From the Mind of Daymond John » Power Journal

Without Pressure We Have No Progression…

Daymond — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 21:11:35 +0000

Pressure drives you. It forces you to perform out of your normal operating mode. Pressure shoves you in to daunting situations and tells you that if you focus, adapt and react accordingly you will come out the other side successful.

It sounds like I could be talking about the performance of a professional athlete, but really I’m describing any person who is faced with an important duty with a less-than-desirable amount of time to complete it. Most people want a no-pressure lifestyle. They would rather have a relaxed existence that one that provides them obstacles and challenge. But these challenges are how we measure ourselves. And they are how we know we are successful.

Self Evaluation…

Daymond — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 01:18:50 +0000

If there is one thing , one prize piece of knowledge that I would pass on to someone who asks me what it takes to make it in the world of business I would tell them that it is Persistence. Not just persistence in interviews, meetings and pitches… but persistence with yourself.

Who is the person that keeps you on track and goal-oriented? It’s you of course. If you choose not to be hard-headed in dealing with yourself then who will? It is of the utmost importance that you push yourself each day in order to get where you want to be. It is greatly important that you hold yourself responsible for your victories and your losses.

Be Prepared To Change It Up…

Daymond — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:57:14 +0000

The title of one of the chapters in my latest book is “Be prepared to Change it up”. The key idea is to anticipate the fact that sooner or later, you will have to make the difficult decision to change your strategy. It’s the same as the director that knows the majority of the footage he shot, while it may be quality stuff, will end up on the cutting room floor before the film ever makes it to theaters.

It’s inevitable that unexpected things will occur. In shooting for perfection you must overcompensate in order to guarantee that you’ll end up where you want to be.

Seeing The Whole Picture…

Daymond — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:10:06 +0000

Having the ability to step back from the fray of day-to-day business and take stock of everything in your scope is one of the most important tactics of the successful business person. While there are moments when laser-like focus on a task at hand is vital, other times you can become lost in the in the intricacies of a job; and gaining a distanced perspective is the best move.

It’s like the old criticism of “not being able to see the forest for the trees”. When you focus too intently on one aspect of a strategy you hamper your ability to craft a well-rounded plan. A little time away from the project, or a fresh set of eyes can always give you the inspiration you need.

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Daymond — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:40:58 +0000

Tried and True…

Daymond — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:38:56 +0000

What makes a strong business? Temperance. The stresses and strains of business keeps the company on it’s toes. Just like forging steel, the steady transition from offensive to defensive strategies hardens a group. From fluctuation, your business is made resilient and adaptive.

By comparison, an organization that rests on it’s heels will constantly be caught off guard when the tides of the economy turn. Good and bad events occur, you can’t stagnate by just anticipating the best outcome all the time.

Making The Connection…

Daymond — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:06:49 +0000

Branding is all about taking the existing product and giving it a spin. Not just a new coat of paint, but a complete cosmetic overhaul. You have to take the item that you’re selling and craft a perception around it that has people tripping over themselves to own it, all while staying true to what the item can and can not do. You can’t lie, but you can make promises.

The trick is as simple as giving a your product a name that stands out. Think of cell phones: The Intercept, The Vibrant, Droid X. Chances are that you’ve now memorized these phone models due to their keen names. Even the iPhone did a good job by incorporating the signature Apple “i” in to the title of the phone. Essentially they make the claim that the iPhone is the new phone. How can you do establish your own brand?

Take What is Yours With Confidence…

Daymond — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:43:39 +0000

Often in business, people can sense the nervousness and lack ofconfidence. If you assume your role with a cool nature and you know that you will handle your responsibilities as is expected of you, thenyou will exude certainty that people immediately gravitate towards.

When your quality of character is something worth emulating, peoplebelow you will follow your example and people above you will take notice of your bearing. You have to hold yourself to a certainstandard… but in reality it’s the easiest thing in the world to do: Conduct yourself the way you want to be perceived at all times. It’s as simple as that.

Earn it…

Daymond — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:37:47 +0000

You have to work hard in order to get the rewards you see other earn. Don’t allow yourself to take that time off, that cruise to Hawaii or that corner office without putting in the hours punching the clock. Knowing this, when you do get those well-deserved perks, you should enjoy them fully. There is no feeling like having the knowledge you did your best, and that you may now claim your prize.

It may not be gladiatorial combat, but it’s the thrill of victory nonetheless. Those winning moments, and the spoils of executive war are the things that keep the greatest businessmen edging towards the top. All it takes is a little taste of that life for you to get hooked, for you to make it your goal to be on top.

Never Be Intimidated…

Daymond — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 23:12:14 +0000

Intimidation is an art. It’s a fragile balance not only knowing how to exude stone cold certainty, but also in knowing how to deflect the the intimidation of others. It all comes down to confidence. When you have absolute confidence in it doesn’t matter how many awards, citations or framed business school diplomas other people have on their office walls. It’s possible for anyone to make it to that level so long as they don’t waiver due to outside pressure. The point is that you can’t let anyone cause you to shrink when you have a clear goal in mind. Keep your eyes on the prize.