Going the Extra Mile: The Secret Ingredient to Business Success

In the cutthroat world of business, being great is no longer enough. As Michael Lewis once wrote, "The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything." But what do they say yes to? The answer lies in going above and beyond, in offering something extra that sets you apart from the competition.

Steve Jobs understood this better than anyone. He famously said, "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." But innovation isn't just about creating groundbreaking products; it's about creating unforgettable experiences. It's about paying attention to the details that others overlook, and making people feel valued and appreciated.

Take the example of an upcoming Table Read of Fright Night, featuring a star-studded cast including Tom Holland, Mark Hamill, Chris Sarandon, and Rosario Dawson. Just having these icons in the room isn't enough to create a truly memorable experience. Instead, the studio will be staged with iconic horror props, original movie posters, custom artwork, and catering on par with the finest wedding. Every member will receive a bound script signed by the entire cast, and a bottle of Fior Scotch as a gift from the sponsor. And at the end of the day, instead of feeling like work, even like working with people, you love… Everyone is going to feel like they were on a mini vacation.

As Mr. Wonderful himself, Kevin O'Leary, once said, "Business is war. I go out there, I want to kill the competitors. I want to make their lives miserable. I want to steal their market share. I want them to fear me." But fear alone isn't enough to win the war. You need to create loyalty, and that comes from going above and beyond.

Malcolm Gladwell's "10,000 Hour Rule" suggests that it takes roughly 10,000 hours of practice to achieve mastery in a field. But mastery alone isn't enough to stand out in a crowded marketplace. As Ron Popeil, the founder of Ronco, once said, "The harder I work, the luckier I get!" But luck isn't just about putting in the hours; it's about putting in the extra effort.

In his book "Outliers," Gladwell tells the story of a young Bill Gates, who had access to a computer terminal and spent countless hours programming. But it wasn't just the hours that made the difference; it was the fact that Gates went above and beyond.

The same principle applies in business & entertainment. It's not just about doing your job; it's about doing your job better than anyone else. It's about anticipating the needs of your team, clients, and audience, and exceeding their expectations at every turn.

As my father used to say, "If you're selling a house, make sure there's a pie baking when folks come by." It's a simple gesture, not only does it make the home smell like the home you want to come home to, but it shows that you care about the details and that you're willing to go the extra mile to make people feel at home.

In the end, success comes down to one thing: delivering value. Not just to your audience, but to your team members, employees, partners, and community. It's about creating a 360-degree experience that leaves everyone feeling valued and appreciated.

So the next time you're tempted to settle for the bare minimum, remember the words of Steve Jobs: "Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected." And then go out and deliver excellence, 360 degrees.