated life Nico started building his athletic clothing line business three years ago. When he moved out to the east coast, he reached out for help in order to make his dream come true. Below is just one of his many shifts during our time together. “It feels like everyone else got a guide book to life except me. I deserved to be much further in my corporate career so I started my own business. I‘ve tried things that I know help other business owners become successful but it’s like I lack the green thumb. It works for everyone else but me. It feels like, with all the hard work I have put into this business, that I deserve more. This thought pattern drains me of energy. Will you help me see a different side of this?” I really wanted Nico to see the part that he was playing in his challenge. A part that at the moment he was completely blind to. I said, “You don’t get what you deserve in life you get what you negotiate.” He leans in as to look into my eyes and then sits back into his chair. He looks out his window in thought. “When I was working in corporate, I never had to ask for promotions,” he said. “They came automatically because I am a high performer. But at the very end of that career, I felt I automatically deserved a Senior VP role. I didn’t realize that I should be negotiating for it instead. Some of my current business relationships are based on what I think I deserve as opposed to negotiating the type of relationship I want to have with them. The biggest shift though, is waking up to that fact that I have to learn to negotiate with my own thoughts. It's too easy to lie to yourself. Thinking that I am automatically deserving of things feels like I’m sitting back in fear. But negotiating…that is an act of creativity. Oscar, I think for now, I’m complete. Thank you!” If this Growth Minute can help shift someone else’s perspective, please share it with them! All the best, Oscar PS – If you want to help others, tell them the truth. If you want to help yourself, tell them what they want to hear.

Happy New Month...not too late yeah? It's definitely not to welcome you to Q2 2024. You see, I have delayed resuming my regular posts, because the year started like whirlwind. It's been a really rollercoaster ride so far. But, here we are! Three full months already done and dusted. For the longest of time, I have always allowed myself to be guided by the longterm importance of seeking, nurturing and maintaining mutually, and positively impactful relationships. Also, I have always held firm by the popular belief that in business nothing is PERSONAL! Your fierce competitor or stumbling block today can turn out to be your benefactor tomorrow. The trick is in understanding, and appreciating, that in the circle of business, you and your interests, are not the only ones to be catered to. Hence, if you have a clear and full understanding of this dilemma on the part of your supposed close client ally, you'll better appreciate why its more beneficial to you to play the LONG GAME, continue to refine and finetune the levers of the relationship, in order to be in a more advantageous position of priority next time an opportunity comes knocking. Many business people these days are more transactionally inclined, rather than building long, enduring relationships that might even outgrow mere business interactions. Always remember, before you burn the bridge or even close the gates and turn your backs on a client contact...EVERYDAY IS A NEW DAY IN BUSINESS. Tomorrow, everything might be different and in your FAVOR! Love & Light.

❤️ It’s Never Too Late to Say "I Love You" or "Thank You" or "Happy Mother's Day" 💐 I was recently on a fundraising trip... and I forgot to send flowers to my grandma on Mother's Day. I felt terrible because it's a tradition to send flowers to her after my mom/her daughter passed away. 😢 Even though I was late, I sent the flowers anyway. The response I got from my grandma made my day. 😁 https://lnkd.in/g6GWA9vG 😁 That simple act reminded me of something important: it's never too late to say "I love you," "thank you," or wish someone a happy Mother's Day. +Professional Applications of 💌 Expressing gratitude, love, and appreciation can have profound effects on long term business relationships: 1 - Get people leaning (they'll respond to your next call/ask) 2 - Increase referrals (grow your network) 3 - Boost morale & build trust (reduce your network churn) +Practical Tips for Business Professionals Here are some practical ways to incorporate gratitude and love into your daily routine: 1 - Customer Relations: Send thank you notes to your customers. A small gesture can turn a one-time buyer into a loyal customer. 2 - Leadership: As a leader, regularly express gratitude to your team can inspire and motivate them to do their best work. And remember to celebrate the small wins too. 3 - Networking: Follow up with contacts after meetings with a thank you. It really is the thought that counts. So think!! 🧠 ❤️ +Conclusion Remember, it’s never too late to show appreciation and love. Whether it’s sending flowers a couple of weeks late or thanking your team for their hard work, these gestures have a significant impact. Integrating this principle into both our personal and professional lives can lead to stronger relationships, a happier team, and a more successful business. **Will you throw some gratitude, love, or appreciation at someone special today?**

