Both Chris and I have been a huge fan of author Robert Greene who has written best selling titles 48 laws of Power, Art of Seduction and 33 strategies of war. All of these books are based on history and the changes that have caused leaders to win or lose wars/battles. Going out and leading sales business campaigns on a daily basis is what we endure. If we were to apply the material and principles we would dramatically increase our Win Ratio. I would suggest you read all three of these books as they are insightful into proven ways you can WIN.
The Hood culture in the US of working the streets with realism have been inspired by 48 laws of power and this is what caused ex dealer world famous 50 cent to contact Robert Greene to jointly write the 50th Law. What’s the following got to do with me sitting in my nice corporate office, about to do a bid review for quarter end numbers?
Answer everything, because the world is changing and the older business models are being overtaking by new models (Piracy and downloading in the Music industry example). 50cent gave his music away to challenge the corporate model sold 25 M plus albums and a water company to Coca Cola making himself a cool $100m. If you’re aware and can’t or won’t change then you’re at great risk. The traditional sales models like TAS SPIN Solution Selling examples still hold true but in this changing world and the recession we need to add some new thinking realism to them. The latest review is guess what…Drive growth in a new era McKinsey Quarterly is where most of us may look.I can already hear people saying “but it’s not broke so let’s not fix it” lets do the number this week, it’s not corporate thinking so let’s not go there. Well! If that’s what you think then may I suggest you read this book. If you were to be doing business as record company exec and you met with a man who has been shot with 9 bullets he is certainly not going to be fearful or compliant to you. He will take you in the blink of an eye, and you won’t see it coming.
For me, this book is about “Business Realism” and address how to fearlessly adapt and mixed with, what you need to do based on historical well proven principles to get amazing results. The chapters heading are:
See things for what they are - intense realism
Make everything your own - self-reliance
Turn shit into sugar - opportunism
Keep moving - calculated momentum
Know when to be bad - aggression
Lead from the front - authority
Know your environment from the inside out - connection
Respect the process - mastery
Push beyond your limits - self-belief
Confront your mortality - the sublime
In the chapter Respect the process example it discusses that there is no easy way or right time right place that rules for ever. It’s all about learning and applying your trade “master the instrument, master the music, the forget all that shit and play Charlie Parker” there are no short cuts it’s about paying your dues and being committed to learning. I guess that’s why you’re reading this blog article because you want to invest in you.
I have read this book thoroughly I am now applying this to my work rigorously. Please read this book and it will inspire you to change! All you have do then, is practice.
Early review comments
`Invaluable business law...' --Ben Thompson Financial Times
`An Art of War-style book of tough-guy maxims to live by'
--David Smyth, Evening Standard
`Book of the Month: An entertaining analysis of the mechanics of individualistic power... compelling reading' --BA Business Life
`If you have a penchant for the "don't mess" ethics of Napoleon, you'll probably love it.' --Rob Sharp, The Independent
'A compelling read' --Evan Davis, BBC Economics Editor
