Shawn White Snowboards His Way To List Building Gold?
Did you watch the Winter Olympics? I watched the snowboarding competition for the first time this year and got to see Shawn White get his second consecutive gold on the half-pipe.
And that’s why I want to talk to you today about list building. And no, I didn’t hit my head snowboarding or anything (not recently anyway…)
See, unlike some of the other sports, in snowboarding the half-pipe, the longer your routine goes, the *slower* you go. That loss of speed means fewer tricks, and a lower score.
That’s why most competitors try to pull off their best moves at the beginning, before that momentum is spent.
This is a lot like the diminishing returns we marketers see in our lists over time. We can get a big spike of incoming subscribers when we do a launch, and we can get a great response from them at first.
Then it’s a good response… then so-so… then it dwindles away to the point that your formerly “hot” new subs are just lukewarm with the rest of your long-term, but disengaged subs.
We can’t do any more “tricks” because we’re just out of juice.
And you know what? That’s perfectly natural. That diminishing return happens in everyone’s businesses, and that’s why you can’t just do one big launch and coast along for life.
We go through the process again and again, with a fresh burst of speed, and a new chance to bust out some great promotions while your list is active, only to have things eventually die down again…
And much like some of those Olympians, it can get to you. Even though these athletes get multiple runs and get to keep their highest score, many of them fell flat on their later tries.
Some folks let the friction and gravity from each run grind them down psychologically, too. But not everyone.
Mr. White, aka “The Flying Tomato” managed to get a higher score with EACH RUN. And this was my favorite moment – he ALREADY won the gold, and got the opportunity to do a “victory lap” and greet his roaring crowd of fans at the foot of the slope…
He actually sheepishly suggests he should just coast down the middle without doing any tricks.
Too fast to bleep on live TV, Shawn’s coach colorfully “suggests” that Mr. White should do his super secret trick… the one he never even needed to use in the competition, just for fun, just for the fans.
So he goes down the pipe, doing the usual tricks, and actually lands the “Whitesnake” – a trick he invented – on the LAST sweep up the pipe before the finish line.
I don’t even know how many spins and flips it is. Like 70 or something. But it sure was AMAZING to watch. 
And the judges actually gave him A BETTER SCORE than the one he won the gold with. He had already won, and he busted out an even better performance, just for the JOY of it.
My takeaway is that just because there might be less chance for a big return, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to do our best for our customers and subscribers each and every time.
And it’s not just champion athletes that can elevate their game this way – world class ARTISTS of all kinds strive to do this in every possible form of human expression and achievement.
Why should we, as marketers, be any different?
Whether we’re in launch mode, or doing a promotion, or just doing pure content – you have to care enough to try and do better each time. Always try to get the biggest and best response.
Because when you always TRY to do better, you DO get better. And that can be the difference between bringing home the gold and eating dirty snow.
GO BIG, or as they say, go home.
Until next time,
Andy
P.S. Did you have any personal heroes in the 2010 winter games? I can’t be the only one who finds inspiration for both work AND life in this stuff. What moved you? How will you apply it? Tell me in the comments.
excellent post, thanks Andy – I love the analogy!
Not been watching olympics; although I did look up the scoreboard the other day and see GB with 1 medal and Australia with 2. A hot country beating us at cold things? Makes you proud to be a Brit haha
Good to hear from you,
Tony.
And, if you have nothing to give in terms of value on a given week, just tell a *really cool* story that creates bonding, implicity positions you as an authority, and (most importantly) makes people laugh.
–Clay
Great post, Andy. I loved that Jasey-Jay Anderson in his fourth and final Olympics came from behind and won the parallel giant slalom in snowboarding, finally achieving that elusive Olympic medal. I so admire that tenacity. We need to remember that not everyone hits the ball out of the park the first time. Or the second. or third.
All the Olympians are my heros! They give totally to their sport without knowing what is in their future. Personally, I am scared that I do not know what is around my next financial corner. I need to focus on today by implementing all that I am learning about IM, and gather strength from all those athletes that have been doing this all their lives. Congrats athletes and their families! You have inspired me!
Go Big or Go Home! You nailed it and so did Shawn. Your newsletter really inspires me and so did the Olympics. Keep the good info coming!
What a great analogy Andy!
I have no problem at all giving the 200%… the difference between great and awesome is that extra effort. The difficult part for me is the common denomination of “getting it out” the gate. No matter how awesome you are, if you don’t produce a run at all you might as well keep off the pipe.
Finding that magic sweet sport of quality over production has always been where the magic is kept!.
YOU… are the best my brother!
BobLee
Orlando
Affiliate News Center
Andy,
As much as I was disappointed with the outcome of the hockey game (Gold Medal), I was taken aback by the images of The US hockey team left standing on the ice. It is rare anymore, to see pro athletes that distraught over a loss. Heck, in the NBA or NFL the losers are often laughing and joking on the sidelines or before they are off the field. Refreshing to see the players with as much passion as the fans.
