40 years ago, a Pittsburgh metal foundry plant manager named Wayne Alderson shot a riveting film called “Miracle of Pittron.” He said, “People who own and manage companies have huge potential to influence the world for the better. Why aren’t they using it?”
I think it’s because they don’t understand the power they wield.
YOU probably don’t understand the power you wield. You’re more powerful than you think you are:
-The media is full of psychopaths who broadcast their mentality of oppression and despair. You, as an entrepreneur, live in a world of opportunity and cooperation. People do respect you and listen to you, whether you realize it or not. They know you’ve ventured farther than they have.
-For most people, their $1300 mortgage is a big deal. You face a $13,000 or $130,000 monthly payroll. You might as well be bench pressing 800 pounds for all they know. But you do it, month in, month out.
-You create a culture for your customers. In fact your #1 job as CEO is to establish the culture. We talk about “Planet Perry” in a tongue-in-cheek sort of way but I’m dead serious about establishing an atmosphere that is markedly different from the world around you. You should do the same.
-Everyone else is talking about problems, scandals and financial armageddon. You need to shine your spotlight on what people CAN do, what IS possible, the ingenuity that solves such problems.
-Most people devalue human beings and parade the bad ones for all to see. You can celebrate the good ones. “Do gooder” is not an insult, it is a compliment.
-You create a culture for your employees and contractors. Make them feel appreciated. You give ’em the gold star when they come through for you and the good feelings flow outward to their customers, co-workers and families.
-You know something that most people don’t know: There is ALWAYS a way to turn lead into gold. There is ALWAYS an under-valued resource sitting right under your nose, that solves a problem for a person who’s standing right next to you, who will pay money for it.
-You know something else most people don’t know: Every second of every day, 10,000 people search the web and a whole bunch of ’em don’t find what they’re looking for. As long as that’s true, there’s an opportunity for you.
Stand up, square your shoulders, walk tall. Defy the norm. Challenge the status quo. The hinges of history turn on “ordinary” people who do just that.
Perry Marshall
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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.
53 Comments on “You're more powerful than you think you are.”
Great Post! That’s for sure, there is always something out there, thousands of searches go un answered every day! You don’t always have a to be a mega huge, as long as our reach your goals and have a roof over your head..
The question is only to find that small opportunity and grab it. People can say whatever they want but it takes a lot of energy and it is time consuming to find something that people are looking for and that you also enjoy doing and spending your days with
Most people in business don’t take a broad look around them.
They typical do the things that their competitors do in terms of marketing and managing their businesses.
If they just took a look around at the varying ways to manage and market a business, from the varying businesses that existing, they would gain an incredible insight and evaluate their businesses beyond what they could have ever thought possible.
Hey Perry,
I love this post. It sure takes guts to be an entrepreneur. But the end-results are well-worth it. We should always adopt an abundance mentality when it comes to life.
I have always been trying to relate this message to my friends but they are not receptive to it. They are always complaining about their problems rather than coming up with solutions for them.
Maybe, I should email the link to your post and ask them to read it. Hopefully, they will start to change and adopt a different mindset about themselves after reading your post.
Thanks.
Edmund
Hi Perry
I would like to add my appreciation for all your business and spiritual inspiration to all the others in this comment thread, from as far afield as our sunny South Africa.
I am also desperately looking out for a breakthrough in my business ventures. I have done everything I was taught by you and other mentors over the course of several years, but a liveable income still evades me.
I wish I had someone to take me by the hand and look at my ventures, to tell me where I can improve. I have to do what I do with virtually no funds, but I am trying my best, both online and offline.
Thanks again, and keep me in your prayers also.
Two comments:
1) Most people who struggle as you describe, struggle because they’re attempting opportunities that are badly stacked against them. Typical approaches to affiliate marketing or info marketing for example.
2) It’s a lot easier to improve a large existing business by 10% than to grow a new one from scratch.
If you can afford to be in Mastermind Club, the private members’ forum is a goldmine of excellent advice from very smart people.
Hi Perry, thanks for the awesome e-mail, very encouraging and just what I needed for today.
Thank-you for being someone who is honest and genuinely inspiring in the market place to help all of us reach beyond our potential and see the things only dreams are made of.
cheers,
-david
Hey Perry!
Thanks for another great post.
You are right on about the media. 99% of what they say is negative. The sky is falling, and so on. I don’t even subscribe to a newspaper anymore. I rarely watch the news.
Who wants to be depressed? Who wants another reason to lose hope?
I, like most entrepreneurs, have always had a positive view of life. The glass is half full, not half empty, so to speak. That way, I am more likely to not only dream, but to act on my dreams to make them a reality. I try to help others reach their dream of starting and succeeding in their own home based information products marketing business.
