The last word was the best

It's been a very busy spring season -- and as a result I must apologize again for the infrequent blog updates. Frankly I have found myself looking more for advice than being in a position to give it as the challenges of vying for still-limited ad dollars continue to face our sales force and our industry. One of the places I looked for ideas was the Association of Free Community Papers annual conference, held this year in Atlanta. Good conference but as the days went on I didn't think I'd come back with any "home run" experiences that might energize our efforts. That was until I left for the airport.

At 4:22AM on Sunday April 22 -- exactly the time he said he'd be there -- Mr. Ventura pulled up at my hotel driving the shuttle van to the airport. He engaged me in conversation immediately and within about two minutes time I felt like I'd known this guy all my life. At one point in his driving career, Ventura decided that he was going to become the "Top Gun driver" in his company. Every morning when he would arrive at work the owner's son would be there working in the office. A call to action for my new friend. 

"If you want to be the man, then you have to beat the man," Ventura told me.

From that day forward, he has been the first one at the office each day, and I mean each and every day because, to quote Ventura again "consistency and persistency are the keys to success." I knew that.

At our next stop, two ladies joined us for the ride, one of them remarking that Ventura was right on time. "You must get up awfully early,” she told him. 

"Yes, ma'am, I do. Every morning I get up and say 'Thank you Lord for giving me another day to enjoy.'"

Game over. Home run found.

I went looking for new technology, innovative ideas and industry best practices. What I found was that success still relies on the basics. It's still up to you and no one else. Have passion for what you do, whatever that may be. Love what you do, love your product or move on. Be genuine. Be nice to people. Talk to them. Listen to what they have to say. Work on relationships. Do what you say you're going to do. And do it all the time. Do it with a smile. And be thankful for every blessing you have. 

Paying attention to the basics is a big part of marketing your business. Give us a call at 315-472-7825 or e-mail us at info@scotsmanmediagroup.com if we can be of assistance. And thank you for giving me another opportunity to enjoy!