Nice piece.
Mike
Andy,
Great stuff, staying on top means never backing down, There is always another skill to master or trick to learn.
Effects of the weather be damned, keep reaching for our personal best…
Andy, great post and thoughts here man–I watched the men’s speed skating it the risks they were taking were INCREDIBLE-inches away from falling and having a serious gash from the sharpened blades. Crazy stuff but the rewards were awesome.
Thanks for the inspiration dude…
-Lawton
Dude, there are only a handful of people who
are worth the time to listen to 100% and you
have to be at the top.
You are so spot on about list opens and
such.
Thanks
Charles Kirkland
Always motivational to see real Olympians. Those who try harder harder each pass even though the win is already theirs.
Success isn’t being wealthy, but being consistent with your progress.
Chad A. Wilgus 1997
http://zerofrictionmarketingpro.com
Hey Andy-
From one Jerzey boy to another – YO (Exit 4 , thanks)!
I’ve been coaching for quite some time now and I’ve always held, “Soccer is a microcosm of life. Everything you need to be successful can be learned on a soccer field.” I think you found inspiration from Shaun because sport and business parallel – and did a great job succinctly pulling out the lesson. Some would even say business is sport.
I found inspiration in the US hockey team. Literally battling against a nation (I know, I’ve lived in Canada – it’s a religion folks), the Americans fought when all seemed lost. With some ingenuity, grittiness, hard work and mucking in the corners, they scored an amazing comeback with only seconds remaining. While eventually falling in overtime, it was a gigantic reminder to me that “the harder I work, the luckier I get.”
By the way, if you didn’t catch this article on Shaun in Fast Company, it’s worth a read. The kid is pure genius. http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/132/shaun-white-lifts-off.html
Great Olympics as usual…so many terrific performances. My favorite…Steve Holcums gold medal in the bobsled. He doesn’t look like your typical bobsledder with rippling muscles…and even though spandex and flabby love handles don’t seem to go together…the man sure can drive a sled! There’s hope for me and Andy in four years! Better get fitted for that rubber suit soon my friend…:)
As far as “reality TV” the Olympics are without comparison as real tv events.
How about the heroic performance by Joanie Richer the canadian figure Skater who won bronze.
Her mother died shortly after arriving in vancouver to watch her daughter compete.
Despite this tragedy Joanie skated and skated a personal best. After her skate was finished she simply put her hand to her heart and looked inside. It was a truly real moment of personal triumph!
ciao for now
paul
Andy I agree with you concerning Shawn White –but don’t forget the USA Hockey Team effort—Less than 20 years ago there wasn’t but a “hand full” of Americans even in the National Hockey League. The boys have come a long way! That game could have gone either way…………….BTW-is there any chance of getting into “Little Boss 1-2 and 3? I really could not afford the Video Boss Software at this time – but was planning on learning and working with the “Little Boss” information-with the intention of building my abilities up to purchase the “real deal” next time it is offered—I didn’t think you would pull all the information about the “Little Boss”.
Enjoy your stuff—good job and keep it up!
Mike Elder
I’m with you Mike…was bummed to see the Little Boss stuff gone. Not truly “free” content if you can’t go back and reference it later.
By the way Andy, Shaun dropped the moniker “Flying Tomato” before these games started.
My hero was Apolo Ohno. And not for winning gold. For winning bronze and for being disqualified.
He was ‘grateful’ for winning bronze. Instead of complaining that the big boys always win. I see that a lot with marketers… complaining that they can’t get better because the big boys are in the way.
Then not being bitter or crying ‘foul’ when he was disqualified. So you got the Google slap. It’s the nature of the beast. What are you going to do now?
Lot’s of take-aways from the Olympics. Actually, I can find take-aways everywhere. Like… there is joy in giving. I got that from Andy Jenkins.
Oooh, gotta be the UK’s only gold medallist, skeleton bob athlete Amy Williams! What a star!
Also Sweden’s Anya Paerson, who crashed out in the women’s downhill but was found the strength to overcome the damage done, pull it all together and get back in the start gate the following day to pick up bronze in the super combined.
That is going big, for sure!
Hey Andy,
I’m always a fan of the “fell down and got up” deal. I saw that a speed skater feel during their competition and hit the ground during one of the relays only to see that her fall was inconsequential. Sometimes we fall and think we’ve done ourselves such and injustice with that mistake or faux pas. However, I have seen more times than not that the “fall” was only to show us where we either need to transform into something more or better, or that it was something that didn’t matter; it was going to happen anyway and that we should just let it.
One way or another, life will occur. It matters only how we define what happened by how we act, react, or proactively move to make something work and how to let that experience move us forward to the next level.
Thank you for the article Andy, it helps to remind of true inspirations!