You don’t need to have a $13,000 or $130,000 monthly payroll to be an entrepreneur that makes a positive difference either. A one person business can be a powerful influence on the world also.
I saved, and occasionally re-read, a 2008 Daily Herald article by Cal Thomas because it hit home with me, like your post did. The article is titled “Conquering poverty with entrepreneurial spirit”. Mr. Thomas focussed on the government, not the media, as something that stifles optimism or the entrepreneural spirit. But, entreprenuers rise above both the media and government roadblocks to create their successful businesses. The article is full of inspirational examples of little guys that found a way to start with nothing and build profitable enterprises, overcoming the traditional spirit of victimhood and “can’t do” attitude.
Thanks again for the post, and keep them coming.
Paul
“Most people devalue human beings and parade the bad examples for all to see.” Yes, Perry. I do this. Because I feel I cannot contribute any to such situation. Situation like the political scene of recent where our Democratic party, the majority holder, doesn’t seem to be doing what they have promised at the national election. I don’t like female characters talking in front of TV commercial. All that irritates me a lot. Yeah, I got old. That, too, irritates me and depress me a lot.
As usual, I’d like to translate your blog and put it to my archive.
What we need right now is hard work and inspiration . There is no such thing as talent, we make that for ourselves with the sweat of our brow and determination in our hearts but what is needed not all the time but now and again is inspiration and an example to enable us to dig deep and inspire others. Thank you Perry.
Perry, thank you!
I don’t usually read every bit of email that comes by. But on this occasion I clicked and was attracted to read through it and later came here to tell you about it. (I receive your posts in my mailbox – one thing for sure I never get bored reading your voice).
I just love this article. It’s so full of positivity and awakening ones inner spirit to come forward and play it’s part in the world stage.
Once again thank you!
You also give me great inspiration, and I love your witty,truthful and cheerful emails which I thoroughly enjoy reading.
Sincerely
Kay Collier
Perry, thank you for this post.
It’s a breath of fresh air to hear someone take a positive spin on life.
We hear so much negative talk on TV & radio these days that it’s no wonder so many people are down in the dumps.
News bulletins only cover accidents, murders, crime etc but rarely anything good.
We need more Perry Marshalls in the world! Keep up the great work please.
Thanks for your post Perry,this afternoon I asking myself and the Lord how can corporations use social media to influence the world for the better instead of trying to keep up with gossipers and spammers.You trully gave me some direction to chew tonight,Thanks a lot God Bless.
Victor.
Just what I needed to read today. You shook me out of my ‘who cares, why bother?’ state of mind. (Some day when you watch a movie you’ll see my name as the screenwriter. When you do, pat yourself on the back once or twice, okay?)
I think that is very powerful and I need something like this at times, I think we all do —- I love it, Thanks Perry
It’s true, with the right sort of thinking, ordinary people can do extraordinary things. Thanks Perry.
Perry,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings. And a huge thank you for sharing the links to the videos on The Miracle of Pittron. There are three other videos on that site, including one Value the Person. All four videos are well worth watching as they contain very valuable information about how to appreciate the person, whether that person is an employee, an affiliate/associate or a customer.
I think it is too easy in today’s digital environment to forget that it is all about people. Good reminder.
From some of the comments I felt like a lot of people missed the links to the videos. I would encourage everyone to check out the Value the Person site and watch all four videos.
John,
Yessir, the Miracle at Pittron video really is extraordinary.
Perry
Just a little bit of the right perspective can make huge changes in a person’s world– I’ve seen it happen time after time. You’ve laid a whole lot of great perspective on us here, Perry. Powerful insights that could rock someone’s world today… glad I read them. Reminds me of why I do what I do!
Hello Perry,
I want to thank you for giving me the boost that was needed today!
I am always the optimist whose glass is usually half full,but recently, it has been quite challenging,and your comments today saved the day.
I diligently read your emails and follow their advice when their content relate to me or my “potential” business” in any way.
I appreciate your willingness to share your extensive knowledge and expertise which, I am sure,results from very hard work and commitment.
Thank you again.
Barbara J.
“-Most people devalue human beings and parade the bad examples for all to see. You can celebrate the good ones. “Do gooder” isn’t an insult, it’s a compliment.”
This is typically true of today & for probably the past 13,000 years.
Thanks for the post Perry.
We also have to be careful of the bad guys, when we do good to others, that they don’t abuse us. But humans do discern good intentions from bad ones.
Gerald
Hi Perry,
I’m not (yet) one of the people on your level, but you are a great inspiration to me and I will keep listening to what you have to say. You give me a reason to keep on moving forward.
