There is a tendency amongst authors writing about “success” as well as entrepreneurs, small business owners and CEO’s telling their success stories to be warm ‘n fuzzy and present classically popular ideas palatable to the largest number of people. To say that nice guys win. That having a positive attitude and drawing little smiley faces above the i’s you dot will not only endear you to people but actually attract prosperity.
In truth, there is little evidence of this. None of it is harmful in moderation, but it conceals fundamental truth about ultra-high achievers: they tend to be tough, intolerant, hard-driving, demanding, competitive people often viewed as difficult, mean and ruthless by others. And they tend to have a profound sense of superiority usually viewed as arrogance. It sometimes gets them in trouble, but it is also an essential factor in their success.
Quoting a Forbes reporter:
Donald Trump has a dim view of the world. To the real estate mogul and TV star most people are either “enemies”, “bastards”, “sleazebags”, or “stone-cold losers.”
Bill Harrison recently gave me a phenomenal book by one of the richest Europeans you’ve probably never heard of, Felix Dennis, “How To Be Rich”, which has much to say about this, and should be read by anybody who thinks they sincerely want to be rich. (It’s also a fun read.)
These individuals who raise themselves to great wealth and power exhibit messianic beliefs from the beginning.
Gene Landrum writes about this extensively in his must-read books on the high achiever’s psyche. He cites countless examples; one, Napoleon being told by his mother while still in the cradle that he was born to rule the world.
Andrew Carnegie spoke of having a sense of enormous superiority over ordinary men. In the book “The Alexander Complex: The Dreams That Drive Great Businessmen”, its author notes that great business empiricists believe in the grip of a vision. Because they are convinced they can change the world, they often do.
With this sense of superiority comes the unavoidable conviction that most others are profoundly inferior. These individuals see themselves as strong and disciplined, others as weak and undisciplined; themselves as independent and in control, as kings, others as dependent and in need of constant supervision, as pawns to be moved about as necessary.
These individuals have a centric vision, demanding that the world revolve around them. They see their rightful place as atop the hierarchical pyramids because of their superior studiousness, tough-mindedness, discipline, determination and resilience. (NOT superior intelligence, as Dennis points out, and as I have frequently stated.) While they may say that there”s nothing significantly different between them and other men on the street, because humble plays well, they privately know the opposite to be true, and have disdain for all those who could but don”t.
Further, these people take (legal) advantage when and where they can.
Sam Walton cultivated an image as the folksy fellow in the battered pick-up truck, but Andy Griffith he was not. Walton’s success formula focused on minimized labor costs, grinding vendors down on price repeatedly, and forcing manufacture of most goods overseas. Wal-Mart has always been run with an iron fist: wage caps; extensive electronic surveillance of employee phone calls and workplaces; prohibition of purchasing agents accepting so much as a cup of coffee from a vendor; an internal security force investigating every deviation of company policy.
NIKE founder Phil Knight made his fortune in shoes by paying Indonesian factory workers less than a dollar a day – eventually admitting that his company had become synonymous with slave wages.
Bill Gates an elephant eagerly stomping mice.
Opportunism, even predatory opportunism is heavily in play. One rich client of mine, I won’t name, recently told me gleefully that economic slump in his industry prompted him to open up his piggybank, because it was the ideal time to steal the competitors best employees and advertise more aggressively than ever to build market share. Rockefeller famously said, I buy when there is blood in the streets.
Is there enough blood in the streets to prompt you to take action today?
Share your story below.
Author Info: Dan Kennedy is internationally recognized as the 'Millionaire Maker,' helping people in just about every category of business turn their ideas into fortunes. Dan's "No B.S." approach is refreshing amidst a world of small business marketing hype and enriches those who act on his advice. 
{ 33 comments… read them below or add one }
Not whatever one want to hear…but you can’t argue the facts!
I’ve also noticed this for some time but kept the observation to myself because I’m often surrounded by doe-eyed Bambis spouting the feel-good “positive” message of theirs. Yet, when I look at the results — theirs vs those who are more ruthless — the ruthless folks are producing thier results and the Bambis have all the reasons why not.
Excellent, excellent article Bill!
Another great post- this in fact was a wonderful point you drove home at your 7 Figure Academy this past summer in Ohio. You drove home how you have to have extreme status and extreme visibility. Plus you also talked about personal philosophy, which all of these folks you mentioned in your article have all three and I’m sure they have all 7 characteristics, hence they’re incredibly successful. The take away for me is, it’s really not just about making money and taking action, you have to have the “head” piece in place to believe it, see it and do it.
As always, right on the money. This thinking although generally in short supply in the world at large. This is one of the key messages I try to drive home to my clients and subscribers. Your post is a powerful testament to why Dan and Bill would do a great job in the White House, right about now…
Thanks for all you do!
We work in Information Product Creation, most entrepreneurs we deal with realize they MUST productise but what become apparent is that they often lack a grasp in their Unique Value Proposition, who their niche are, and what they really want out of their business, and deeper, on who they are. Our hope as a business is to help people realize they can be whoever they want and get paid for it, our biggest issue is often getting them to CHOOSE SOMETHING to attack! My advice is; if you can’t think of something you love enough to do it for ever, think about something that PISSES you off so much that you HAVE to change it. GET ANGRY!
Great reminder to stop letting people walk all over you. I love the model you’re providing for others-and those bold enough to take a stand!
…sometimes the elements that led us to greatness can be our own undoing…
It’s all perception. We can mold perceptions by studying the art of persuasion and influence–Hypnotic Marketing for the new social media.
You guys Rock!
Stage Hypnotist Simone
Las Vegas
email me at hypnatrix@hotmail.com
I have gifts for you. Yeah, actual gifts!