Andy, thanks for the analogy.
you truly are a good person to look up to, thanks for share!
Rodrigo
Andy,
You make a very good point with an even greater example which just fits your style. Great stuff!
Thanks again for your contribution.
Jim
Shawn’s coach and all the coach’s that instill that winning attitude in these phenomenal athletes Creating a positive attitude and enlightened state of mind requires a healthy self-image. Thanks Coach Andy. Be Bop
Dear Andy,
Great analogy, and a powerful message there, as usual.
Thank you for always being on the BIG game path.
You inspire many of us.
Best regards,
Luis Gaviria
Hey Andy,
I like your using the Olympic competition as a metaphor for interaction with your list.
As for my Olympic heroes, mine is Nick Alexander – the ski jumper from Lebanon, New Hampshire.
Aside from being a superb athlete, he’s my great nephew.
This was his first Olympics and our entire family was glued to the tube for all the ski jumping competitions.
Ron
“My takeaway is that just because there might be less chance for a big return, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to do our best for our customers and subscribers each and every time.”
I was JUST thinking that this morning about my next newsletter. Cool to get the affirmation from you.
Goodness, so many amazing athletes and so many lessons!
My heart goes out to Joanne Rochette whose mother passed away just 2 days before her event started. Her strength and commitment were obvious in the short program, ultimately resulting in a bronze medal. The closest thing I can think of is how my lamaze lessons kicked in when my daughter was born – even though I was exhausted, I didn’t have to think – my body had been so well trained that it knew what to do and did it. Keep practicing and reinforcing – you will automatically do what’s needed when the time comes.
There’s Shaun White, of course, having obvious fun while doing things most people gasp at.
There’s Evan Lysacek – the hardest working man in figure skating – whose gold medal shows exactly what happens when you are unstoppable and you put in your time perfecting your gifts. He’s a gentleman who at only 24 showed incredible grace when quizzed about Plushenko’s antics. And he’s gorgeous, too.
Apolo Ohno with 8 medals making him the most decorated winter Olympian from the U.S. Every incremental advancel adds up over time.
The U.S. women’s short track relay team who continued skating despite being so far behind. They ended up with a bronze due to a disqualification of the Korean team – don’t give up, regardless of how dismal it may look, do your best and finish the race.
The U.S. Men’s nordic combined relay team – bringing home the first ever medal in the sport (a silver), a grueling sport that requires stamina, pacing and solid performance.
Team Canada for winning an amazing overtime hockey game against the U.S. – when we had already beaten them once – and giving our good neighbors to the north a stellar finish to their hosted games.
And of course, Steve Holcomb, with record setting runs and a gold medal! A man who looks more like my dear husband than a star athlete. A man who said they were treating the second day like it was a separate race and they just wanted to do it like they had the day before. The lesson – do your best. Then keep repeating the strategies you know are successful.
Every athlete who performed at the Olympics is a hero and an inspiration. No one gets there without commitment, hard work and vision.
Hi Andy,
I’m grateful a friend sent me a link to your first video a few weeks back….I was hooked by your manner of speaking – honest, clear and disarmingly casual. In these shark infested waters of “Interwebitivity” you are the dolphin, man, what a relief to find you and your great stuff.
Thanks for your ideas and helpful explanations.
( Hope you’re not offended by the dolphin analogy coz its meant as a like SUPER compliment ?)
Regards,
Greg
Just a minor correction…………it is Shaun……..with a ‘u’ …….no ‘w’
Tom,
Thanks for pointing that out. My first name is spelled the same way as Shaun White, and others misspell it quite often.
I’m usually not too picky about grammar, but in this case it’s someone’s name, not ‘just’ a word. Andy’s content is so solid though, and the message is true.
I think many of us expect quick results when it comes to Internet marketing, and after months of little or no results, we ‘tire-out’ like many of the snowboarders. If we use Shaun White’s success story and apply it to our business, it will remind us how excited we were when we started marketing, and combined with what we’ve learned it that time, we’ll generate better results.
I’d like to see Shaun White do some tricks off the snow “mountain” in my cul-de-sac where we play wiffle ball.
I felt really bad for the Men’s Cross Country Skier who fell in the 50K race with less than 200 meters to go when he was in position to win the Bronze Medal. I think he was Canadian which made it even worse. I thought how could he fall so close to finishing? It’s because he raced as hard as he could for over 49K and was completely exhausted so a simple turn became a complex and crippling event. Even though he didn’t finish in medal contention he inspired me because he gave it everything he had. If he had paced himself he never would have fallen but he never would have been that close to winning a medal either.
Andy,
Nice post. There were so many triumphs of great magnitude in these games….death, weather, personal loss, injury…it mimics life in so many ways. What hit me was Shawn’s absolute joy in what he does everyday…it was clear that he had achieved that illusive thing we all search for…to find the thing that brings joy AND dollars.