Best wishes,
Delores
Good word Perry.
I’d like to amend one of your statements though, about the “mass media broadcast oppression and despair”. That’s only partly true. Much of their negativity comes from the non-elected political partisans trying to bring down their opponents – both conservative and liberal. All this blame of “the media” can be disengenous… it’s “we the people” that seem geared toward believing negative messages instead of positive.
But you’re spot on that it’s not the government, but the individual who brings hope and change for the future.
Hi Perry,
I always enjoy your writings on marketing and your views on business and economy. This post was extremely good, inspiring, and opened my eyes to see some goodness in what I am doing.
I think entrepreneur is the the Hero of tomorrow, and is going to rule the society.
Looking forward to more good writings from you.
Best wishes!
Praveen
Perry, as always, inspiring stuff. You’re a great example to us all.
Bravo Zulu!! (Navy lingo for Well Done!!)
It is so sad and scarey to see how far we have slipped from an integrity-based can-do attitude to a “What are you going to do for me today to buy my vote?”.
I am 81 years old and full of drive,excitement and vigor as I am building yet another company to provide value for our great country.
May my efforts be a beacon to encourage many others to reach deep down inside of themselves and choose to make a real, positive difference for our great country!
Blessings,
Paul Cunningham
Perry:
Preach on, my brother! Preach on! It’s time that entrepreneurs own the power that we have to transform our world by stepping outside of the box.
Thanks for your encouraging words.
Blessings,
Andrea Scott
“Mentoring for your success”
http://andreascott.info
Perry: I’ve been a fan of yours for years and this is why…entrepreneurs need a champion. And, you are our champion. “Human suffering” seems to sell. That’s what I tell the TV station reps when they come in selling us ad ideas. Most of this is not news anymore; it’s invading someone’s privacy about a murder, car wreck or what have you. Congress is depressing enough, we don’t need to see our neighbors in time of misery. Keep up the great work. Bob Ottaway
Perry,
As always – simple, profound, well-reasoned advice that hits you in the gut.
It puts it in perspective for entrepreneurs and business owners. Since so many of us are isolated from our peers, prospects, and customers, we need this type of reminder. :)
Thanks, as always.
My best,
Eric Henderson
Perry, this short little article (piece of inspiration) reminds me why I’ve been following you for the last 10+ years and why I recommend you and Planet Perry to anyone serious about their business and copy writing. You’re awesome dude, keep up the good work!
No what I love about you Perry? You bring no fluff, no hype and no BS. I have never seen these videos before but they struck me as to what I have thought for years. I’ve seen exactly first hand the miss handleing of employees were the downward spiral rears it’s ugly head. The management is clueless as to what to to do. So continues to beat the employees over the head and the results get worse to the point of no return. Value the person seems so elementary and the concept really is just that, elementary. But most don’t get it and sadly enough, most never will. Everyone must watch these videos wether you’re an employee, manager or CEO. The human value in this lesson can only help you in this journey we all take together called life. Perry, Good on you for putting these out their
Thanks Man!
George Walters
St Paul MN.
As always, you manage to see things as they should be seen… and share them in a way that others can too. Thanks Perry.
Dear Perry,
being an entrepreneur means that you are optimistic, it sort of “goes with the package”. You cannot be the sort of person that makes good of opportunities, and not have the mindset that makes sees them – and takes advantage of them. It sort of all rolls into one.
When I was younger, I never thought of myself as an optimist. When I was still young, we went hitch-hiking all over Europe – my poor ex. would look at the cars and moan. I just thought of what a treat those poor drivers were missing*. I would encourage him by saying that we only needed one car to stop, to which he would say “it’s ten o’clock at night! There is nobody here” whereupon a car pulled up behind us and gave us a lift all the way to Dortmund!
But it never occured to me that I was an optimist, I just made the best of the situation I found myself in.
BTW if you think of money first, think of it not as a profit but as a harvest: “money is like a farmer’s crop. It is the result of hard work and good husbandry along with good quality soils that are cared for as much as the plants themselves. If you have a capital producing company, then this is in effect what you are doing. You must ask yourself how good is your “soil” and what you use for your economic compost, how carefully do you tend the economic plants that grow in your business and are they adequately watered?”
(*two soggy hitchhikers trying to get to Salzburg or Hannover or wherever)
Right on the money. I had to let go og all the fear and just focus on moving forward.
