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Would They Burn Your Jersey?

Posted By: Randy GageJuly 14, 2014

So you have customers, even fans. You have a tribe of devotees who appreciate your work and follow you. But how much passion are you really creating?

The recent mania over where basketball superstar LeBron James would sign reminds me of the hysteria the first time he made his decision and went from Cleveland to Miami. In Ohio, they were tearing down his posters and burning his jerseys. Probably you want to never be reviled and despised like that.

But maybe you should…

The reason LeBron creates such vehement reactions both positive and negative is because he’s the best basketball player in the world. People love him and others love to hate him. That means he matters. He’s relevant. He’s doing amazing things.

Athletes change sports teams all the time. If they’re mediocre, no one cares. If they’re good, fans get upset. If they’re great, people are passionate enough to burn their jerseys, hire sky writers, or some other public act to show their anguish and agony.

If you want to be a thought leader, market leader, or change the world – you have to give up the need to be liked. Telling people what they want to hear makes you popular. Telling people what they need to hear makes you relevant, empowering, and significant.

I was talking with Alan Weiss recently, and we concluded that if someone doesn’t un-friend us on Facebook or un-follow us on Twitter every day – we’re probably not doing our jobs.

Don’t pander to the masses. Speak to the people you really want to reach and be honest. Challenge them to do more and become better. And know that if you’re not attracting some haters – you’re probably not doing something significant.

So that leads us to the most important question for you…

Would they burn your jersey?

-RG

Randy Gage is the author of nine international bestsellers on success, including, Risky Is the New Safe. He’s currently on sabbatical, writing his next book, but posts occasionally here. If you find these postcards helpful, please share them.

15 comments on “Would They Burn Your Jersey?”

  1. "Don’t pander to the masses. Speak to the people you really want to reach and be honest. Challenge them to do more and become better." 
    Exactly the kind of message I come to this blog for. Classic Gage and I love it.

  2. How much of the love-hate is based on their own insecurities of their own prosperity. Lebron's success may remind them of their own failures and so all they are left is to idolize him or hate him because they do not see themselves being worth of ever being someone like him.
    Interesting of all the hate out of Cleveland and the welcoming arms they have now that he decided to return. He is an example of limitless prosperity. Every team he goes to will suddenly love him, any team he leaves will suddenly hate him (they don't hate him, they hate not having him). To burn a jersey, you have to have bought it first! 
    Meanwhile, no rape scandal (Kobe), less marital affairs than Magic, less marital affairs/arrogance than Jordan. Aside from Jordan/Kobe's rings (thank you Phil Jackson), i really put him as best ever at this point in his career.

  3. Once we get this innovative TV series pilot produced, I suspect TONS of people will burn my jersey.. It also reminds me of the founder of personal growth, Werner Erhard, who SHOCKED the heck out of people simply by saying "Life is empty and meaningless.. and it doesn't MEAN ANYTHING that it's empty and meaningless!"

  4. Jonathan1 True,!   Yet he is still doing what he loves and speaking to corporations and audiences all over the planet. Despite the critics, today Werner is considered an influential powerhouse.

  5. Yes, I've just decided to do the unpopular, but necessary thing in my training of network marketers. I drill and train with role-playing with them. Some say it's scary and it chases people away. "This is really 'rubber meets the road.' you know..."  ~ But I KNOW it's what they really need! Some say it's erased their fear and given them confidence and results. So popular or not, I'm gonna keep doing this. Your message today must be just for me, Randy! 🙂 Anyway, thank you!

  6. I already have haters. I've dealt with it my entire life. I am sure it will only get worse. 
    The people who truly care will care. 
    Bring on the hate, and bring on the love.

  7. You know when you've been "indirectly acknowledged" by great speakers, who spoke in front of thousands of people, of which you are a member of.. cause of a "different approach" to persistance and perseverance, ie: "making your evolution your purpose in life" vs. putting the company's evolution as your purpose in life.. you're relevant, you matter. Your consciousness doesn't depend on a company flourishing or not, a "flourishing consciousness will significantly enhance a "company's vitality" however. Value differences.. celebrate differences..

    It's a win/win.. if it's win/win only whiners will hate. Winners will LOVE.

  8. Popularity Contests are for politicians. Building leaders is more important than being popular to the masses. Friends and leaders challenge you. They tell you what you need to hear. There is no nobler cause than to inspire people to greatness so they can positively impact others.

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  • 15 comments on “Would They Burn Your Jersey?”

    1. "Don’t pander to the masses. Speak to the people you really want to reach and be honest. Challenge them to do more and become better." 
      Exactly the kind of message I come to this blog for. Classic Gage and I love it.

    2. How much of the love-hate is based on their own insecurities of their own prosperity. Lebron's success may remind them of their own failures and so all they are left is to idolize him or hate him because they do not see themselves being worth of ever being someone like him.
      Interesting of all the hate out of Cleveland and the welcoming arms they have now that he decided to return. He is an example of limitless prosperity. Every team he goes to will suddenly love him, any team he leaves will suddenly hate him (they don't hate him, they hate not having him). To burn a jersey, you have to have bought it first! 
      Meanwhile, no rape scandal (Kobe), less marital affairs than Magic, less marital affairs/arrogance than Jordan. Aside from Jordan/Kobe's rings (thank you Phil Jackson), i really put him as best ever at this point in his career.

    3. Once we get this innovative TV series pilot produced, I suspect TONS of people will burn my jersey.. It also reminds me of the founder of personal growth, Werner Erhard, who SHOCKED the heck out of people simply by saying "Life is empty and meaningless.. and it doesn't MEAN ANYTHING that it's empty and meaningless!"

    4. Jonathan1 True,!   Yet he is still doing what he loves and speaking to corporations and audiences all over the planet. Despite the critics, today Werner is considered an influential powerhouse.

    5. Yes, I've just decided to do the unpopular, but necessary thing in my training of network marketers. I drill and train with role-playing with them. Some say it's scary and it chases people away. "This is really 'rubber meets the road.' you know..."  ~ But I KNOW it's what they really need! Some say it's erased their fear and given them confidence and results. So popular or not, I'm gonna keep doing this. Your message today must be just for me, Randy! 🙂 Anyway, thank you!

    6. I already have haters. I've dealt with it my entire life. I am sure it will only get worse. 
      The people who truly care will care. 
      Bring on the hate, and bring on the love.

    7. You know when you've been "indirectly acknowledged" by great speakers, who spoke in front of thousands of people, of which you are a member of.. cause of a "different approach" to persistance and perseverance, ie: "making your evolution your purpose in life" vs. putting the company's evolution as your purpose in life.. you're relevant, you matter. Your consciousness doesn't depend on a company flourishing or not, a "flourishing consciousness will significantly enhance a "company's vitality" however. Value differences.. celebrate differences..

      It's a win/win.. if it's win/win only whiners will hate. Winners will LOVE.

    8. Popularity Contests are for politicians. Building leaders is more important than being popular to the masses. Friends and leaders challenge you. They tell you what you need to hear. There is no nobler cause than to inspire people to greatness so they can positively impact others.

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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