My heroes from the Olympics – the volunteers, people and cities of Vancouver and Whistler; we rocked out the Winter Olympics like no one has ever seen – up to 150,000 people in the streets partying every night – it was nuts!
The athletes of the Canadian Olympic team – world record haul of 14 Gold medals from the “nice” country (Yeah!) and many more medals; Every member of the Canadian Olympic team inspires me.
All the athletes, officials, coaches, support staff from all the teams, all the countries (whether they were at the O or not); sport gives us so much more than just competition or victory… we see the best of ourselves (or not) and keep going.
Being a professional skier for most of my adult life, the Winter Olympics always catches my attention and imagination. And now that I work with pro and amateur athletes, and skiers in particular to help them achieve their best, watching the Olympics always is not only a thrill, but a learning experience. I use what I see in the games and transform those images and those Olympian efforts to help my clients transform their everyday
practices into the stuff that dreams are made of.
Watching Lindsay Vonn, after she won her gold, have a meltdown as the pressure of the moment subsided, and she realized that the culmination of a lifetime of work resulted in her achieving the pinnacle of success in skiing was a refreshing and honest response. Seeing her battle through pain and injuries to take two medals at Vancouver was really inspiring!
Marc Carlin
The NYC Hypnotist
Andy,
I followed you through the intro videos for your Video Boss Launch. They were fantastic and so full of real content as opposed to fluff and hype. I am sure the course is killer.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford to purchase the video boss course at the time, even though I know I need the content. I need to make some more money first
(what kind of an oxymoron is that. I need to make some more money, so I can learn how to make more money???)
I appreciate getting your posts and I agree with someone who commented that you are one of the few in this overcrowded niche who writes things worth reading.
Please keep that up. I love reading them.
Regarding Shaun White, I had the opportunity 2 years ago to take a 4 day grand Prix racing class at the Bondurant School of racing in Phoenix and Shaun White was in the class. So I got to meet him at that time. It was fun and unexpected. He pushed the envelope there as well.
I saw his runs in the Olympics and I agree with you completely, what a winner. What a dominating performance, especially when they played the superimposed video and showed how much HIGHER he was on the first trip out of the pipe, it was AMAMZING!!!
I own a recording studio (www.wizardelectricmusic.com) and do all my music myself, and I know that you said you do most or all of yours. Check out both my websites – (and my crummy video)
I am coming to San Diego in April because my son is graduating from boot camp in the Marines, so I’ll be in the neighborhood anyway.
Hey Andy,
Perfect question! What will take you to new levels? Shawn White is going to top his best no matter how far he takes it. We should do the same in what we deliver to our customers!
Thanks for sharing your insights.
Fact is that gold medalists, like all winners in life, have ingrained in their mind the NEED to do better for themselves. Though he already had the gold he risked ridicule and pushed himself to do the ‘secret’ move…he did this because he went to the Olympics to do HIS best and not to win a medal.
We should all learn from this and always have a ‘whitesnake’ up our sleeve. If we do not strive for perfection we will have to be content with mediocrity.
Thanks again Andy for sharing so many ‘whitesnakes’ with us.
DoLifeNow!
Victor
Great post Andy,
Oh the Olympics, so many great stories from an event that went from total disaster to to great success. The organizers and the thousands of volunteers stuck to it even though there was no snow and an athlete died before the games even began. The people that worked day and night without pay in order to make this happen, they were heroes.
Joannie Rochette skated to a medal in the face of despair and saved herself through her own triumph. She was a hero. And, of course, as a proud Canadian, how could I leave the men’s hockey team out. Not just the Canadian team but the Americans for leaving it all on the ice, not for the money, but for the love of the game and country.
Hey, all of this internet marketing stuff is great and money IS important. What these athletes remind us of is that you have got to give it your all. And, work is required before the reward comes along. So, you’d better love what you’re doing and keep an eye on your goals when things aren’t going right. You’ll get there.
POWER, PERFECTION, AND BEAUTY. All characteristics that we should all strive for.
Kim Yu-Na from South Korea KILLED IT in figure skating. Gold of course.
Find the video online if you missed. You will be inspired!
Thanks Andy. Yeah, you’re my hero too man!
Hey Andy,
Great post. I completely agree about the inspiration we can learn from in Shaun White. He’s done that before… already won the competition and then busts out something even more amazing for his final run. This one was truly inspiring though. He really wants to the be better, even when he’s already proven that he’s the best.
I also loved Apolo Ohno this Olympics. I agree with Debbie above. He is thrilled when he wins, but also takes it in stride when he doesn’t. I love that he commented honestly about his personal opinion about whether he should have been disqualified (that darn Canadian head judge)… but then brushed it off as “part of the sport” and walked away happy and smiling. I like that type of attitude.
G’day Andy;
I’ve long believed that there are many similarities between sport and business. Australia’s success in Freestyle reflects this.
