“All I need is passion for a fairy tale and to find my toothbrush.” -- Tracy, Day 8 on the road (Bogota, Medillina, Cartegena and Orlando).
“Colombia is passion” said our Proexport liaison as he nearly killed me for 5 straight days with a rigorous schedule from as early as 4:30 to nearly midnight. He added the same message I heard in every city: “Tracy, the only risk in you coming to Colombia is the risk that you will never leave.” Ironically as I write this, I am sitting at the Grand Floridian in Disney World, where they not only understand this marketing methodology, but they arguably wrote the book on this. It’s called Cinderella as I stare at the castle from my window and wait for the evening fireworks.
Who else but Disney could make billions from something we do not need? Do we really need a book about a mouse that would benefit from a vocal coach, a sleeping princess with chronic fatigue syndrome or an awkward toy that flies around named Buzz?
Yes, we all know its passion that compels us to buy. With years in the music industry, I sold music and understood that we not only need this variable in our lives -- we crave it. It seems that we would rather b-u-y a piece of fantasy over a need because it appeals to the passion of life and satisfies something larger. Who wants a fish when they may find a pearl? (Steinbeck)
Ah passion…I consider as I search for my toothbrush, always hiding them in hotels after seeing an expose on housecleaners that seek revenge on guests by using them to clean toilets. Constantly forgetting where it’s hidden as it’s now day 8 on the road, its words like “passion” that makes poor Fred and many of my MBA-buds cross their eyes in confusion when I speak on marketing and sales -- is the only way to close a deal.
There, I said it; the undeniable secret to successful sales is passion. Sorry Ron, I liked your piece in WaterCooler Confessions and DealFlow blog on the value of fearlessness a couple of weeks back but believe that this is secondary. While fearlessness is certainly an asset, you can NOT close a deal unless you appeal to passion.
The Colombians know, understand and are marketing this…and this is why Colombia may single-handedly be one of the greatest success stories in this upcoming decade of any emerging market in the world. Coffee, Gold, Art, Oil and Architecture – 2 oceans, mountains and a desert or a population of 44 million is only the starting point I discovered. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting one after another smart, sharp, focused and driven young professional. Dynamic, educated and professional they are committed to building a global repositioning of Colombia and I have no doubt will succeed.
The weather here in Orlando is rainy and chilly as I prepare for the World Money Show for IR client Premium Exploration (TSX.V: PEM) through the end of the weekend. The World Money Show sells the allure of wealth and opportunities for all that attend. Orlando is the home of the fairy tale and I smile as I locate my toothbrush.
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