New York

New York, New York!

I realized that I forgot to give you all an update on my New York trip. Danica and I had a great time, and our meeting with Time Warner went better than expected. The first amazing moment was taking an elevator to the 36th floor of a high-rise building near Times Square. They led us to the conference room which had a view overlooking Manhattan! Danica and I looked at each other and realized we weren’t in Green Bay anymore! What we also realized is that people who work in New York are not much different than people who work in Wisconsin—they just have a longer commute.

These were simply good natured people who were trying to be the best they can be in the positions they were entrusted with. We also realized that we can approach anyone from anywhere. Everyone we met was kind, professional and willing to listen to good ideas. As long as you can make a strong case for a good idea, people will listen. So don’t be afraid—go ahead, make the call and set that appointment. We also realized that the people we know (friends and family) are really connected.

Danica and I started talking about the friends and family we know who could open up some doors with big companies. With that in mind, in about a 15-minute conversation over dinner we identified five people in our lives who either are involved in or can get us into a meeting with a large company that can use our product. This week I’m off to Texas, and as you read this I’ll be in my rental car reaching out to a senior executive with Kraft Foods.

Don’t be afraid—make the call!

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN: Get with your business co-workers or partners and brainstorm people you know who can help connect you with the people you need to meet who can benefit from your product or service.

Big Apple Here We Come!

I’m writing this Wisdom on Wednesday on Monday evening. Tomorrow (Tuesday) morning, Danica and I board a plane and head to New York. Not too long ago I wrote a Wisdom with the theme of “showing up.”  I wrote that 90% of success is having the guts to show up. Tuesday afternoon we have an appointment to meet with various executives at the Time Warner corporate office, where we will be spending 2-3 hours presenting our Prophit Marketing process and the About Me Card software.

What will come of it? Who knows. We hope for the best. One thing I can tell you is this: If we stay in Green Bay, nothing will happen with Time Warner. We learned all new initiatives come out of New York. Hey, at the very least Danica and I will spend a few days away. On the other hand, we may be meeting some new friends who can help us change the world. We’ll see. I’m sure you’ll be hearing about it in next week’s Wisdom. By the time you read this Wisdom, the pitch will be over and Danica and I will be sleeping.

Don’t be intimidated by opportunities—seize them. Life isn’t a dress rehearsal. It’s the real show. Speaking of show, I think I’ll check out 42nd street!

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN: So who are you meeting with in the near future?!