In my recent post “Eric On The Set”, I mentioned a set of very important reminders. Great Reminder #4 was “SUPER SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE ARE MUCH EASIER TO REACH AND BE WITH THAN WE TEND TO THINK”, and I’ve been thinking about other times where I have used this tip. One of the first times, perhaps even THE first time, I used this tip was quite a few years ago in The Bahamas when I came across the Lyford Cay phone book. This was a phone book with the private numbers of all the residents of Lyford Cay, New Providence Island. Some very interesting people lived there, like the Bacardi family, Sean Connery, Alex Hailey and Sir John Templeton to name just a few.
A little over a year previous to this, I had attended an Anthony Robbins seminar (Financial Mastery) where Sir John Templeton was scheduled to speak. In the end there were some complications and he could not be there in person. He and Tony ended up making a tape and it was shown to us at the seminar. Live or tape, it didn’t matter. We were all mesmerized by the nuggets of information that Sir John shared with us that day. In fact, my entire financial life has changed dramatically since that seminar and a large part of that is because of this influential man.
So, here I was in Nassau with his phone number. I had mentioned to my partner (in a moment of temporary insanity) that I would invite Sir John to my wedding. My partner, not wanting me to let this opportunity slip me by, reminded me of my statement… so I called. I was quite nervous initially, and when we finally spoke I was able to say what I wanted. I thanked him for the wonderful talk he gave, and invited him to the wedding. He was touched by the thanks, but had to decline the invitation. Just before I was going to bid farewell he asked where I was staying. He then explained that he wanted to send me a gift for the wedding. I was of course surprised and a little embarrassed. He sent over (the same day) an autographed copy of his latest book, DISCOVERING THE LAWS OF LIFE.
The moral of the story (for me) is twofold:
1) I had nothing to lose, and I had value (genuine thanks) to offer. This means I had every right to call. I think that we often fall into trap of believing that the speakers, teachers, authors, parents and other people that influence us the most, know that they have this impact on us. We must not assume that they are aware of the impact they have, because they are human and have needs just like you and I. By making a point to pass on your thanks to give something back, it encourages these people to continue influencing others.
2) Ideas without action are not only useless; they are sad. I am very glad that I took action. I am also sure that I put a smile on Sir John’s face and a warm feeling in his heart.
So… seize the moment, and seize the day!!