I just returned from Maui Hawaii, 100+ customers from a dozen countries face to face and palm to palm for 3 days. It was immensely energizing to shake everyone’s hand and hear war stories and spend time together.
In that conference room you heard every kind of story you can imagine. There were people there who literally made a million dollars last month. There was probably somebody who LOST a million dollars last month. I have no doubt.
One guy was literally down to his last twenty dollars. A trip to a pricey seminar was his last wing and prayer. There were many businesses that grew 400-500% in the last 12 months.
Welcome to the knife fight, to the rough and tumble world of being an entrepreneur. A universe of extremes. Work hard. Play hard. High highs. Low lows. Humiliation. Exhilaration.
When I moved from Nebraska to Chicago 17 years ago, there was a part of me that somehow just needed to flee safety and comfort. In pursuit of action and adventure.
Nebraska is a safe, genteel, polite, unthreatening, mannerly place.
And… it’s kinda boring there.
I don’t have very many customers from Nebraska. It’s just not a “Planet Perry” kind of place.
Here in Chicago we have the Chicago Bulls and Bears. Michigan Avenue and the Gold Coast. The Hancock Building and Navy Pier and yachts and hi-rise condos. O’Hare airport and tollways and commuter systems and Broadway shows and vast urban sprawl.
And gangs and drugs and hour-long commutes and gapers delays and starving artists and the West Side and the South Side and Joliet Federal Prison and crime and poverty and housing projects.
In Chicago, you get it ALL. From the ridiculous to the sublime. That’s why I love it here.
My friend, there are some of us who are just BORN to thrive in extremes. You crave the WHOLE enchilada. You want access to the whole box of chocolates. You want the CHOICE to grab that nugget of mystery out of the box and get whatever you get. And reach for another and another.
It’s hard, but it’s better than the SAFETY of having someone else skim off the gourmet stuff and feed you stale 8-month-old Hershey bars.
150 years ago if you preferred the Wild West to a 3 bedroom condo and 3 square meals everyday, you were surely a little bit INsane.
Today, if you prefer the Wild West to institutional mediocrity, it’s probably the best possible assurance that you ARE sane… that the world hasn’t yet pounded every last ounce of adventure out of your soul.? That you don’t want to sit in a cube under buzzing fluorescent lights and follow the car ahead of you to oblivion every day. You don’t want to gulp down antidepressants and watch TV from 5pm til bedtime.
If you thirst for greater things, if you dream of accomplishing something really big and daring in your life (and I’m NOT just talking about money by the way) then I’m here to tell you, you’re in good company.
If you’ve failed and failed and failed again…. or if you’ve achieved modest success only to have a monsoon wipe out what was so promising…. if you’re constantly dodging the snakes and arrows…. you’re in splendid company.
It’s never too late for a comeback.
It may be lonely in your particular corner of cyberspace on a particular Tuesday afternoon, but I’m here to assure you, you’re not the only one.
One more thing:
There is no such thing as a great person in history who was a “perfectly reasonable guy.” We’re all a little bit unreasonable, a little shaky, a little insane. And driven by an inner fire that won’t go out.
Passion is the fire that lights itself.
If you have that Passion, give thanks for it, honor it, and press into it. Harder.
Not everybody has it. But you do. And you know it. So write it in blood. Put it in an obvious place so you never let yourself forget it.
The entire history of your life culminates in the present moment, and all the possibilities that it holds. Right now.
Every hour, every day….
…seize the day.
Perry Marshall
P.S.: You’re awesomer than you think you are.
(I just added “awesomer” to my spell checker. My declaration: It’s a real word now.)
P.P.S: I’ll be posting videos from the seminar later this week.
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About the Author
Perry Marshall has launched two revolutions in sales and marketing. In Pay-Per-Click advertising, he pioneered best practices and wrote the world's best selling book on Google advertising. And he's driven the 80/20 Principle deeper than any other author, creating a new movement in business.
He is referenced across the Internet and by Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, INC and Forbes Magazine.
51 Comments on “It's NEVER too late for a comeback”
Perseverance truly is the key to success, no matter what the area of life: business, athletics, love.
That said, it’s also important to recognize when a particular strategy or method is not working, and then adjust accordingly.
Perry–Thanks for being one of the few big league Internet marketers who still GIVES as well as “asks for the business.” Just today I began to wonder what’s happening to the “art” of auto responders. You have restored my faith.
Great post as always Perry. I understood what you meant about going from Nebraska to a big city and getting that rush of energy from the city. I felt that too when I moved from Omaha to Chicago. But, I’m not sure I agree with the sanity vs. insanity shift. Insane is safety, security, etc… sane is excitement, living your dream lifestyle, etc.
