Al Pacino. Yeah, he’s one of my idols. After all, I’m an actor; I’m Italian; I’m the MLM Mobster.
And Al – what can I say? He’s given us some of the most memorable screen mobsters of the last century. Scarface, Michael Corleone…fugeddaboutit!
AL’S STORY
So, what’s Pacino got to do with Network Marketing? A lot – as you’ll see from this story.
Al wasn’t always rich and famous. Oh no. The man fought his way to the top. He made his bones, like any good tough guy.
You see, back in the day, Al was so freakin’ broke that he used to sleep until 2 or 3 in the afternoon to avoid hunger pangs. He was a superintendent in in a NYC tenement.
But get this. Really pay attention here. Superintendent was his circumstance. He was a leading actor, a star, in his mind.
So, he gets a call for an interview at a well known theater in Boston (maybe The Long Wharf). He borrows train fare and brown bags his food. He has the interview, and they offer him a role.
He takes it, right? WRONG! Al says, “No.” He turns down a paying gig when he’s practically starving. He’s left the rails, you think? No-no-no!
Remember. Al Pacino was a star in his own mind – where it counts. He turned down the job because it wasn’t a leading role. He thanked them and said that he only plays leads. What a set on this guy!
RICH WITHOUT MONEY
He goes back to the Big Apple penniless. But he’s rich! Because he’s a STAR!
The rest is history. He held on to his vision. Today, he’s a household name.
Al Pacino became a star by knowing what he wanted, by committing 100% to getting it, and doing whatever it took to seize his prize. Damn! That sounds like Network Marketing 101.
Are you as committed to your Network Marketing success as Pacino was to stardom?
It’s worth repeating and emphasizing. Al Pacino started his climb to the top by saying, “No!” to anything that wasn’t true to his clearly defined vision. Think about it. He started with , “No!” He had phenomenal POSTURE.
WHO ARE YOU IN BATTLE?
Now that’s a word we toss around a lot in Network Marketing. Posture. Do you have it when it counts? It’s easy to have posture at your company’s convention or on a weekly training call. But do you have it when you’re on the battlefield? Do you have it when you’re prospecting?
What does it mean to have posture when it counts? It means that you clearly define (on paper) the ideal person you want to attract to your team.
It means that when five, or six, or seven people in a row say no to you, that you don’t greet number eight like you’re a silly lapdog. Especially when number eight is a broke negative lame!
Your ability to say no requires an abundance mentality. Cultivate it. Nourish it. Cherish it.
Define and stay true to your vision. Then, prospect with your head held high as you easily make ‘em offers that they just can’t refuse.
11 Comments
Another great post! Which is why, even in a busy day, I always make sure to visit my favorite mobster! Thanks for all the value… you’re the Boss!
Thank God, you don’t have to be Italian…or a mobster to go after your dreams! I have applied this belief my whole life and have been extremely successful. Have I had set-backs…sure! But, I know that I come back from those set-backs being stronger and even more committed to my goal! The posture you refer to is nothing more than your belief put into action. Thank you for such a great article.
Great article, thank you! Mental attitude is absolutely the key difference between those who succeed and those who don’t. We all need to be reminded of that perhaps even more so when we are starting out.
Thank you!
Hey Louis,
Very interesting perspective. Nice analogy merging the pursuit of stardom with the mind-set that someone needs when building a business.
I appreciate your contributions to the industry:) Flo B.
Louis ~ Great post–great man to use as example of sticking with one’s vision. I absolutely adore Pacino, and I adore Network Marketing! And.. cannot think of anyone more suited to be the MLM Mobster than you! Thanks for your straightforward brand of wisdom and leadership!
WOW mobster – you nailed it in this post Al Pacino and Network Marketing. Yes my friend, its all about mindset. You attract in who you are , especially in network marketing. Are you a star … are you a star in your mind. Then you will attract greatness to you! Well done
Al Pacino and Network Marketing
Louis!
I love it! So true!
Clearly defining who you are and who you want to attract is really the first step.
It is okay to say no… Until you “know”
Thank you for sharing Louis!
Amen. Knowing what you deserve and taking action to get it have to be congruent. I am recovering from what many talented people have in our industry; entitlement issues. They’re so talented that they think they just deserve success without being consistent, or being the role model they want to attract. Realizing this as the witness/observer overcoming it has been my biggest humbling experience.
So, be Al Pacino in your business, but stay in ‘witness-consciousness’ & just play the part ; )
Well done Mobster!
David Emil Lombard´s last [type] ..MLM Prospecting Aikido
I am a big fan of Al Pacino as well as my father and my brothers too…This is a good post to share…
Pettina07´s last [type] ..Chamonix
Having the strength and courage to say “no” when you are in dire circumstances, while holding on to your goal, your dream, your future, is the mark of a true leader. It is a testament to their faith in themselves and their forceful will to succeed. Mr. Pacino’s story is a great example to anyone who has set themselves goals in business, in life, and in network marketing. You’ve posted a great example here, Louis. Thank you for sharing this.
The mind is ever so powerful, Mobster. Pacino was being who he aimed to be. A powerful position, indeed. Great post!