Lessons from Leaders: MLK
Did you know that one of our country’s greatest orators, Martin Luther King, Jr., received a “C” in public speaking in college? Hope that class wasn’t graded on a curve!
King offered (and still offers) so many lessons that carry far beyond civil rights and sermons and into our everyday lives. We feel his life offers powerful examples of how to conduct business as well. Here are just a few ways to make your marketing King-esque:
- Be gracious in victory, determined in defeat: When you win, don’t beat your chest, rather keep moving forward. Momentum is hard to earn and easy to lose. But if something doesn’t work, double your efforts. Regroup, rethink and keep pushing.
- Be passionate. Look, marketing is ALL about communicating your passion for what you do. It’s how you answer the phone, the language on your website and even how you dress. King’s legacy lives on today because he LIVED for what he was doing. You owe your business no less.
- Be thoughtful. Read some of King’s speeches. At a time when violence could easily explode, King was always quick to have a rebuttal for those who rallied against his message of peaceful revolution. A pre-emptive answer to the nay-sayers will help your own marketing methods immensely, so think ahead!
- Put morality FIRST. Don’t trick, mislead, exaggerate or stretch the truth – ever. If your advertising frequently requires lots of small print, you are likely trying to pull the wool over somebody’s eyes. Keep it simple and honest.
- ALWAYS put OTHERS ahead of yourself. Your marketing should always focus on what your business or product does for somebody else. In today’s competitive environment, selling on price (which is about YOU, not them) is a race to bankruptcy. Remember, everyone has to win in any transaction.
- Be a leader, even when it’s hard. As a entrepreneur, you want something from your community. It’s only fair you give something back, particularly when times are hard. Not coincidentally, that’s also when people NOTICE leadership. Volunteering your money (good) and your time (GREAT!) is some of the best marketing you will ever do.
Do you have any heroes who guide your business decisions? Feel free to share!