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Perception: Are You Looking For The Gems That Are All Around You?

  • August 2, 2010
  • / By Ely

Are you searching for the gems or just the raw lumps of coal?

To set the stage, this post came because of a customer that sent me an email a couple of days ago and what was said is something I see a lot of.

When you look around, are you looking for the opportunity that’s right in front of you or are you so busy looking for “something better” that you don’t see what’s right in front of you?

So the other day, I received an email from someone that said they were disappointed in one of the programs they bought from us.

Now, I know I can’t please everyone. That’s just part of life and being in business. But, what was said in the email was pretty amazing.

This person said that they were disappointed in the program because of two primary reasons. First, they already had stuff set up that was taught in the program so they couldn’t use it. Well, if that was the case, I’m not sure why they bought it in the first place. But more importantly, because they were stuck in their own beliefs, they didn’t realize that

they could take all the same principles and processes taught in the class and actually use them in any software. Not just what I recommended in the program.

They missed the point of it all. It doesn’t matter how they get to the end, just that they follow the basics.

Then the second one really got me. They complained that I had typos when I typed. Now this is a video training course

showing step by step information so in the videos, I am actually doing everything. As an example, I went to actual websites and showed examples. I am not the best typist and tend to mistype stuff. Now I do correct it right away, but in the videos the viewers saw me mistype and correct.

Because I wasn’t a perfect typist, they said I wasn’t professional.

Seriously? My mistyping something in a live setting is that important?

I can understand if it’s a printed book or something to that effect, but in a live event, people can and do make mistakes. That’s called being human.

Again, they are focusing on imperfections and not what they actually paid for… great information that when done right will help them grow their business.

When I go to a seminar, buy a book, watch a training video or do anything else that is business growth related, I don’t even notice most of their mistakes. And, the few that I do find usually aren’t worth even mentioning let alone being disappointed with them about.

Its because I am looking for the gems in the program. What can I take away from it, use immediately and move forward with my goals because of it.

I’ve even gone to workshops and seminars with the entire goal of finding 2-3 great gold nuggets or gems to take away with me. Even in a 3 day seminar. Those 2-3 gold nuggets are all I am looking for. If I get more, that’s great! I consider it a bonus.

The point is that you need to be focusing on what you can take away from every educational experience you get. No matter what it is, focus your energy on what you can get out of it. Not on what you can find wrong with it.

Are you searching for the gems or just the raw lumps of coal?

Try this. The next time you buy a training program, watch a webinar, go to a workshop or even read a book, focus on finding your gem out of the program. Just one. Ignore the fact that their wasn’t enough pictures or that there wasn’t water at the tables. Focus on just finding 1-2 things that will make the entire thing worth your time and money.

You’ll be surprised how much more you’ll start getting out of everything you do. You’ll see more opportunities in many other aspects of your life as well.

Give it a go. What can you walk away with that will make a difference for you at your next event?

About the Author Ely