| By :
Janet Blackwell
Copyright (c) 2010 Janet Blackwell The Olympics are about inspiration and rising to the top. Meet Devon Harris, an unlikely Olympian who knows what it means to be an underdog. He was born in Jamaica and lived in poverty but rose to become a 3-time Olympian. A movie was even made about his experience with the Jamaican bobsled team - it's the Disney movie "Cool Running." Harris has become an author and a public speaker. Now his dream is to inspire others to use their energy, determination and skills to achieve what they think is impossible. He's become an internationally known motivational speaker and author. Devon's children's book is called "Yes I Can." It tells the story of the Jamaican bobsled team and what they overcame to make it to the Olympics. 3 Tips to Gold Medal Marketing from a 3-time Olympian 1. Want to be an Olympian? Train like an Olympian. Devon studies speakers and people being interviewed. He watches what they say and how they present themselves. Then he takes what he learns and puts his own spin on it. He practices his speeches over and over again even though he already knows it well. "Study your craft like an Olympian," he said. Whatever it is that you do - learn from the best and practice until you become the best. 2. When business is slow, get creative. There are seasons in a business and during slower times like during this economy. It's the perfect time to create something. Harris applied this concept when he had less speaking engagements. That's when he had time to a book. When more work came, he emerged with a new product. It not only adds extra value to his speaking, it's another way to market his business. Are there products you could create that will help your marketing? Even if it's a weekly radio show - it gives you something to talk about, to send out a press release about. 3. Forget trying to be perfect. Microsoft ships product then creates patches to address the problems. As Devon knows, you don't need a book publicist to market a book. He self-published his. Now when he's on a speaking trip he arranges to do book signings at bookstores nearby. You don't need perfect video of your speaking (or your product) for your web site. Instead, ask a friend take video of you. You can always improve it later, but you'll have something ready now. When it comes to marketing a business, think like an Olympian. Start now with something, even if it's not perfect. Improve as you go.
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