For the longest time I was clueless. I thought smarts and money made success. While they certainly do, personality goes a long long way. My case in point is going to be Howard Lindzon. He has all 3 attributes, but his personality, IMO is what takes him to the next level.
The other day I was talking to a buddy about Sopranos and Andy brought up how Lindsay Campbell was on the last episode (last 2 now, go Lindsay!). I immediately wanted to explain to my friend how I knew her, she was a business acquiantance and how I was so happy for her. But then I realized….I had never met her. While I’m sure I will soon, through Howard, it made me realize just how much personality means.
Howard is so likable and so enthusiastic about wallstripand his other ventures, I feel like I have a stake in them emotionally, through him. Wierd I guess, but really its just his excitment rubbing off on me. He was so pumped about Wallstrip, it rubbed off on me, and so I’ve been rooting for it and everyone involved (including Lindsay) since launch.
(side note—I know there are only a couple episodes left, but maybe AJ will fall for her character and she can be the next mob boss’s wife haha)
Here’s what I see in Howard, a blueprint to networking and collaborative success:
- Always excited about an idea, or 10 ideas.
- Tries to get as many quality people involved as possible
- Friendly
- Always making connections
- Make it big first, then worry about the details
- Help others without asking for return
The last two are the 2 that I’ve most learned from Howard. One thing I’ve noticed in the past few months, in meeting new people, is that most are interested in how you can help them. It makes sense, of course, but that’s not how partnerships are made. Help others first–do it well and they’ll find a way to help you.
I recently met with an ex Vice President of a major online brokerage firm, and she mentioned this exact quality about Howard. (She knew him too, who doesn’t lol?)
I hope this doesn’t read as a big kiss ass write up. The purpose of my blog is to share a little about me and share a little about why I am able to succeed. Most of what I know I’ve learned from other people. This one just happens to come from Howard. Congrats man, keep it up!