Our sports administrators have decided that its easier to teach gymnasts to ski than to teach skiers to twist and tumble.
Personally, I prefer Summer to Winter Olympics. The Winter version has far too many
“judgement sports:” sports where so called judges decide, or at least influence, who wins. But that’s like business too.
It doesn’t really matter whether our product or service is the best by objective measurement. The judges–prospects and clients–will decide. It may not be”fair.”
But neither are many Winter Olympic events.
Pleasing The “judges” is what it’s all about’
May it be ever thus,
Regards
Leon Noone
I really liked this post. I followed the Olympics from the start. I was more into the short track watching Apollo Ohno and the bobsled team. The thing that I appreciated was the fact that even though the Americans were technically out of their element sort of speak, they did awesome and the attitude that most of the athletes maintained. We tend to look at situations where we are out of our comfort zone and allow that to keep us from doing our best. I like the comparison you used in keeping momentum. Its huge in our success in anything we do.
Tony
At the risk of inciting violence, one name comes to mind… Sidney Crosby
Hey Andy, great post!
Yeah, my hero was Sydney Crosby scoring that awesome goal against you guys in overtime
Actually, there were many great moments. Excellent analogy to marketing though. Cheers.
Hi Andy,
Great analogy with marketing and life. My hero is Shaun White, who just gave his 100% when given the chances. It shows that short-term gain does not help anyone for their strategic road of success. A success and credibility comes in delivering the best over the longer duration.
Great post Andy!
You are right, we can’t get lazy with our content. We must continue to strive to over-deliver all of the time.
This is also a lesson that we married folk need to keep in mind in our relationships as well. Don’t get too lazy!!!
Thanks for sharing,
Dave
Andy, Great post.
I have several athletes that bring to mind memorable performances in the 2010 Olympics, but the one that resonates in my mind most is the excitement , joy and genuine nature of Julia Mancuso. A former gold winner and now silver and bronze medalist. What impressed me most is that Julia at a very young age had the vision to know how important having a vision board is for the process of goal achieving. More specifically she had drawn a poster of herself as a champion long before she had become a winner. Every one of us should bring a branding iron into our minds as to what it is that we desire to achieve. When we can envision something than we can achieve.
Brad
http://www.howtoburnfatquick.com
Great post.
Personally, I’m not sure it’s as much about ‘running out of steam’ as it is about moving from hope to disillusionment (of course – you’re excluded). I see something hopeful and check it out, only to find it’s like the other 98%. And I don’t think it’s just the customer wanting to get a free lunch much of the time. I think it’s trusting people at their word – and most advertisers have gotten rich from being very persuasive while selling their soul for a buck. I’m amazed at the sophistication of setting the trap. Their customers are nothing more than a statistic.
It seems like most in this industry (again – a few rare exceptions like you) are like the retail Forex industry. You make the money from selling how to do something rather than doing it (or even having done it).
I’m glad to have found three or four that are what they say they are.
Hopefully I haven’t yanked anyones chain, because I’m really not trying to pick a fight.
[...] Jenkins wrote a very interesting blog post about Shaun White and lessons from Shaun's gold medal run that can be applied to list building [...]
Andy,
I just like how you have a conversation with us. You actually engage with your punters, share stories… rather than endless affiliate promotions. I actually read your stuff, Its not just a grab for cash, you actually just send out an email that helps. I know you’re a guru and stuff but you’re a damned more clued up on how to relate to people than EVERYONE else!….and the thing is, when you do try and sell something, we buy! Why? Coz we trust ya!
There, I said it. Vote Jenkins!
Rich
I think the prize should go to Joannie Rochette! Can’t even imagine the emotional pressure that she had to endure, and yet went out and performed at such a high level!
The lesson is to push through, keep your eye on the goal — as you say Andy: Do Your Best!
WOW! So many great stories! So many great life lessons! So many great examples! What an experience!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I love the Winter Olympics they are definitely my favorites. Watching how athletes through years and years of practice leave it all out on the “floor” giving it their all is very inspiring.
Shaun White was at the top of my list for his skill, his appreciation of his fans and definitely for his sheer joy in what he is doing, that is inspiration at its best.
Of course Apollo Ohno, Joannie Rochette and both the Canadian & US Hockey teams their skill and dedication to their sport. And who knew! I actually started to appreciate the skill and strategy of curling!
What also impressed me was how “grown up” many athletes had become between 2006 and 2010 many of them coming back with attitudes of appreciation and joy, more then they showed in previous games. They were enjoying the moment and appreciating where they were at.
One thing that also struck me was that they did not get there alone and were not afraid to admit it. They have family, coaches and trainers etc who have helped them get to this level of competition.
Okay, I could go on… but I won’t
Nice post Andy.
I tried for a good half an hour to find that whitesnake trick you mentioned.
Can’t find it.
Does anyone have the link to this trick?
