Olympic Dreams-Part One...

The Olympics begin 8/8/08 at 8:08:08 pm Why all the eights? In Chinese culture, the number 8 is a lucky number.

I don't know about luck, but I find the Olympics intriguing on several levels. Seeing these athletes from around the world at the top of their sport is definitely inspiring. Their focus, determination and discipline are noteworthy. (On a personal note, PJ was so inspired that he took his first steps in 2000 during the Olympics.) I believe the level of the competitors makes each athlete that much better.

I wish there was a Marketing Olympics. I think marketers would rise to another level if they had to face their competition head-on in front of an audience of customers. I think it would make marketing that much better.

But I don't see enough marketers doing the hard work or having the discipline to be on an Olympic level. Many are content plucking the low-hanging fruit. Or they substitute clever sales ploys for the hard work of genuine marketing discipline. And a few even fall to the level of "promotional doping" with underhanded tactics like bait-and-switch, misrepresentations, misleading fine print or false advertising -- giving each of us in the marketing discipline a black eye.

So, as you’re watching the Olympics, be inspired. And act on that inspiration.

Homework: Is your marketing world-class? Are you competing on a level playing field with your competitors? Is your sales attitude about giving your all, or just giving the least you can to make the sale? Are you forsaking long-term profits for questionable short-term selling tactics or low-quality service?

Next time... How do Olympiads handle defeat?

- Phil Sasso