For me, it’s absolutely sane (and a really good idea) for an entrepreneur to choose where to live based upon cost of living… not excitement vs. boring, or other more lifestyle based reasons. The things that brought me back to Omaha (after living in Chicago, Nashville, Kansas City) were family and the LOW cost of living. You can do so much with so little money here.
For entrepreneurs (especially if you were someone just starting out), I would not get too caught up in the excitement of “where” you are.. but look at it in terms of how much freedom you can have. The nice thing about a town like Omaha (or even smaller) is that it can really take a lot of pressure off people in our industry because it’s so much easier to cover your expenses. I do get what you’re saying (and I know this isn’t the main point you were driving at), and agree that NE can be boring if you let it be, but would just caution anybody reading from getting swept up in the “exciting” lifestyle they dream of… and measure where they want to live by the amount of freedom they’d have. I’d rather be a little bored, and have a ton of money in savings and available to expand my business, than be worrying about making it month to month to live my dream lifestyle. Hey, that’s what vacations are for.
It’s a trade off I guess, and is different for everyone. I will admit though, I was just in Maui as well… and had more than one thought about moving there… so I’m definitely not immune to desiring a more exciting lifestyle… but then I do the math… just how I’m programmed I think. :)
Kelli,
Amen, sister.
I think one of the biggest things that takes down “gurus” in any niche is the need to extract large amounts of cash from their business at first. You have to plant the farm before you can harvest it. As Proverbs says, “Build your barn first, THEN your house.” Nobody understands that more than a Nebraska farmer. And yes, NE is a good place with a low cost of living – probably 40% less than Chicago, for sure.
Perry – You are probably familiar with this quote from George Bernard Shaw:
“The reasonable man seeks to adapt himself to the world. The unreasonable man seeks to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.”
Thanks for a very inspiring post. I think I need to get out of the ‘burbs and into the city more ;)
Bill
I’m sure that very quote was lurking in the back of my head when I wrote this. Nice to hear from ya. Beers on Rush Street, maybe?
I’m rarin’ to go now! At what I’m not exactly sure.
‘Welcome to the knife fight’ Love it, Perry! Very encouraging post, you keep me inspired! ‘Perry’s Planet or Perry’s West Side Story’, either or. Rock On, my man!
Hi Perry,
you are right. Even here in Germany the old fashioned way to get hired by a big company is faded away by more and more people joining the group of brave self employed people.
Best regards from Germany
Anthony
awesomest.
Great words again Perry – you hit the spot every time.
Thanks
Wow! That’s one of the most inspiring things I’ve readin a long time!It just bumped AdWords up a few notches on my very lengthy list of “Things I Gotta Do To Sell My Book.” Thanks!!!
Perry,
As always (are you spying on me?), you deliver when the need is greatest.
I really like the “never too late” part.
Never, ever, ever, EVER give up.
Best,
Bill
They say well behaved women rarely make history; I agree, just don’t think that it’s gender specific.
~
“Those who say it can’t be done, should never stand in the way of those are doing it.”
Wonderful piece. thanks
You began a bit mediocre a few years ago… now you are begining to approach world class status and beyond.
Keep up the fine work
Phil scott
This is one of the most passionate, inspiring piece of blog posts I had read in months.
Yes I play on the Extreme,
Yes I felt the very Low Lows and humiliation several times,
Yes I feel exalted on all my little victories,
No I do not watch TV,
Yes I walk this path alone,
Yes I AM LOVING every moment,
No I haven’t make 1 million …YET.
But one thing I am sure…
One day I will reach my goals and walk the path of the Immortality…and after that, I will setup NEW GOALS.
Best Regards
José
Thank you, Perry.
Man, I’m a colombian guy, 35 years old, just married with a secure wife… I’m the insane in the relationship, I enjoyed the roller coaster life until I met her, but I’ll always be a free soul man… I always looking for the next step to advance, to get the next achievement…
You inspire me today…truly, since one year ago the time I Know you virtually…
thanks for this special issue.
Fantastic Post! When things are running on the “ugly” side, I just say to myself, “This is going to make such an inspirational story to tell when I make it through this!” If you’re not experiencing the muck, then you’re just simply not pushing yourself enough! Moving from Nebraska to Chicago ……… there’s a “growth experience” I’ll bet! lol!!!
Thanks Perry – Just what I needed to hear today
Wednesday morning downunder I’m remembering to embrace my “awesomerness” and will be moving to a box of chocolates with more layers.
Thanks for the motivation – Love your style :)
Hey Perry-
To all those who say we are all insane I have something to say. My dear friend who passed away in January was Mentally Challenged and had a very low I.Q. One day we were discussing how people tell you that you’re crazy. He said “So what if they think your crazy!” Sometimes we just have to put things in perspective. With all his challenges being called crazy was a big so what. Gosh, I miss him. I’m moving forward in his name.
