Past Entries
28.05.10
Here is a great email I recieved the other day……
THE SITUATION
In Washington , DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.
About 4 minutes later:
The violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.
At 6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.
At 10 minutes:
A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again,
But the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time.
This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent – without exception – forced their children to move on quickly.
At 45 minutes:
The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while.
About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.
After 1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.
Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.
This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post
As part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people’s priorities.
This experiment raised several questions:
In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?
If so, do we stop to appreciate it?
Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world,
Playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made . . .
How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?
26.05.10
One thing I have noticed in many successful people they are always looking for a better way to do things. They seem to be constantly looking for the next opportunity. They rarely rest on their laurels and seem to be in a competition with themselves mainly. There are four clear steps to achieving great results:
1. get clear on what it is you want
2. make sure you are feeling good
3. take massive action
4. just keep going
I think some of the most successful agents are not necessarily the most skilled they are however the most committed.
Anyone can achieve anything they desire if they are truly committed to doing it.
06.05.10
One things I have found over the years is I think energy management is more important than time management. If you are bursting with energy, feel great and feel focused the time management seems to take care of itself.
20.04.10
Just wanted to see if there were any videos you all would like to see? Just let me know if there are any particular topics/questions/people and I will see what I can do.
24.03.10
Recorded a new negotiation CD with Lee Woodward today. It talks about the psychology behind the actual negotiation process. I hope agents will find it useful.
18.03.10
Did an interview with one of McGrath’s leading agents today. Will be on the site soon.
