Okay, I’m going to say something that might sound like bragging, but it isn’t:
I do a really good impression/impersonation of Zig Ziglar.
Audiences see me do this at virtually every live program and they laugh, nod their head, and tell me afterwards how I “sound more like Zig than Zig himself.”
But, I’m not bragging.
The reason I’m able to do this is because – early in my sales career – while attending a Zig Ziglar live event I bought one of his six-cassette tape packages and listened to all of them again and again and again and…well, you get the picture. After a while, I could pretty much recite the entire program and sound like Zig while doing it.
One of his vignettes in particular was the answer to a huge challenge I had been facing during my sales presentations and ended up helping me serve a lot more people and, in the process, make a lot more money.
However, when utilizing Zig’s teaching during my actual sales presentations, I didn’t do my Zig impersonation. I didn’t sound like him, move like him or in any way try and “be” Zig Ziglar.
I utilized his amazing teaching. I even used many of his exact words and phrases. But I didn’t do it as a clone of Zig. I did it as me.
Had I tried to be Zig, I would have failed miserably. Why? Because I’m not Zig. I’m me. I also learned a ton from Tom Hopkins, author of the classic, How to Master the Art of Selling. I pretty much memorized his teachings word for word and utilized them the same way I utilized Zig’s. But I never tried to “be” Tom Hopkins. It wouldn’t have worked. After all, I’m not Tom, I’m just little ol’ me.
In The Go-Giver, John David Mann and I discuss The Fourth Law of Stratospheric Success, which says, “The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.”
Hence, the title of this article; Adapt…Don’t Adopt.
In other words, choose those from whom you wish to learn; whether it’s an overall system, a process, a skill set, etc. Then, adapt their teachings, implement their instruction, learn it to the point that it actually becomes a part of you. A part of you, but not actually you.
Adapt…don’t adopt.
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You speak truth my friend. Just another aspect of being authentic. People love it when you are real to them, makes them feel that you can be trusted, and when you adapt, you tailor it to their needs. Not to mention that they can be their authentic selves as well.
Love the Wikipedia definition of the word ‘adapt’:
“It is the process whereby an organism becomes better suited to its habitat.”
Thanks Bob.
The Go-Giver is still one of my all-time most favorite books. A big thanks to you and other wise people who share your expertise with us. It enables all of us to adapt ourselves individually and become similar to whom we admire, yet succeed in our own unique ways.
Hi Bob,
That’s a great reminder for all of us. And also to remember to not take it personally when someone doesn’t click with us. Just as we need to be ourselves, we need to know some people will like us and others…well, they may learn better from another’s style.
I too have benefited and enjoyed Zig! I hope I can see that impression someday.
Julie Bartkus
http://www.workplacegossip.com
http://www.lcforcc.com
Bob
I’m glad I found your blog. I’m reading ENDLESS REFERRALS (again). I’m becoming more convinced about the power of using referrals. Social Network (Marketing) or whatever words you want to use to describe it, is very powerful but completely collapses when self-promoting.
I hate it when somebody trys to come off as a Guru and nothing they say is original. But doing Zig impressions is priceless and another example of your expertise. It makes you more genuine and trustworthy in my eyes and that makes you and your work a great “referral” source for me.
Thanks,
Dave Hill
Amarillo, TX
Hi All, just a quick note to thank you for your feedback and kind comments.
Cesar: Great thoughts. I continue to be impressed with everything I see YOU write and am so proud of you for what you are doing.
Trace: Thank you. Please know how much your kind words mean to me.
Julie: You are correct. That’s an excellent point. Thank you for sharing.
Dave: So glad you’ve enjoyed Endless Referrals and found it to be of value. And thank you for your kind words.
Call me and do your Zig impersonation any time! : ) You KNOW I love that!
Thank you, Lisa. 🙂 🙂
Reminds me of that wonderful old line about how you may as well be yourself because everyone else is already taken! Thanks, as always, Bob for a thought provoking post.
Hi Kim, thank you. Very true, isn’t it? LOL
Bob, I first wanted to say how much I love and have always loved your posts. Second the post reminded me of a quote Joyce Myers says,” G-D wants you to be anything you possibly want to be but He will not let you be someone you are not.”I love that quote and your post just adds value to the “WHY”. Wishing you a Magical day! ~Michelle Colon-Johnson
Michelle, thank you so much for your kind compliment. And, thank you for sharing the always-awesome Joyce Myers’ terrific quote. I love that!
I laughed so hard Wednesday morning in Meridian when you did your Zig imitation because it was one of my favorite quotes from his tapes.
It nearly convinced me to go digging in the Attic to find those ole tapes, but I no longer have a tape player in the house, just CD players.
Sigh.
He was one of my early heroes. As much as I miss him, I like my current crop of heroes just fine. If you ever need a sidekick, just let me know…
Hi Wink…thanks, I’m so glad you enjoyed that. Yes, that’s a quote that only Zig would have come up with! The man is a definite 15 on a scale of 1-10.