Recently on Indie Business Radio Show, I interviewed Thom McKinney, author of Play the Game to Win.
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On the show, Thom shared some of the experiences he had being raised by a strict single mom, being incarcerated for drug dealing as a very young man, being married to his wife for 40 years and raising their daughters, and being a soldier in the United States Army. These things, says Thom, facilitated success in all areas of his life. Here are a few of the pearls of wisdom he shared on the show.
- Thinking vs. Plowing. Thom reminded us that, “You can't plow a field by turning it over in your mind.” This is such good advice, especially for small and independent business owners who like to analyze every angle before proceeding. Sometimes, you can think too much. There comes a time for action, and this quote is a good reminder that, at some point, you have to stop thinking about a goal and start working toward it.
- Discipline Is Key. Thom is a no nonsense go-getter, in large part because of a no nonsense mother, and in larger part because of a no nonsense United States Army! He believes that discipline is a big part of the reason why successful people are successful. As a military man, Thom was constantly reminded that death is the inevitable consequence of being unprepared in battle. While being unprepared in business may not kill you, it may very well kill your business.
- Someone Is Being Successful. Thom does not accept today's lousy business economy as an excuse for non-performance. When I asked him for his advice to people who feel like the economy is holding them back, he said, “Well, even in this economy, someone is being successful today. Why shouldn't it be you?” That is a healthy way of looking at it, and it's so true. At the end of the day, anyone who is not achieving must honestly look at both internal and external factors.
Listen to the Show
Learn more of Thom's insights on life and business by listening to my interview with him wherever it's convenient for you. You can download it on iTunes (search on Indie Business). You can also stream it or download it at my radio show website. If you like where you are right now, simply click on the link at the bottom of this post to listen right now!
Companion Newsletter
Click here to enjoy the companion newsletter for this show. The newsletter features the story of how Indie Beauty Network member Marla Bosworth owns and manages a sea-inspired soapmaking business. Marla has also built a profitable branch of her business teaching other people how to make soap.
Coming Up Next Week!
Coming up on October 5 at 1:00pm EST on Indie Business Radio, my guest will be Mike Michalowicz, author of The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur.
See you then!