Cheers for now…
Hey Andy ~
Great analogy to business and life. Shaun White is definitely a hero when it comes to giving it your all and then some more. My 22 year old son is an avid snowboarder so I really understand all that goes into achieving something like that. I watched the Olympics as a citizen but also as a mother who has spent years worth of time driving to and from sports lessons and sitting and cheering and paying and watching your child grow into an awesome athlete. So, although there were many triumphant stories in this Olympics 2010, the one that broke my heart was Joannie Rochette’s. She could have easily caved and with great reason but she endured the heart-stricken pain to honor her mother and finish the race with everything she had to give. In that moment I was so proud of her as if she was my own daughter (dang… holding back tears just thinking about it – it’s a mom thing I guess!)
Now, if she can perform like that with such an emotional boulder on her shoulders – we mere mortals working in IM can surely face our daily challenges and face the tasks at hand. Nothing in IM can come close to that super-human struggle.
(NJ- Exit 2 !!!! )
I liked our olimpyc champion – she won a bronze even she fall in the practice, broke 4 ribs, had tramendos pain and on the end won 3rd place in Women’s Cross Country. She almost died, they have to take her, coz she couldn’t walk. She was in hospital in Canada for days, that she could go back in Slovenia. And here she said, it was worth it to risk my life
Hi Andy,
Great piece, Shaun is a legend, he’s a fine example of how to build a great brand. Like you say by always giving his customers or fans more than they expect. Always over delivering on his promise, I like that a lot.
Jamie
Interesting post.
I like the referencing to the Olympics which were great.
Thanks Andy!
It’s gotta be Sid the Kid… he didn’t have a great Olympics since every team was trying to shut him down and he had no room to move, but he really came through when it was all on him (the shoot out winner in the first game and the game winner in overtime in the Gold medal game).
I think there’s a metaphor in there regarding fighting through adversity and being ready when the opportunity comes….. Can I throw a Yo in here somewhere?
Jim
Andy – I love to see how many of the past athletes have matured (who couldn’t be impressed with Apolo Anton Ohno and Shaun White over the past few years?). The Olympics were incredible! And I gained a new appreciation for hockey…who couldn’t be riveted with that last game? What we gravitate to is the humanity of it all… and that’s what we love about you…;-)
Hi Andy…
I think the most amazing story of the olympics was Joannie Frechette of Canada (Figure Skater)…
Her mother flew into Vancouver and passed away suddenly 2 days before Joannie was set to skate…. The pressure of skating in her home country was enough, but to have a family tragedy piled on top?
Most people would fold like a cheap card table….
Joannie went on to have an absolutely brilliant performance in her first skate, and managed to capture a bronze medal after her 2nd skate….
That’s GRIT if you ask me…. What a gutsy person… She deserves all of the credit in the world to be able to overcome huge personal adversity and still perform at a high level….
I think that we can all learn from that kind of example, no matter what you do in life…
Thanks – Great Post….
James
Sorry – Above post should say Joannie ROCHETTE! Google her name to read her amazing story….
Hi Andy,
Thanks for this — I’m still going through post-Olympic withdrawals, so please excuse me if my writing is a bit shaky!
There were so many inspiring stories this year, in all sports. Personal favorites were the boys from Steamboat who set out to win the first ever US medal in the little know sport of Nordic combined (ski jumping and X-Country skiing). These guys are BEASTS, as my 15 year old would say.
They trained as a team for years in a sport where there’s little hope of big endorsements, fame and glory. They moved to the same town so they could work together as a team, united in a common goal. They didn’t just reach their goal of getting a medal — they got 4 of them! All for the love of the sport and to achieve a goal that no American has ever achieved.
Last thing: there’s a snowboarder who didn’t make it to the games. By all accounts, he was a medal contender. He’s in Craig Hospital in Denver, having suffered a severe head injury on December 31st while training – he hit his head on the lip of the half pipe, and even though he was wearing a helmet, his injuries have left him unable to walk, and with minimal speech capabilities. His name is Kevin Pearce.
Kevin’s story reminds me that there are always risks in life – always. And taking risks comes with a price…so does NOT taking risks.
Hi guys – well I am living in the now past Olympic city. I was not a big fan BEFORE the Olympics due to the disruption that was predicted to our busy lives but the “Event” itself was so inspiring in so many little ways. Apart from the dreadful incident that happened to the Luger….the entire Event was perfect. We Canadians put our pride in our truly amazing Country out for the world to see and hear for the first time ever! The world came here, we took care of them all and sent them away with wonderful memories and we won more Gold medals than anyone ever! I have a real sense of pride in my fellow Canadians at the great job we did!
Shawn White was one of my heros… imagine being able to do what he does. And another was Bodie Miller… he came back to finally win some gold at the Oymplics. Only wish he’s started his come back sooner since he’s one of the best but at Whistler he just ran out of gas. Goes to show you that preparation is just as important as ability when going for the gold.