P.S. Go see the award winning Outrageous Video I did for Bill Glazer’s Outrageous Advertising Book–click the link and go buy Bill’s book, dang-it.
A secret you cannot Know; A secret secret.
Listen. Lean in close. This information is not for everyone.
Why do you think Inner Circle’s exist? Not everybody is prepared for the enlightened lifestyle found within and prefer to live without.
Here it is, but don’t go here. Again, You cannot handle the fruit!
nevertheless, those who want on the inside will go to:
http://www.twitter.com/kingofsway and study from a king of persuasion while in the inside!
Love you.
Stage Hypnotist Simone
Here’s a secret to success you may not have known:
Hire consultants to make you famous and rich — even if you already know how. Even Kennedy and Glazer only have two arms each. They didn’t get where they are without lots of help.
I just got a great note from a very well-paid consultant to this blog–and you will, too, if you violate the protocol of this blog–and when I googled him, I found out that the guy is world famous for being the best at what he does.
No wonder Kennedy and Glazer hired him.
I listened to every word he shared with me and I didn’t have to pay his ginormous fee> Thanks, Buddy.
Warmly,
Stage Hypnotist Simone
(No link, because it’s not cool)
People Google me; I’m everywhere!
P.S. Thank you for your friendly coaching! Seriously, you have no idea what it means to me to be appreciated for my work, especially when I need a little feedback or re-direct.
You bet Simone!
Glad you are an active member of the new online community. We plan on making this massive, so very smart to be in early.
Anyone who follows GKIC advice should realize that they are superior to all of their competitors who do not, and should act accordingly.
Yes, this recession is a HUGE buying and growth opportunity for aggressive, forward-thinking business people. Which all GKIC members should be.
I make a lot of soccer moms kids cry as they don’t always want or expect to win. I get up every morning to make a great living. I cant believe for a while I tried to change myself because I wasn’t fitting the norm. Well the norm sucks!
When I first began to study hypnosis, I amassed the world’s largest hypnosis collection. That all went to Dr. Joe Vitale in a hypnotic ebay transaction that put Mr. Fire in a trance until I delivered and help him set it up in his custom-made shelving, which he purchased specifically to house the collection. It took the better part of the day. He later wrote about the experience in Chapter Two of his bestselling book, Buying Trances.
I digress, it’s hypnotic confusion.
I found myself addicted to secrets. The secrets that hypnotist knew that I “didn’t”. Here’s what I learned:
Not a damn thing.
I am still addicted to secrets. I’m so damn curious about everything. It’s what makes hypnosis and persuasion the perfect business for me.
Warmly,
Stage Hypnotist Simone
Las Vegas
if you can convince your audience you are an expert that is the true illusion… the more they believe in you the more they are willing to buy from you…the more they are willing to tell their friends all about you
I don’t even talk to my audiences. I only talk to their subconscious. That’s why people get so confused. They sometimes think I’m talking to them. Why would I speak to a person in a waking state. They make their decisions in the subconscious. In order to transfer value, I implant micro-programs at a fast and confusing pace until they have an idea they cannot resist.
“They” have an idea! Hmmm, I wonder how that happened.
I just gave you the secret to closing big deals. Again, send your $500.00 to St. Judes Research Hospital For Children in the name of your Father.
Stage Hypnotist Simone
King of Sway ™
…I’m sorry… what were you saying…
…I’m confused!
Stay confused! Did you know that “confusion technique” is actually taught by various hypnotists? We are going to have a ball at Dan and Bills Outrageous Academy in Orlando in January.
yep, now send me the $500 so I can paypal you and be your guest…
Rob, if you want to be my guest, you’re in, Buddy. Forget the $500.00. It’s a stumbling block. Pay me later when I add more value to your life. If you want to attend with me, you’re in. Just Let me know. You must register with GK, $147.00. Email me, I’ll hook you up, Brother. There’s a person who I have to let know at G-K when you’re ready to register.
Stage Hypnotist Simone
… okay… now we’re talking….
Busy weekend -It’ll be taken care by Monday!
Let me know when you’re ready to enroll, I’ll hook you up with the Glazer-Kennedy person assigned to handling my two guest’s enrollment for the Jan 15 event.
I’m charging my other guest a $1,000.00 coaching fee instead of $500.00 and I will tell them to be sure to thank you for being one step ahead.
Its all good fun.
ha ha ha ha – I’m laughing all the way to the bank.
Sometimes you just jump …
usually into a window of opportunity.
Peace.
Simone
opportunities abound…
are you eyes open or shut !
very well said. I’ve been thinking and the positive happy mindset doesn’t really work for me. I’ve only had great success when I got angry. Thanks for this article.
then get angry… sometimes the greatest transformations occur when you get angry…
Well directed anger. I always think of Jesus smashing up the room when the tax collectors pissed him off. That story went to billions.
Simone,
I always enjoy that story of Jesus – great example – thanks for reminding me!
Rob
What are some good Gene Landrum books to read that reflect this mindset?
Brendan: You really can’t go wrong with any of Gene Landrum’s excellent books:
The Innovative Mind: Stop Thinking, Start Being
Entrepreneurial Genius: The Power of Passion
Empowerment
Eight Keys to Greatness: How to Unlock Your Hidden Potential
Profiles of Power and Success: Fourteen Geniuses Who Broke the Rules
The Superman Syndrome–The Magic of Myth in The Pursuit of Power: The Positive Mental Moxie of Myth for Personal Growth
Just go to amazon.com and click away!
(We studied some Landrum materials at a recent GKIC Peak Performer’s meeting under the able guidance of success coach Lee Milteer. Great stuff!)
Oh, and to Rob and Simone, I say again: Get a phone!! lol
Thanks for this great information! I really appreciate this. I actually let my husband have a look and he posted a link to it on his blog
Real HCG