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Who Stands Out? by Robin J Elliott

Written by: Robin Elliott

Article Overview: When you look back on your week, which people stand out in your memory? What is it that these people from such diverse backgrounds do, that sets them apart from thousands of others? How do they manage to get and keep your attention and loyalty?

Who Stands Out? by Robin J Elliott

When you look back on your week, which people stand out in your memory? I just completed a seven day speaking and training tour to Ontario, interspersed with meetings, during which I spoke to hundreds of people. As the aircraft was descending back home in Vancouver, I thought of the people who had made a strong impression on me. I came up with sixteen out of hundreds. I could see their faces clearly in my mind. With the exception of one, who was an unhappy, negative type, they all shared the same characteristic that earned them a special place in my head and heart. I added one yesterday, even though I was already home.

From Patsy, a sixty-something waitress at one of the hotels I stayed at, to Edeltraud, an Austrian exchange student on an aircraft, to Jennifer, my publicist who put the whole tour together and made it all work, Jerry, a highly successful businessman who attended every event in Toronto, and Winston, who went the extra 1000 miles as always, they all shared this characteristic. They stake a claim in your heart that earns them special priority. What is it that these people from such diverse backgrounds do, that sets them apart from thousands of others? How do they manage to get and keep your attention and loyalty?

I think real life examples will clarify my point, so here goes. Joan quietly greases the wheels, spending her own money, caring about everybody and everything, with humility and purpose. Although she is very successful, she understands the big picture and is always there for you. Shawn is constantly checking how he can produce a better video, add value, and make it easier for me to work. Richard is a generous, professional, friendly man who makes friends with everyone and brings light into the darkest room. Brenda is always seeking to direct others to their goals, helping them, encouraging them and gently pushing them. And Andrew gives you the distinct impression that he will have your back in any situation. Perceptive, attentive and sensitive to my needs and the situation. I could go on, but you get my drift?

These people are naturally caring and giving people. They understand at a cellular level that “what goes around, comes around”, but that is not their motive. They just care. They like people. They want to help. They are secure and comfortable with themselves. They have high self-esteem that allows them to put their egos on hold. They don’t manipulate others or sacrifice themselves like some altruist or mystic – don’t misunderstand me – they just care about others and it soon becomes abundantly clear that their motive is pure. They’re the Eagles in my life, and I am so grateful to meet and know these wonderful people who are salving balm for the cynicism, greed and dishonesty that is so abundant these days. And they are the type of people who join the DollarMakers Joint Venture Forum. Thank you for being in my life, even if it’s only to point out the raccoon in the garden or ask me if I’m thirsty. You’re Eagles!