Olympics … sorry didn’t get a chance to see them.
Who won the gold medal for solving the worlds poverty problems?
Who won the gold medal for curing cancer?
Who won the gold medal for solutions to climate change? … etc
Who won the medal for wasting their money on a giant excuse for a party this year? … normally goes to the home nation.
Ever 4 years one city egotistically tries to out do the last so some “goofball” … can stand up at the end and say “these where the best games ever” … blah blah blah.
So my Olympic hero will be the person with the guts to stand up and say … should the world not fix its problems first … then maybe everyone can join in on the party afterwards.
Just a though.
I really believe Shawn should make the millions he is getting, he is a real super star with lots
of guts and determination. I watched a few specials on him and he deserves what he has. He
put in the effort for years and it is now paying off for him.
A sobering comment coming, and I hope not to diminish the ‘excitement of the moment’ too much, nor to overly-downgrade the magnificent physical achievements of these and other athletes, BUT..: these days I tend to regard these festivals as psycho-fests, where in the minds of the competitors one hundredth of a second means the difference between exctasy and utter desolation and self-recrimination. They put on a great show, yes, but at what personal price, when they have been driving themselves with such single mindedness it becomes more than obsession. Do they relive their past glories for the rest of their lives ( I know of one such, who with the help of a bottle spiralled pretty badly) or obsess about deteriorating/not making the cut next year? These guys and girls are all brilliant, what about a photo-shot of all the competitors, and a medal each – bring back a spirit of ‘participating rather than winning’ and help to give these people a little more balance in their lives.!
Hey Andy-
Your appraisal of Shaun White is right on. I’d heard a lot about him but never seen him in action until the Olympics. His energy, skill and fearless attitude is a reminder to me to take risks and strive for excellence in every area of my life. He sets the bar for competition in his field- something we all could all learn a thing or two from.
Andy,
I’m usually hitting the delete button as I scroll through all my marketing emails, but not yours. Thanks for keeping us on our toes, entertaining us and for providing all of us with useful content. I learned a lot from your “Boss” videos a couple of weeks ago.
To Mike – I once agreed with you but since experiencing the Olympics in my hometown I now feel differently. The Olympics brought forth a sense of pride never experienced before by Canadians. The Olympics brought joy to countless people from around the world but most importantly, a much overdue sense of pride to our native people. There was joy and happiness everywhere, everyday in the streets. This amount of joy our world needs. Its the type of experience that brings out the best in people. Joyful experiences and pride are desperately needed in our world and if it takes the Olympics to unleash these feelings then bring them on! This morning I opened my newspaper to letter after letter from Americans who visited our Winter Olympics and who shared their joy with us and thanked us for welcoming them to our City.
I am very proud of how we welcomed the world and treated everyone with respect, irrespective of colour , race or culture.
Our world is full of problems that will never go away Mike. Is it wrong to celebrate the greatness that we can be and to feel good about our achievements if only for 2 weeks? These experiences enable us to take on our problems with renewed vigour.
Kerri
Hi Andy – thanks for another great post.
My Gold medal for ‘hero’ goes to every single participant of the new winter olympic sport Ski Cross. OMG – heart racing, teeth clenching, lip curling, adrenlin pumping stuff and that was just me watching from my sofa!
If you didn’t catch it, its a downhill race over jumps and through gates at enormous speed. And maybe Andy that can be likened to internet marketing?
I’m saying know your route, watch out for opportunities, stay focused, if you take a tumble try again and start with the end in mind.
Hey, Andy;
Canada’s Joannie Rochette touched me. Her mother died of congested heart failure a few days before Joannie was to skate her qualifying round. Grief and distress aside, Joannie relied on her training and professional spirit to skate her personal best in the ladies short AND free skates.
Joannie’s story inspires me to to do my BEST for my list, my clients and customers, no matter what is happening in my life or my business.
Alan Davidson, PLM & Jeff Walker Charter Platinum
Anyone who complains about not having anything to write about in their niche should read this post.
Good content – stuff that gets linked to and actually read – most often steps outside your niche’s wheelhouse to bring in new insights and more importantly new readers.
Preaching to the choir is exactly what causes the diminishing returns Andy is talking about.
Go BIG.
awesome post man
Hey Andy
Petter Northug are one of my favorites, and he show that it is a little difference between “looseing” and take the big gold home.
It means to me that I will never give up reaching for my goals.
Some days nothing can be done proporly, but mostly all days can be used to get higher scores. I know that it is possible, cos I have experienced it before in some other matters.
I belive, when the desission are made its just to go for it no matter how long it takes.
Hi Andy,
My favorite (okay…, I had about ten!!) was our U.S. short track speed skater, Apolo Anton Ohno. There was a wonderful interview in which Apolo describes his, at times, turbulent relationship with his father, Yuki. When Apolo was 15 years old, after losing a competition because he just “gave up”, Yuki dropped him off at a cabin and told him that Apolo needed to think about it and “decide who he was going to be.”
