Just One Person Removed

One of the most powerful concepts I have been toying with is the idea that you are only one person away from having someone support you in achieving your dreams.

Written Oct 24, 2008, read 2034 times since then.

One of the most powerful concepts I have been toying with is the idea that you are only one person away from having someone support you in achieving your dreams. What would happen to your business if someone who is highly influential decided to back you and promote you? Let's say Oprah or Bill Gates, or maybe the president of an association with thousands of members. Get the picture?

Earlier this year, my company launched a product called QuoteActions. It is a system that allows the small business owner to stay in touch and open conversations with their entire database. We set a goal of selling 200 subscriptions for this year, and we have a good chance of achieving our goal. Our business plan projects 1,000 sales in two years.

However, based on this post's title, the truth is--there is no reason why this couldn't happen a lot sooner. All I would need to do is attract one highly influential person who already does business with my target audiences. This someone would serve the needs of small business owners and/or independent service providers. If they were to endorse my company and product to their clients, I believe the timeframe would be significantly reduced.

Here's the interesting part. Last Wednesday I was attending a networking meeting with my BNI group and one of the visitors ended up sitting next to me. We chatted for a few minutes, and he told me that my business sounded interesting to him. We exchanged cards and decided to explore how we could work together in the future.

As it turned out he contacted me that very afternoon. After reviewing my website and my blog, he made the call to let me know that we had something he and his company were looking for. As a business development leader of a successful sales training firm in Southern California, they had been looking for a company that does experiential learning to help their clients. They have a database of over 100,000 members—all are small business owners, entrepreneurs and service providers. Imagine what could happen if his company decides to promote and become an affiliate provider of our product? When you combine the database numbers with the credibility this person enjoys with his clients, we could possibly reach our 1,000 within weeks. Think about it--if only 1% of their contacts respond positively, it’s a win-win for both companies. I'm not saying this will happen, however, it is now a very real possibility.

We have a tendency to project the future based on what has happened in the past. We often extrapolate numbers based on averages from previous months or years. While this approach seems logical, it doesn’t have to be so. Just remember, you are only one person away from blowing those predictions away.

So who is that person and how do you find him/her? Well, in the immortal words of Jack Palance to Billy Crystal in the movie City Slickers -- P: “You know the secret of life boils down to one thing.” C: “What is that one thing?” P: “Well, that’s what you have to figure out.”

I don’t know who that person is or where I will meet them, although sites like Biznik greatly increase my chances. But I do know one thing, the odds that I will find them – or them find me – are greater the more I believe and trust in this process. The mind works like a missile. Once it locks into a target; it finds a way to get there.

In fact, I wonder if YOU reading this article could be that influential person for me!

Learn more about the author, Rick Itzkowich.

Posted by Molly Gordon, Suquamish, Washington | Oct 25, 2008

Great story, Rick.

Perhaps that "one thing" is showing up with your eyes and ears open.

:)

Creative, fun, easy self-promotion
Posted by DeBorah Beatty, Beaverton, Oregon | Oct 25, 2008

My husband and I have often said that we were one conversation away from realizing our dreams.

You have to be ready with your intro and always be attentive. There are mentors in the frozen food section of the grocery store and at the dryclearners - even I'll bet you standing next to you at the carwash!

Disconnecting Oughta-Pilots(tm), Creating Lives
Posted by Rick Itzkowich, La Jolla, California | Oct 26, 2008

Deborah,

How true. The other thing to consider is that even if the person you meet is not THE ONE, they could be the one leading you to them
Posted by Karen Floyd, Seattle, Washington | Oct 26, 2008

Rick your story is a very familiar one to me. I learned very early in life that what I focus on and believe in especially with positive emotion manifests. I have always 'known' that the Universe is supporting the wonderful ideas I have that will be helpful not just to myself but others as well. The other side to receiving what I want is being open to it and 'knowing' that I deserve to have the life I want. Amazingly we tend to be the only thing that stands between where we are and what we want. I like your attitude of expecting to achieve your goals in record time it is a great asset to know what you want and to let yourself have it. Congratulations!
Posted by Eric Nelson, Santa Ana, California | Oct 26, 2008

Rick,

How true! Another great, thought provoking article....thanks!

