Three Minutes to Success 52 classic small business lessons you can read in 3 minutes FOREWORD When you think about it, a golf professional trying to make a living on one of the tours is the ultimate small business owner. They have to learn as much as they can about the fundamentals of their profession, practice those fundamentals religiously, try as hard as they can when they go to work, and find a way to outperform their formidable competition. And then, since there are no guarantees, they might be successful. Sounds just like you, doesn’t it? Working without a net, you strike out on your own to follow the dream of making a place for yourself and your business in the marketplace. You know that if you don’t offer products and services that customers will buy, and then collect your money and make a profit, you don’t get to keep doing what you love. The reason I know so much about these folks is because, as you may know, I’ve been a professional golfer—and a small business owner—now for over 50 years. Ever look into the eyes of a touring golf pro? It’s the same look I’ve seen in the eyes of so many small business owners over the years. It’s a look that ranges from excitement about the possibility of pursuing a dream, to determination forged by faith in oneself, to resolve tempered by the understanding that if they don’t perform well in a field of competition, they don’t get paid. That’s why two of my favorite kinds of people are touring golf pros and small business owners. And it’s why I was pleased when Jim Blasingame asked me to provide the foreword for this excellent book. If you know anything about my career, you know I’ve been blessed with some degree of success. But just like you, from the time I began my career right up to today, I’ve had no guarantees. So for the next few minutes, I’d like to talk about some of the things that I’ve learned during my career, which I hope will help you follow your dream. Do what you love A wise person once said, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Early in life, I identified what I most loved to do and have been fortunate to be able to make a living doing it. If I could wish one thing for you, professionally speaking, it would be for you to find what you love to do and that you would be able to pursue it professionally. Always seek excellence My father was a golf course superintendent. And while he was a great man, we sure weren’t rich. So, early on, I knew I had to find a way to earn a living. And you might not know this, but when I turned pro back in 1954, there certainly wasn’t as much prize money as there is today. In fact, it took me 14 years on tour to win as much money as first place pays for some four-day tournaments today. But there was plenty of stiff competition from guys like Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus. So I knew if I was going to make a living and be successful in my chosen field, I would have to learn as much as I could about my\ profession, practice those fundamentals every day, and always try to do my best. I agree with Jim when he says we should seek excellence, not perfection. Seeking perfection is unrealistic and can even be counterproductive. Seeking excellence is not only possible, but it does two very important things: It sets you on a path of high performance that will lead you to extreme levels of professional success and it sets the performance standard for others. If there is anything about my career that inspires you, I hope it’s that when you watch me doing my job you see me seeking excellence. And when others are watching you go about your work, I hope they are also inspired by your own quest for excellence. Be what you appear to be One thing that the game of golf teaches is ethical behavior. Jim says his experts on this topic define ethics as “devotion to the unenforceable.” That certainly defines the behavior of golfers, because, unlike in many sports, golfers are expected to know the rules and penalize themselves, even when no one is watching. Over two thousand years ago, Socrates said, “The shortest and surest way to live with honor in the world is to be in reality what you appear to be.” To me, the ethical behavior fostered in the rules of golf, and practiced by those who play it, is one of the most important reasons that the game has endured for so long and is so loved by so many. In this book, Jim proposes that the color of ethics is gray. What he means is that choices that are black or white are easy. It’s the gray areas of life and business that test our character. Whether you’re playing golf or running a business, if you’re devoted to the unenforceable, you will be what you appear to be. Value those who love you Never underestimate–or undervalue–the power and importance of those who love and support you. Jim says they’re the people who care enough about you to simultaneously be your critics and your safe harbors. I’ve been blessed with a support group comprised of loving family and friends, and there is no single aspect of my life that has been more critical to my success as a golfer, as a businessman, or as a human being. Jim tells a story about a turtle that was found on top of a fence post, enjoying his new perspective of the world. Of course, we know that turtle didn’t get there by himself. Well, I’m just like that turtle, and I’ll bet you are, too. When your efforts in life or business seem to be missing the fairway too many times, remember that, like the turtle, you’ve got folks willing help you if you’ll let them. And when an unusually high percentage of your approach shots in life and business are landing near the hole, before you attribute this fortune to your own brilliance, don’t forget that you probably had a lot of help reaching such a lofty perch. I’m particularly honored to be able to contribute to Jim’s new book. As a golfer, his swing may not be one to emulate, but when it comes to helping you have, as he says, “the maximum opportunity to be successful,” Jim Blasingame has few peers. I recommend a teaching pro to help you with your golf swing, and I recommend Jim Blasingame to help you with your small business. One of the best ways to accomplish the things I’ve talked about is to read and apply the success keys Jim provides in Three Minutes To Success. Whether you’re reading his words or listening to him on his talk show, Jim is truly “the voice of small business.” Finally, as a fellow small business owner, let me say how proud I am of your contribution to the world. Jim’s right when he says you’re among our modern-day heroes. Good luck, and may your life and business always be better than par. Arnold Palmer Small business owner and professional golfer top