The interview has meant a lot to me as well as my own 15 year old son. As we watched it together, I had to ask myself, “Who am I going to be?” Am I going to be the kind of person who backs down and takes the easy path, or am I going to step out of my comfort zone and commit to being the best that I can possibly be? I could tell that it set my son to searching his own soul as well.
Here’s the link for those who may have missed it:
http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/assetid=2d05ff11-709b-4436-9cdc-25348621581c.html#apolo+defiant
Be well Andy. As a matter of fact, be better than well! BE GREAT!! Thanks for your updates and fantastic life energy. You are making a difference!
-Jay T.
Sean White is a beast.
Hi Andy – your blog is a great read!
The guys – and gals – I really admired in the Winter Olympics were the cross country, long distance skiers. Especially the men that did the 50km distance event. That takes some serious guts, determination, energy, staying power and self-belief.
As you say in your post, sports can – and I like the idea of long distance sports in particular – be used as analogy for all sorts of things – including starting out in business. Lists are obviously the lifeblood of any online business and it is important to think about the long term – like the guys doing the 50km event. Its all about pacing yourself, your business and your lists and making the whole thing sustainable.
Getting help and advice from guys like will help everyone – including me – who is looking to build a viable and long-term online business. It should help make it easier for me to compete and make it safely across the finish line also!
So thanks again – great post!
Dom
I love the Winter Olympics, and this year we were really rewarded with so many memorable performances from North Americans (U.S. and Canadians seemed to thrill me almost equally.)
Loved especially seeing Apolo Ohno hit his 8th medal, Evan Lysacek’s well deserved win, seeing the U.S. 4 man bobsled team finally get the gold after 62 years, the great strengths at last at Nordic skiing, the unforgettable performance by Joanne Rochette, and the heart-stopping battles in men’s and women’s hockey. These performances, in addition to Shaun Whites, I will remember for a long time to come.
I’ve particularly had a soft spot for the Winter Olympics since my closest friend’s son participated in the U.S. biathalon team at Nagano and watching him march in with the team was a particular thrill– even though at that time U.S. sports did not broadcast any of that team’s races like they did this year.
Interesting analogy with the lifespan of lists and the time half pipers have to get the tricks in.
Liz N
Great post! I really like the quote:
‘Because when you always TRY to do better, you DO get better.’
I love watching the Olympics when the best are striving to perform at their utmost best! It’s inspiring and I am a big fan of using sports analogies to get the best results from my Life & Business Coaching clients!
[...] Shawn White Snowboards His Way To List Building Gold? [...]
Hi Andy – I snowboarded at Wolf Creek for 12 years 40-60 days / season. Worked in ski/snowboard shops here and followed Sean White since he was about 10. Yeah! Hey I’m sorry I can’t afford your course right now. You can see my email here – I know you’re using keynote – I just spent 2 weeks making an awesome keynote presentation to use as a sales video for my ebook. I am having a heckuva time exporting from keynote. It screws up the mp3 audios I dragged onto the slides and made in audacity. Any chance you can bail me out? I’m thinking you imported into final cut or imovie at some point. I’d so appreciate it if you could email me the answer to what seems to be a common problem with keynote. thanks for all you’re doing!
Well, hate to brag, but I’m Canadian and we smoked you guys on the last day of hockey the official “Olympics”
now, let’s face it we Canadians only care about 1 sport… ahem “hockey” ahem… and since we won Gold in that 1 game we simply consider that we won the Olympics, and I mean all of the Olympics, because really who cares about the rest.
So while officially my hero would be our hometown boys that brought us the Gold in hockey, I also have to put in all the other gold winners for the winter Olympics.
There’s a good reason too, a damn good reason so read on.
God, I really hate bragging about this but these Olympian guys are all my hero’s – Why? Well, that would be because I live in a country not known for national pride. Yet, I saw more national pride every day for two weeks straight as I walked to work, than I’ve ever seen in my entire life.
Good idea for posting this idea. And if its a little intense sorry, I tried to hold the intensity back a bit because man oh man I literally work at Winter Olympics central and it felt great to be right in the swin because I could literally feel the emotions of enthusiasm, excitement, cheefulness, and national pride, which in any town in this age of cynicism, those emotions are weak at best in an individual never mind in the whole of a country.
Good on you
Eric Heide
I find it hilarious and rewarding that you have this great online business and you’re obviously very tech savvy when it comes to tech stuff, yet you still haven’t change the default rotating pictures of the thesis theme! =0
HAHAHAH u gotta love it because you know, why? I sometimes get too hung op on the details and seeing this is like you know what David you just gotta get it moving!
I of course in no way shape or form mean this in any disrespectful manner, I actually like your business style
Keep up the good work CUZ!