Dear Perry,
I was just about to hang up the “entrepreneur” cap and give up. I’ve been having major trouble for the past 10+ years or so with people trashing me to potential jv partners, destroying potential business deals and generally ruining my life. I’m broke, unemployable because I don’t drive and haven’t held a job in 6 years. Every single deal over this last ten year period has had this person(s)unknown attacking it. I don’t even know how they are invading my computer. My apartment was entered and my tea was tampered with and on and on and on. I’ve heard all sorts of reasons why people do these sorts of things to me: I was told that I thought too much of myself while volunteering during a period of homelessness so that I would have a roof over my head. I had things stolen from my house while I was at work and the “burglar” used a key. I have had every nasty thing happen to me or be said about me behind my back that you can imagine. But everything you say is true: People who see the possible, always see the possible. I have boxes full of business ideas, folders full; both in print and on my computer. I have so many business opportunities that I want to pursue that I don’t know where to start. And everyday something else in a completely different industry catches my attention. I am still struggling to break through the nasty murk.And maybe I’ll get lucky and shine a bright light on the snakes in grass at the same time. And I think I will at some point. But’til then I just wanted to thank you for a great, badly needed, very timely post.
Quantella Owens,
Virtuality LLC
Quantella,
Your comment makes a strong impression on me. I remember a guy said something very similar awhile back and I told him I’d have Sue, my secret weapon, pray for him. He experienced a breakthrough very shortly thereafter. I’m going to ask her to do that for you too. I think there’s some dark stuff that God wants to free you of. Watch for some definite movement in the next week or two. You’re still in the game.
Perry
Perry you are always articulate, always inspiring, always on the money. You make me want to stand up and shout, “Let’s March!” As an entrepreneur / business owner for 33 years who never had a job, I am on my feet chanting “Yes” to every point you make.
And as always, after I read you, I feel better about me. That’s the signature of a great writer, and an even greater human being. It was good fortune to meet you 10 years ago. I’m proud and honored to know you. Keep knockin’ it outta da park my friend. You are influencing the world for the better.
Mitch
Mitch,
It is ALWAYS a pleasure to hear from you and I know how like-minded you are. Kudos, bro-
Perry
Perry,
Thanks for the words. Love your take on being a business owner/entrepreneur. “10 foot tall and bullet proof” is how you need to be alot of times.
There are opportunities all around us. It’s up to us to seize them.
Kurt
Perry,and thank you for putting things back into perspective
for me.
I read your e-mails daily,and I am encouraged, not only your
Willingness to share, but also by the quality of the info shared.
Thank you,Perry!
Wow, Perry, you did it again. Thanks for inspiring me.
AAAAAAAAAAMMMMEEEEEN!
Perry, this is exactly the encouragement I needed to hear this morning. Thanks so much. This is a prime example of why you are one of the only people that still has my email address on their newsletter. I needed this. Thanks
Nice job. I founded and ran a good sized advertising company. I’m retired from it now, but I’ve started a few internet businesses to keep my mind working. I understand and appreciate what you’re saying. I get the usual amount of email from folks offering to help me grow my business. Yours is not only the most on point, most valued, but it’s also the only enjoyable read.
Congratulations on building a good company, and on having the intelligence, wit and confidence to share your thoughts as well as pitch.
Thank you Perry for your words of encouragement – truly motivational!
Hi Perry
it is wonderful to read such a positive and encouraging email, you are right the media keep hitting us with stories of depression and it is affecting so many people, but isn’t it great to know that there are other people out there, like you and I, who just keep dreaming up ways to do things bigger and better and who appreciate those around them. Your emails are so encouraging…thank you!!
Elaine Mummery
I love your pep talks! Actually, I look forward to opening all your correspondence.
Wouldn’t other marketers love to receive a comment like that? … maybe they should take your autoresponder course …
Thanks for that – with all the negatives about business we need more positive observations about the real engine of the American dream.
As someone who runs their own business you forget at times how far what you do reaches someone. Being on the web only its interesting for me to hear how someone finds me.. they say so and so says your customer service is the best. And that so and so may of never even bought from me..
I may not have anyone on a payroll (someday I will) I can totally relate to your message today. As long as you are the shining light, others will come to you. There is no need for all that bad news, if we believed everything we hear on the news the world should of ended 100’s of years ago..
There will always be people looking for what you are offering, it doesn’t matter. What does matter is how you treat them. Be that ripple in the pond of good will.. Thanks Perry your email today was awesome as always!
Kim Snyder
Great stuff, thanks Perry!
Perry,
Thanks for your inspirational words !
Cor de Vrieze
Arnhem
The Netherlands
Hoi Cor, groetjes uit Maarn!
Once again Perry, I just have to say: THANK YOU, you are one of the few people who truly understand the real battle we are fighting, and inspire us to give our best and show us the way, thank you again.