Yes ma’am. He was an important guy in the world too and he knew there are worse things than craziness. Move forward indeed.
Hi Perry,
Thats something that really jumped off the page right from the first time I read your newsletter…PASSION.
You are awsomer than you think. Thanks for a word we can really use and understand. Already been using it today and with great reception.
You help us newbies stay hopeful.
Thx,
Greg
Hey, Perry, you are waking up the darkest parts of my mysterious Russian soul. ‘Write it in blood’ – huh? I think I am hooked on your writing. Even if I am just reading your manuals. I manage to laugh out loud reading your ‘Ultimate Guide’. You sure are a MASTER.
Perry,
There is a reason we open your emails.
You have been where we “live”, and you are a good “neighbor”.
You make us proud of what we do, when nobody else even understands what we do.
You have come out the other side, and you are extending a hand to those of us who haven’t.
As they say in Nebraska, “you are good people!”
Perry, what a writing. You are absolutely on the money. As I am reading your article, my whole entire life flashed back in front of me and with reassurance you reminding me that it is OK to be a little insane. And; you’re right it is not about the money, it is about the accomplishment, the stretching of the envelop, the battles & challenges, the journey. It’s about That PASSION that drives us incessantly. As you put it: “Passion is the fire that lights itself.” Never heard it put this way before. It’s beautiful. It should be framed. It sums it all up!
Perry, thank you for sharing;
Your friend.
Perry, I am delighted to receive your hypnotically written emails and especially this one which was very inspiring for those of us; “the comeback crowd”. It reminds me of that verse from Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If”…”Or watch the things you gave your life to broken, And stoop and build ’em up with wornout tools;”.
For those of us who are beaten but have not accepted loss, for those of us who reach for that box of chocolate knowing full well that it’s going to come with nuts weather we like it or not. It’s sometimes the chase more than the catch that keeps us going time and time again, knowing in our heart of hearts that the greatest story is yet to be told.
Perry, all the best!
Thanks for today’s post. You’ll never know how it touched me. And, you’re right…I AM awesomer than I think!
P.S. I think your products are the best!!!
Perry,
What a great post! Could have been directed directly to me, as I can relate very strongly. Is that unfortunate? I don’t think so, because although times are a little rough at the moment, I know I will come out the other end stronger, which in turn will enable me to help others down the track.
This post has once again reassured me that I am definitely not alone on a mountain top and that I am indeed in very good company!
Many thanks for the post.
Rob
It’s rainy and a little cool outside. So easy to forget what I’m aiming for.
Thanks for lifting up my spirit!
Hey Perry:
Thanks for the great piece. You never fail to inspire. The past couple of weeks have been trying to say the least but today things in the entrepreneurial universe have started to smile down upon me. Then I read your post and got energized. Nothing can stop me now.
As for the big city life…I worked on the road for the last 30 years and do enjoy the energy and excitement of the metro areas but coming back to my mountain in Arkansas just makes me all the more thankful and content.
Have a great day.
You shoulda had the theme music to Rocky playing for this post Perry – great post, you’ve surpassed yourself, again!
Lloyd
Hey Perry,
Thought provoking post, as always. Actually, one doesn’t have to move to Chicago to be brave or successful. Warren Buffett is still from and known as the “Sage of Omaha” or the “Oracle” of the same burg.. take your pick. (Okay, I’ll admit he actually lives mostly in California , not Nebraska.)
There are other reasons for permanently relocating. Mr. Buffett said he does want to be buried in Chicago…so he can continue supporting The (Democratic) Party. He did not indicate if perpetual voting his sole purpose for his last move.
You mentioned one attendee at your Maui event was down to his last Twenty Dollars.. Good thing you only required proof of gross revenues, not profits. Here’s an idea. If you continue with that gross revenue criteria, you could promote your next event exclusively to Washington, DC insiders. Uncle Sam is spending $3.6 Trillion Dollars and raking in about $2.3 Trillion. You could promote a seminar limited to 100 politicians and cabinet officials, charge One Million Dollars per seat and just do one final seminar. Then, you could retire and
live anywhere you would like.
Thanks, Perry.
Nothing us old “newbies” (who aren’t spending $5000/month on Adwords…yet)like better than to have you come back and relight our fire off of yours. May we all be in place to help you relight yours if you ever need it. Sunshine and Rain fall on all of us. Ain’t it great!
“If you have that Passion, give thanks for it, honor it, and press into it. Harder.”