Eric http://knownnewsgoodnews.blogspot.com/
Posted by Susan Almon-Pesch, Charleston, South Carolina | Oct 26, 2008

Hi Rick, Your premise of "just one person" is right on. It takes me back to August 1999 when I joined BNI Del Mar, and you were the President. With your leadership the organization grew into a strong team of referring partners, and I had the opportunity to begin to work with you in your capacity as co-founder and VP of Marketing. At that time - the one person for me, was yourself. It's a privilege to recommend PL&L and yourself to others. Great article--alerts us to be aware of the power of synchronicity.

Experience Pays Off
Posted by Meg Anderson, Arlington, Washington | Oct 27, 2008

I always say "It is not what you know as much as who you know" I can't tell you how true that has been for me in my business's.
God is good, we just need to show up and love others. ;-)
Posted by Louis Weiss, Sammamish, Washington | Oct 27, 2008

Referral networking is a system and you have made it easy for us!
Posted by Mike Saunders, MBA, Denver, Colorado | Oct 27, 2008

Rick, It's like the old saying "When the student is ready the teacher will appear!" Thanks for the article!
Posted by Kate Phillips, Seattle, Washington | Oct 28, 2008

Thanks for a great article and a wonderful reminder, Rick. This has been on my mind, too. Like you (and the Costner's Field of Dreams hero) I've been "building it" hoping and knowing that "they will come." And only by acting on the future we desire can we open those doors. The past is powerless to deliver our dreams (or keep us from them.)

Stop the Money Drama.
Posted by Cal Campbell, Encinitas, California | Oct 28, 2008

Great article. It reminded me of how many people have been helping me on my way to what I want to accomplish. Thanks Rick.
Posted by Cal Campbell, Encinitas, California | Oct 28, 2008

Great article. It reminded me of how many people have been helping me on my way to what I want to accomplish. Thanks Rick.
Posted by Kare Anderson, Sausalito, California | Oct 28, 2008

how well-stated + enabling you to inject news of your own business

That approach is akin to the first steps for smartpartnering - identifying and speaking to the sweet spot of mutual opportunity can attract potential partners to better reach and serve a mutual market, a profitable me2we approach
Posted by Paul Masick, San Diego, California | Oct 29, 2008

Rick, once again you have hit the nail on the head. When you have a door in front of you, open it. You never know who is on the other side. It could have a signicant impact on your life.

Thanks for you insight
Posted by Aimee Gallo, Seattle, Washington | Oct 31, 2008

Rick,

I love this reminder of the power of possibility! Thanks for sharing it!

Nationwide Nutritionist, Mobile Personal Trainer
Posted by Tia Ribary, Vancouver, Washington | Nov 03, 2008

Rick, thank you for sharing this optimistic article, especially at a time when we're hearing so much negative. It's a good reminder in the power of positive thought and in consistent action. Consistent action will bring results - perhaps more results than we ever anticipated!
Posted by moises sod, Los Angeles, California | Nov 05, 2008

Excellent Article to remind me of the possibilities out there.
Posted by Terra Vita, Los Angeles, California | Dec 22, 2008

Rick, This really makes sense and is very optimistic. Small example: I just found out we are loosely connected in another group. It is a small world where like minds group together!

Really excellent article and we never know who that next person will be.... so it is good to follow that old Golden Rule.

Thanks again for another great article. I am rereading all of your articles as they are so informative and well constructed.

You make networking easy!
Posted by Howard Howell, Seattle, Washington | Apr 16, 2009

Rick... Thank you for contributing to our Entrepreneurial Junkies group.

All of your articles are well-written, inspirational, and valuable information. I look forward to meeting you in person some day.

Until then I hope you can find a moment to participate in one of our BizChatz Online Webinars where we bring together Bizniks far and wide to share "lessons learned with our peers".

And, as Terra commented, I also have been reading all your articles and blog to absorb as much of your wisdom as you have so graciously shared.

It's been awhile since your original posting of this topic. An update would be great for all of your fans that are cheering for you behind the scenes.

Thank You. ...Howard
Posted by Dawn Renee Mallory, Seattle, Washington | Oct 04, 2010

'Just got to this page through one of your letters about giving gifts ... this article is a gift, too! Thanx for all that you do in LinkedIn training and Quote Action ... I really enjoy your work... the dawnly one

PS... please send me your flaky friends www.autograf.com www.dare2wearblack.com

Dawn Renée Mallory