Tweet

Lesson #3: Listen to Your Gut Feeling of Gold

Article Overview: Maybe it was smarts, or maybe it was pure stubbornness, but when Hall set his mind on doing something, he followed through. And, much to the chagrin of those who invariably advised him against it, it in turn invariable worked.

Lesson #3: Listen to Your Gut Feeling of Gold

Maybe it was smarts, or maybe it was pure stubbornness, but when Hall set his mind on doing something, he followed through. And, much to the chagrin of those who invariably advised him against it, it in turn invariable worked.

Hall’s instinct was his hallmark. Despite his young age and his lack of business experience, Hall seemed to have the golden touch. Whatever he did, whatever he touched would become a success. And this despite going against the cautious cries of his advisors in some cases and his brothers in others, which he had a habit of doing.

In the early 1920s, Hall had an idea. He wanted to scrap the phrase “Hall Brothers Company,” which had previously been the company’s trademark on the back of each and every greeting card. Instead, Hall wanted to replace it with “A Hallmark Card” in order to create a more recognizable brand. “Everybody in the place was against it,” Hall said. Still, he went through with the change, and it worked. Today, the Hallmark logo on the back of each card is an instantly recognizable symbol for the company.

Another such internal argument within his company popped up when Hall wanted to establish a budget for advertising. He thought it would help his company reach out to a wider audience. And yet, everybody around him told him that it was a waste of money, that nobody paid attention to advertisements. Still, Hall went through with his plans and advertised. Today, the fact that Hallmark is one of the most recognizable brand names in the industry is a testament to Hall’s determination to advertise.

Still yet another debate engaged the internal ranks of the company when Hall wanted to sponsor a television show. His peers told him that doing so was not within the company’s scope and it would be a waste of money. Hall decided to do it anyway, sponsoring a live production of, “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” 55 years later, that show would become the “Hallmark Hall of Fame” and one of televisions most honoured and enduring series.

Idea after idea, Hall challenged and changed the greeting card industry forever. Colleagues and competitors alike dismissed him for his lack of business acumen, and questioned his abilities to lead a company because of what appeared to be his reckless risk-taking. After all, even changing the phrase on the back of his greeting cards from “Hall Brothers Company” to “A Hallmark Card” was seen as such a monumental and risky change that it was hardly worth doing.

Hall, however, pushed forward with his agenda, refusing to back down in the face of critics. He stuck to his gut, which experience had proven to him time and again could be trusted. He refused to let anybody, no matter how much more business experience than him they had, and no matter how loud they shouted, stop him from doing what he thought was best. After all, it was his company.

Related Articles
  What Does Your Gut Say?
  Five Ways to Show Honest Appreciation
  Golden Income Opportunities in Retirement
  Gold Medals? Or Alligators?
  Achieve Your Dreams And Never Ever Give Up

Article Tags: 1920s, advertisements, amahl and the night visitors, brand names, business experience, chagrin, greeting card, gut feeling, habit, hall of fame, hallmark card, hallmark hall of fame, instinct, internal argument, peers, recognizable symbol, scope, stubbornness, televisions, waste of money



Related Forum Posts
Re: What inspires you? - Inspiration is nothing it is what you called to do? Some work for money, some work for satisfaction, some work because they have priorities in life. It is the passion to do something for achievement or to show that you can do it by using one's talent. I know there are people who are doing great things with their limited skill sets. So, my view point about inspiration is to Dream Big and try to achieve it. I would rather add "Listen to your self". Listen to Inner guide and follow it. You will reach great heights. Robert
Re: What inspires you? - [quote="KH_Global":2o5p0kh7]Inspiration is nothing it is what you called to do? Some work for money, some work for satisfaction, some work because they have priorities in life. It is the passion to do something for achievement or to show that you can do it by using one's talent. I know there are people who are doing great things with their limited skill sets. So, my view point about inspiration is to Dream Big and try to achieve it. I would rather add "Listen to your self". Listen to Inner guide and follow it. You will reach great heights. Robert[/quote:2o5p0kh7] so true
Re: THE SECRET TO SUCCESS IS ALL IN YOUR HEAD...RIGHT NOW!!! - Success = Thinking (Head) + Heart (Feeling / Interest) + Hand (doing/ action). Success - H3 Robert
Congratulations - Hi Shri, Congratulations to your win. Next time you will go for the 'Gold Medal'. This does not happen everyday. All the hard work is paying you off. We wish you well for future projects you have in mind. Be encouraged! Kindest Regards Beat "Unlock People's Potentials!"
Starting New Business Venture would like some tips - Hello I am new to this website and just want to say its awesome!! currently I am involved in a new business venture, I am new to the business world and I would like some extra help on this subject. Our company specializes in Custom Gold Foil Printed Ribbon, and Personalized Products (Napkins, Buttons Etc). so if anyone has any ideas of where to go, who to contact, or even if your looking for these types of products yourself, let me know and any tips to help me out it would be greatly appreciated.


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Tweet

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

Why Use an Advertising Agency

Adjusting Your World

Live To Work Or Work To Live?

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.