I’m glad you said this… so many people who don’t have the passion or a passion completely misunderstand the passionate. We get pigeon-holed in all sorts of categories (insane, psycho, intense, creative, dreamer…etc..) and most of the time, they are not in the good context…
So once in a while we need to hear from our passionate brothers that “it’s all good” and as you said, “press into it. Harder!”
Hey Perry,
Wait a minute! I resemble that remark. I’m from Nebraska and one of your customers. Can’t say it’s not boring here – unless of course you like corn, soybeans, cattle and wide-open countryside (I do). There’s a market for lots of things here, too.
But we grow some pretty sharp marketers here, too. Some happen to escape now and then.
Thanks for your posts – we enjoy and learn from them between harvests here.
Charlie
Charlie,
Hey, you know I love Nebraska…. I go back about 3X a year… it’s a great place with great people.
But when I’m 45 minutes from downtown Chicago on the drive back and the expressway picks up speed and I feel the energy of the city – I say “It’s nice to be back home.”
Hi Perry,
I live downtown Chicago and love the energy,too, appreciated hearing your thoughts on it.
Thanks perry. That’s one of the most interesting article pieces that I’ve read today. When I now started in the world of internet marketing it was the ups and downs that played my head the most – but I learned that it was all part of the game.
Sounds like you live in a dangerous place, just kidding. Thanks again for the very interesting post.
Great post Perry! I added awesomer to my spellchecker too.
Hi Perry,
Thanks for that email of encouragement.
We havent met, we may never meet.
I read your emails aas they come thru.
Tuesdays email was awesomer than I’ve
ever read. It was a word of encouragement
that was dropped in to my life at the right time.
Thank you for that and I hope to tell you an
uplifting financial recovery story in the near future.
Have a great day.
Wayne Donnelly
What a great email, Perry – I have sent it on to my ex-partner in the hope that it would help her understand my motivation!
My motto (which originally came from Randy Rausch’s last speech) is “the best gold at the bottom of barrels of crap”. Sometimes I think it MUST be great gold – because it very deep crap that it’s buried under!
And yes – even in New Zealand – we love your emails!
Really good though Perry – keep it up!
I dont have the time to read everyone of your emails – but when i do – its always a motivator! Thank you.
Sounds like it was a lot of fun.
What is in your opinion the main diference in the right kind of passion?
The ability to negotiate or the ability to push your plans?
The biggest obstacle to success in my opinion is people (the ones you have to work with). What stories did you hear about how people over came this kind of obstacle?
I think everyone’s passion is different and unique. No single answer to that question.
But I think the biggest obstacle to success is self-sabotage. The distance between the head and the heart, really. I think most people have to cross a chasm of belief and confidence in order to implement what they already know.
I understand what you mean. Definitely you yourself can be the biggest obstacle in many ways. Hiring people that are strong in your own weaknesses is important. For that you have to recognize your own weaknesses first.
The issue with other people from my point of view is more related to business partners. The hierarchical equality can be a real pain in the …. and it slows things down. I was more interested in hearing stories about that.
Peter,
I remember after about 2 months into my first “real job” after college, working as an engineer, it occurred to me that 80% of the problems companies have has nothing to do with how talented their employees are, it’s how well they get along with each other.
Of course you don’t really learn a great deal about that aspect of life in college. In fact, in college, very little of what you do is done in teams.
You’ve probably heard my tales of “Nick” my boss who tried to slice my fingers off one joint at a time. And you’ve probably seen “Fist fight at the board of directors meeting” http://www.perrymarshall.com/fist-fight-pt4/
More companies are killed by pride and arrogance and refusal to listen than lack of competence – undoubtedly.
“Passion is the fire that lights itself.”
That line hit me hard.
Thanks Perry,
Kevin
Actually that line came from Neil Peart – a great lyricist. Maybe somebody else said it first.
Perry,
I don’t know but I was so worried when I heard of Hawaii warning. I though of your seminar and what will happen to it. I was not attending in person or online, but it gave me lot of anxiety.
My concern was what will happen to your hard work and this great event. Well God is great and everything went well.
What is it I do not know but you have some strange bond that did this to me I think.
Mukesh.
Perry, I just found out today that the most successful Formula One racing driver of all time, Michael Schumacher is making a comeback this year, after a three year ‘retirement’. Now *that* should be interesting!
The 41 year-old will be mixing it up with boys little more than half his age.
A lot of people would tell you that sporting comebacks rarely – if ever succeed. But if anyone knows the realities of Formula One motor racing, it is surely that guy.
Stay tuned :-)
Perry- Your writing (It’s Never Too Late for a Comeback) – is an incredible piece of writing. Your own passion for “seizing the day” and days – comes through, and across …and inspires. Thanks for your continuing passion – and your “beyond expectations” ability and drive to get it across …and keep so many motivated and knowing that there are others who are striving high as well.