“When I let go of time constraints and squeezing tasks into too tight timeframes, things get done well, and everyday feels like a Dani Day.” I’ve just been doing my monthly review and this ⬆️ is one of my favourite memories from May 2024, a significant milestone month for me and my business. What is a Dani Day exactly? It’s a weekly gift that I’ve been giving myself for the past six years or so. A day just for me, where I do whatever I want to do. Often that looks like taking myself out to lunch, exploring a Spanish city, going to the cinema, having a massage or facial. It’s a day of quiet luxury. And this is what many days felt like in May as I worked from my new living room space, allowing things to take as long as they take — allowing the art of my work to unfold. But this didn’t happen by some effortless magic — uh huh. My body (my eyes to be exact) made me slow way way down. I simply could not look at my computer or do any work at times because my eyes hurt. Little by little I began to understand the message behind this Divine guidance that speaks to me through my flesh. I simply needed to change how I worked for the trajectory I am on. I needed to make a proper shift away from self-study offerings and the selling of ‘information’, and shift my business model towards selling ‘implementation’. I needed to more fully utilise the team of collaborators I have access to that support my efforts and lighten my load. And amidst all this annoying slowing of pace (which I now love), I had my most successful program launch ever. The paradox of slowing down to accomplish more continues to amaze me. d x

“Thank you for your business.” It’s probably the No. 1 ice breaker Mike Bloomberg uses when he greets clients for the first time. It’s disarmingly straightforward and unusually effective. It’s a simple tactic any leader could adopt to make an impact. Like many CEOs, Mike meets a lot of people, often on short notice. Sometimes they are visiting the office and other times at events or dinners. He’s evolved greetings that work for him. What I like about the phrase is how it immediately conveys an element of gratitude and places the emphasis on the person he’s meeting. It also grounds the conversation and keeps it focused on the business at hand. The most valuable thing a CEO can get from these types of interactions is feedback. General chit chat about the weather or sporting events doesn’t help much. I was reminded of the phrase by John Kirk, Jr., a former Bloomberg colleague who spent 17 years at the company in sales. (I spent 32 years at Bloomberg before leaving two years ago.) John shared a story about how Jeff Cohen, then head of New York sales, asked him to escort Mike to visit J.P. Morgan. This was just before Mike was elected mayor of New York City. They walked the trading floor so Mike could shake hands with the sales people and traders who use the terminals on a daily basis. Not surprisingly, the visit was one of the more memorable events of John’s career. It’s not every day that you take the founder out on a client visit. But when I asked John what Mike told the traders, he said: He thanked them for their business. It’s notable how memorable THAT line was even a quarter century later. The origin story of the phrase I had heard was that Mike bought a car once and a few months later he got a call from the dealership to see if everything was ok and “thank him for his business.” He thought it was great customer service and a way to elicit feedback. I don’t know if that story is apocryphal, but it captures the spirit behind the idea. One of the things many leaders underestimate is the impact even brief meetings have on employees, investors, customers, and other stakeholders. How a CEO dresses, speaks and generally carries themselves are all noticed. A brief meeting is never just a brief meeting. It’s an opportunity to make a point about what matters to you and by extension what matters to the company. (Part of a series of lessons I learned from three decades at Bloomberg LP.)

Seeing someone win is another sign of your high value personality 🏆 As professionals, we often strive for success and accomplishment in our respective fields. However, it is equally important to acknowledge and appreciate the successes of others. After all, a high value personality is not just about personal achievements, but also about supporting and uplifting those around us. When we genuinely celebrate someone's win, we demonstrate qualities such as empathy, selflessness, and a growth mindset. We understand that success is not a limited resource, and by cheering for others, we contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment. But what exactly does it mean to be a high value personality? It means recognizing that the success of others does not diminish our own capabilities. On the contrary, it highlights our ability to foster and maintain positive relationships, which often translates into professional growth and opportunities. When we celebrate someone's win, we establish ourselves as a reliable and supportive team member. We become an essential part of a network that thrives on collaboration and mutual success. Moreover, celebrating others' accomplishments can lead to reciprocity, as they are more likely to support us in our own endeavors. Not only does celebrating someone's win boost their confidence and morale, but it also creates a positive ripple effect throughout the organization. By acknowledging and praising others' achievements, we foster a culture of encouragement and motivation, inspiring everyone to strive for their best. So, how can we actively demonstrate our high value personality and celebrate others' wins? Here are a few suggestions: 1. Offer genuine congratulations: Take the time to congratulate your colleagues on their achievements. A simple message or a personalized note can go a long way in making someone feel appreciated and acknowledged. 2. Share their success: If a colleague achieves something significant, share their success with your network. This not only promotes their accomplishments but also demonstrates your support for their achievements. 3. Offer assistance: Let your colleagues know that you are available to support them in any way you can. By offering guidance or lending a helping hand, you show that you are invested in their growth and success. 4. Attend celebratory events: If a colleague is being recognized or honored, make an effort to attend the event. Your presence not only shows your support but also encourages others to do the same. Remember, a high value personality is not solely defined by personal accomplishments but also by how we uplift and celebrate others. By embracing a mindset of collaboration and support, we contribute to a thriving professional ecosystem where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Let's celebrate each other's wins and create a culture of positivity and growth. Together, we can achieve greatness! 🌟