Just Talk with the Number 1
Have you ever had the experience of reaching out to multiple people in a company or organization, only to be met with silence and disappointment? Yeah, we've all been there. But, what if I told you that there is a simple solution to this problem that can increase your chances of success tenfold?
The solution is as straightforward as the title of this blog post: Just talk to the number one.
This simple idea holds a profound truth.
I recently received an email from the owner of a football club that brought back memories of a frequent situation in my line of work.
Here's the story:
I became intrigued by the potential of a particular football club and took the initiative to contact a few executives to discuss my findings. Despite my efforts, I was met with silence. My messages went unanswered and I was effectively ignored.
Ghosted as fuck! This type of dismissive treatment is so frustrating!
However, I refused to let this setback discourage or anger me. Instead, I decided to take a different approach and directly reach out to the owner of the club.
To my delight, he responded quickly, showing interest in what I had to say. He even directed me to the President of Business Operations to discuss potential collaboration.
It's a pattern I've noticed time and time again. When I take the initiative to speak directly with the person in charge, my message is not only heard but often leads to positive outcomes. That's why I've come to this conclusion: Just talk with the number one!
Ah, the exhilaration of starting a new venture! I feel ya, I started my own at the ripe age of 11.
The urge to bring your visions to life can drive you to seek out relationships, collaborations, and guidance. In your quest, two types of people stand out: the number one, and all others.
I've experienced the joys and challenges of working with both kinds of individuals and let me tell you, it's a tale of two extremes:
The number one is like a fount of generosity and wisdom, always ready to give and teach.
But, the rest... buckle up baby, it's gonna be a wild ride!
It's a question that has plagued me time and time again: why the heck does it have to be like this? Effectively, life is counterintuitive many times.
Well, it all starts with us. The assumption that the top-dog experts in our field are unattainable is a common and stifling trap that hold us back. When we buy into this notion, we lower our goals and settle for going with those who aren't the best in the biz. This leads to an endless cycle of frustration, limited results, and mediocre pursuits. But, here's the real deal: many of these high-level experts are more reachable than we give them credit for. They might just be waiting for someone with passion and dedication to come along and learn from them. By breaking free from this mental trap and reaching out to the number one in our field, we open ourselves up to invaluable perspectives, advice, and a deeper understanding of our craft.
I once stumbled upon a podcast where an NFL star was discussing this very topic. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the episode again to provide a direct reference, but the conversation stayed with me. After some reflection, I've arrived at a few conclusions that I hope will provide valuable insights or inspiration the next time you take a step towards your goals:
1. Find your number one! To succeed, you must have a clear understanding of the game you're playing. Identifying the true number one in your field is crucial, but it takes more than just following media exposure. The true leader may not always be the most visible, and those who claim to be the best may not truly hold that title. It takes a discerning eye and a keen sense of discernment to truly find the one. Don't settle for second, third, or fourth best; those who do still haven't figured it out. They're still competing with others and they still don´t know how to make it. Just aim for the top player.
You will recognize him by his attitude, which is much like this:
A generous being because he is not competing with anyone else but himself. He has already achieved success and recognition that others are striving for. He does not need to prove himself to others. He is willing to share his knowledge and experience, and he does not feel threatened by the success of others. The number one understand that success is not a zero-sum game, and that helping others to achieve success only serves to strengthen the entire community.
This is not to say that we should only associate with the elite and disregard everyone else.
2. Never be a rat race climber!
Never be like the social and professional climbers who prioritize status over authenticity and fulfillment. Distance yourself from those who partake in the rat race, as their sole aim is to rise to the top without regard for anything else. Unfortunately, this often leads them to obstruct and undermine magnificent ideas out of fear that they may be overshadowed by them. The truth is, they simply lack the ability to grasp their significance. Anyway: Never be a climber! Never ever! Have you read the book 'Hope for the Flowers'? If not, do it! Interestingly, it was recommended to me by the top executive of the world's leading sports brand. Everything is connected!
Dear rat racer: The true bosses in life aren't defined by their associations, they're the ones making moves and shaping their own destinies. Namaste.
3. Go for it!
Just do it! Talk to the real top dogs in your field. Those who have already made it to the top are willing to share their hard-earned knowledge and insights with you! Trust me, talking to the number one is like taking a sip of the finest, aged whiskey. It'll warm your insides and give you a kick of inspiration. Every time that I have the chance to chat with these legends, it's an unforgettable experience. Next level generosity, next level insights. It's amazing!
The difference in perspective, attitude, and mindset between the number one and the rest is night and day. The rest are often focused on the day-to-day and maintaining the status quo, whereas the number one has a long-term vision and is driven by growth and progress. They have a deeper understanding of the industry and the market, and they are more likely to see the potential in a proposal or partnership.
Gabriel Valarezo - No Limits Collective 360