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Dear Mike,
"Try to be the dumbest guy in the smart row" - Fatherly advice.
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The Five Chimps Theory was popularized by author / entrepreneur Naval Ravikant. According to this theory, you can predict the mood and behavior patterns of any chimp by by observing the five chimps they hang out with the most. The concept holds true for people.
While there is some question about the hard science that goes into this theory, there is no question that your social circles have a huge impact on your attitudes, beliefs, and actions.
That begs the question: what kind of chimps are you hanging out with?
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Positive & Negative Chimps | |
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Your social circles can work both ways. They can trap you in a world of low expectations, frustration, and bad habits.
Or they can push you to take action in your life. Take career risks, expose you to new ideas, raise your belief in what you an accomplish.
I've been on both sides of this equation.
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When I graduated college, my brother and I thought it would be a GRAND idea to open a bar, which we did with no money and no business experience. What could be cooler than a couple twenty-somethings running a bar? How could this plan not work?
"Unenjoyment Night"
Over time, the five chimps principle came into play. We spent our days with a bunch of drunks, starving musicians, and ski bums. (some of them were all three). Our customers were lovely people, but had no ambition. Our biggest night every month was when the unemployment checks came in. Our clientele earned more money not working than working. After three years, we decided it was time to move on to a "better class of loser!"
For the next 20 years, I had my ups and downs until I started associating with smart, motivated, insightful people who were willing to push one another to strive for excellence.
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Where do I find my "Chimps" Now? | |
The best thing I've ever done in my career is to be active in peer groups. Smart people trade ideas and practices that make them successful. I've participated in at least a dozen over the past twenty years, including Renaissance Business Forums, Vistage, Connectwise Evolve, IT by Design, 4-Profit, and many more. | |
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My favorite is my own peer group "Trans4mers, which I've hosted for 14 years.
We bring in great Subject Matter Experts, like John Barrows (above), Joe Candido, and Victor Adufeye. But the real magic comes from the participants.
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Mastermind Group
I was invited to join the Magical Masterminds, a DC-area group featuring world class speakers, entrepreneurs, and coaches.
Masterminds not only provide brilliant insights, they hold you accountable to be your best. So fortunate to learn from (L-R) Zemira Jones, Dr. Willie Jolley, Bill Cates, Suzi Pomerantz, and Marissa Levin.
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TEDx
At TED, "Ideas Change Everything", and I'm so fortunate to be associated with TEDx Warrenton. For the past three years, I've been Head of Speaker Curation, meaning my team and I identify people with great ideas, invite them to speak at our annual event, and prepare them to deliver a game-changing talk.
Interacting with world-class scientists, entertainers, and thought-leaders elevates everyone's game. I'm proud of the videos we've recorded at our events, and the world agrees. Our event last October has already generated nearly 1.5 million views on the TED website.
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Channel Partners
The Venetian, Las Vegas
"Seven Figure Income Salespeople"
March 25
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American Idol: TEDx
Bethesda, MD
April 12, 9:00 AM
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Mike Schmidtmann coaches business owners and sales leaders across the USA. He works to drive results in sales recruiting, new business development, and profitability.
Mike led sales for Inacom Communications for ten years. then founded and built a $30 Million business unit for SPS.
Mike produces the award-winning Trans4mers webinar series on IT sales and management subjects. He is a frequent public speaker on business topics.
He lives on a farm in Northern Virginia with his family and assorted horses, alpacas, goats and dogs.
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Play "Stump the Chump"
E-Mail Mike with a vexing and perplexing question and you'll get a telling and compelling reply.
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Mike Schmidtmann
(703) 408 - 9103
Mike@Trans4mers.net
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