Benjamin Franklin's 13 Principles for Success in Marketing and Life
During a time when I was struggling in the dark, desperately trying to learn how to sell and support myself in life, I stumbled upon a book that had a profound impact on me: Benjamin Franklin's autobiography. This autobiography left a deep imprint on my life, illuminating my path during moments of darkness. Following the thirteen principles that Franklin applied in his own life, I adapted his method to the world of marketing and experienced a transformation that changed my perspective and success. In this article, I will delve into how these principles, along with relevant marketing approaches, can lead to personal success and excellence.
The Legacy of Benjamin Franklin and His Scientific Method
Benjamin Franklin left behind a legacy of wisdom through thirteen principles that he believed were essential for achieving success and happiness. Inspired by his scientific approach, I formulated a practical and effective plan that can be applied to any aspect of life, including marketing.
Adapting the Principles to Marketing: New Keys to Success
In addition to Franklin's original principles, I introduced new, relevant approaches for my field. These principles focus on building relationships, understanding customers, and effectively closing sales. Each of these principles, along with Franklin's original ones, forms the foundation for a path to professional and personal success.
Applying the Principles in Practice: A Step-by-Step Plan
The key to harnessing Franklin's principles and new marketing approaches lies in practical implementation. Following his example, I created "pocket reminder" cards for each principle. Every week, I focused on one principle and challenged myself to apply it in both my personal life and professional endeavors. I followed his plan exactly as he had described, but adapted it to my professional domain. From Franklin's thirteen principles, I chose six, and then replaced the remaining seven with what I deemed more useful for my business, areas in which I was weaker.
Here is my list and the order in which I utilized them:
Enthusiasm
Order: Self-organization
Thinking in terms of others' interests
Asking questions
Key point
Silence: Listening
Sincerity: Earning trust
Business knowledge
Appreciation and compliments
Smiling: Happiness
Remembering names and faces
Service and acquiring clients
Sales closure: Action
I created 3x5 inch "pocket reminder" cards for each of these topics, along with a brief summary of the principles. During the first week, I carried the Enthusiasm card in my pocket. In my free moments throughout the day, I would read these principles. During that week, I committed to doubling the amount of enthusiasm I had been putting into my sales and my life. The second week, I carried the Self-Organization card. And so on, each week.
Results and Profound Transformation
After completing the thirteen-week cycle, I returned to the beginning and repeated the process. Over time, I noticed profound changes in my focus, attitude, and results. I gained greater control over myself and experienced an inner strength I had never felt before. My approach to marketing became more exciting and passionate.
Continuing the Legacy: Franklin's 13 Principles
The original thirteen principles by Franklin, ranging from temperance to humility, remain a relevant and timeless guide to success and excellence. These principles are applicable not only to marketing but also to everyday life.
Franklin's Thirteen Principles
(As he wrote them and in the order he used them)
Temperance: Do not eat to excess; do not drink to intoxication.
Silence: Speak only what can benefit others or yourself; avoid trivial conversations.
Order: Let everything have its place; let each part of your business have its time.
Resolution: Resolve to do what you must; act while maintaining your determination.
Frugality: Spend only to benefit others or yourself; in other words, do not waste anything.
Industry: Do not waste time; always be occupied in doing something useful; eliminate all unnecessary activities.
Sincerity: Do not use harmful deceit; think with innocence and fairness; and, if you speak, speak as you should.
Justice: Do not harm anyone by doing harm or omitting the benefits of your duty.
Moderation: Avoid extremes; abstain from resenting wounds as much as if you considered them deserved.
Cleanliness: Do not tolerate dirt on the body, clothes, or in your surroundings.
Tranquility: Do not be disturbed by insignificances or common, unavoidable accidents.
Chastity: Do not seek sexual pleasure except for health or reproduction, never out of foolishness, weakness, or to disrupt your own peace or the peace and reputation of another.
Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
Franklin was a scientist, and this is a scientific plan. Rejecting it would mean missing out on one of the most practical ideas ever offered. I know its impact. I know what it did for me. And I am confident it can do the same for anyone willing to try. It's not an easy path, but it's a sure one. Through diligent and consistent application of these principles, anyone can experience a transformation in their focus and results.
Conclusion
Benjamin Franklin's principles and the new marketing approaches can guide anyone towards personal success and excellence. By following his scientific plan, adapted to the challenges of modern marketing, I underwent a profound transformation in both my life and business. Applying these principles, you can illuminate your own path to success and happiness, just as Benjamin Franklin did centuries ago.