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Related Forum Posts
Re: October 17 Triple Crown Leaders - Yep - and Robin referred him and is getting all the credit in the Referred Articles category!
Re: Q4 Triple Crown Winners! - Hi Everyone, Thank you for your kind words, I have enjoyed being involved and well done to Jim and Robin for winning their categories. Thank you to Evan and GT for all your help and support to the membership here throughout the last year and best wishes to everyone for a successful 2012, regards, Mal.
Re: Q3 Triple Crown Winners! - Well done to Milly, Robin and David for a fantastic result, you are all deserved winners and have put in a lot of hard work. I am all in favour of seeing Evan and GT in the results as we know how much you both contribute and support us all so you should be recognised for that. regards, Mal.
Profile: Essie Weingarten, creator of Essie Cosmetics - Pop culture has its share of dynamic duos: Batman & Robin, Dolce & Gabbana, Brad & Angelina, and, as devotees of Essie Cosmetics' nail polish know, "Baby's Breath" & "Ballet Slippers." And what's Essie Weingarten, creator of Essie Cosmetics, wearing right now? Why it's "Mademoiselle" paired with one coat of "Pink Glove Service,"of course! It's this playful take on fashionable colors and color combos, coupled with Essie's chip-resistant formula, that has converted beauty professionals and customers into adoring fans and secured Essie Cosmetics' position in the $1 billion nail industry. As a little girl in Queens, NY, Essie was undoubtedly the youngest customer at local nail salons. A manicure was a reward her parents indulged her with on special occasions, and she relished the experience. She did, however, eventually grow bored with the limited selection of nail polish colors, and imagined that other women felt the same way. After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology, she worked for Geraldine Stutz, the visionary behind Henri Bendel; Essie admired Geraldine's business acumen and was determined to learn from her mentor. Following a few more years in the fashion industry, Essie decided to address the nail polish niche that still remained untapped. In 1981, Essie launched her business in Queens by introducing 12 new polish shades that have since become classics in the nail industry. Twenty-six years later, she is still on top of her game and has transformed Essie Cosmetics into a $150 million empire. what we learned from essie: You have to find what works for you. You cannot overextend yourself. It's very important that you know exactly what you can handle before you get into it. making moves "I wanted more. My stint in the fashion world was done. It was time for me to move on and do something on my own. I knew I loved nail polish and I knew that there were no groundbreaking nail products out there that promised long-lasting polish, so I decided to run with it. I had identified a niche product and market and was excited to make the move." vegas, baby! "I said, 'Where am I going to get the best bang for my buck?' Las Vegas was the quintessential test market. There were cocktail waitresses, dealers, dancers, cashiers. Twenty-six years ago, there were not that many women working together in one geographically concentrated area. But Las Vegas was the exception. I went to all the hotels and casinos that had beauty salons and I left samples. By the time I got home, which was less than a week later, I already had orders. The calls kept coming in. I got calls from women in Florida, New York, California, and Illinois who were in Las Vegas on holiday and tried my product there. They raved that it was still on their nails a week later. I thought, 'My god ... I have a business!'" man's world "Back when I started, there weren't as many women in the workplace. Customers and clients would call up and ask to speak with Mr. Weingarten. I had to deal with chemists, box manufactures, brush manufactures, bottle manufactures. It really was a man's world. I quickly learned how to convert challenges into opportunities. I often compared myself to a bumper car: I hit a wall, turned around, and kept going. I met each roadblock with the following question: "How can I do it better, different, and put a spin on it?" That mindset helped me through it all. If you start to get negative or down on yourself, then you're done faster than you started. You have to keep yourself very positive and very focused." skin deep "Before you can expect anyone to believe in you, you must believe in yourself. It's that simple and that important. If you feel good and secure, you shine. You don't have to be the most beautiful woman in the world to look and feel great. If you put yourself together and make a statement, people respect you. And there is no better or cheaper way to change or spice up your look than with nail polish. I always say we are the cheapest addiction around!" the sweetest thing "Do you have any idea how many doors were slammed in my face? I lost count. Never, ever get frustrated. Perhaps they're not interested in your product or service now, but they will be. They just don't know it yet. When they come back, and they do, you are in the driver's seat. You set your terms. They want and need something only you can give them." networking "Networking to me is the most important business practice. I never burn a bridge. I still network with people I worked with in my first job at Bendel's. Women are an unbelievable resource for networking. They enjoy helping one another. You must have good follow-through, contacts, and networking skills to survive in business." fresh and fun "Every 90 days we come up with six new colors. Every color is very fashion-driven, because we rely on the current trends in fashion and design to inform us of what people will want to wear. If you change your nail polish, you feel like you're always wearing something new. We keep our customers guessing and wanting more. We don't allow them to get bored. Of course there are the classics that everyone goes back to, but change is good. It makes the product hip and makes our customers feel like trendsetters." essie moments "A lot of customers relate our colors to milestones in their lives. I can't tell you how often I've heard "Cotton Candy" and "prom" in the same sentence. I recently overheard girlfriends saying that "Bordeaux" is great for a first date. When I meet people and hear what certain colors stand for in their lives, it makes me feel so good. I love that I can make women feel great and I absolutely love hearing about how the nail colors speak to such personal moments in their lives." essie's tips for longer-lasting nails 1. Don't use your nails as tools. 2. A smoothing hand cream is a must. Essie has several kinds that match specific moods. If you're on vacation, try coconut pineapple. If you're feeling Zen, try the fragrance-free aloe. 3. You must use a base coat. Then follow it with two coats of color. After three days, apply "Good to Go!," a fast-drying topcoat. It keeps the polish looking wet and new and it's also protective for the nails. parting thoughts -"My greatest strength in business is ... I never give up." -"I am happiest when ... the ultimate spa or salon that I've always dreamed of having as a customer calls and becomes a new customer." -"Success to me means ... when you get all the wonderful press and endorsements without paying for it. And when I make people feel fabulous." -"I will retire when ... it's no longer fun. But it's still so much fun, so I don't see when I'll retire." -"I will always think of myself as ... fun-loving." -"I care most about ... making people feel good." -"I care least about ... money." -"The key to being a great boss is ... I don't ask anyone to do anything that I wouldn't do myself." -"Every entrepreneur should ... be passionate." This Featured Lady was profiled by Alexandra Salas, a Buenos Aires-based writer.


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