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Today I met Marcus Lemonis: billionaire, investor, philanthropist, businessman and star of the hit show, The Profit. I wasn't expecting it. I didn't wake up thinking this was going to happen. It just did. These are the 5 lessons I learned when I spent 5 minutes with Marcus Lemonis.
Lesson 1. Seize the Day
After my digital marketing agency was acquired last fall, I started working from local coffee shops on a new venture web applications, including OptimizeMySite. Today, was like any other day until I looked at my phone and noticed Marcus Lemonis live messaging on Facebook. He was in town and promoting a new boutique right down the street called DENIM & SOUL.
I didn't think much of it as I packed up my bag and went outside where my wife was waiting to pick me up. After I explained to her that Marcus Lemonis was right down the street promoting a new business, she practically stopped the car and said I had to go, and if I didn't I'd regret it for life.
She was right. Less than 10 minutes later I was in the store, face-to-face with Marcus.
Lesson 2. The Best Pro's Ask Questions
From the moment I said hi to Marcus and introduced myself, he asked questions. He put the focus on me, instead of himself; and he seemed generally interested in everything I said. He knew how to hold a conversation and how to be a good listener, by asking questions.
Lesson 3. Have Your Pitch Down
One of the questions Marcus asked me was, "What do you do?". This was so exciting because I'm a fellow entrepreneur! Luckily, I got some really good advice from my father a few years back. He always told me to practice communicating what you do over and over. Be clear, concise and do it in 10-15 seconds or less. Luckily I listened, because today that lesson paid off. After I explained to Marcus how OptimizeMySite helps businesses manage and track their own SEO and digital marketing for a fraction of the cost big agencies charge, he immediately said he wanted to be a customer! Then he gave me his personal email address and asked that we connect ASAP.
Lesson 4: Be Humble and Give Back
Marcus, took time out of his day to listen to a fellow entrepreneur. His attention is so valuable and he gave that to me. I will make sure I always do the same when people ask my advice or tell me about their start-ups.
Lesson 5: Be Ready
When I woke up this morning, I had no idea I would meeting Marcus Lemonis. Luckily, I was ready. So many entrepreneurs always want to wait because their product, website, service, or app isn't "ready" yet. News flash! Life doesn't wait. You never know when your moment is. Get your butt in gear! There is never a perfect time. You have to be ready. Who knows when your moment will come. Maybe mine came today. Who knows. I'm not saying Marcus is going to be a business partner or investor, but now we have a relationship, and who knows what the future holds.
Conclusion
Moments come and go and it's up to you to decide whether or not you want to seize them. Maybe my moment was today, maybe it wasn't. Either way I'm holding on to these five lessons, and I promise to spread the character of a true entrepreneur, like Marcus did with me today.
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