What Would You Do?
This morning, I boarded a plane & saw Jim Treliving, Chairman & Owner of Boston Pizza and Super Dragon from Dragons' Den as I am walking down the aisle. Of course, I ask for a picture. He says, “no problem, after the flight...”
I now have 40 minutes on a plane to think about what to say, ask, or pitch him when we land.
What would you do?
In entrepreneurial fashion, I come to the conclusion that Jim would appreciate a good pitch attempt.
As I leave the plane, I cross paths with Jim and ask: how about that picture?
Jim: sure no problem!
Riaz: before I take it can I ask you which of your companies are struggling to generate leads?
Jim: well overall we are flying high on business growth, I can’t think of any.
Riaz: *shrugs* um how do you generate leads?
Jim: my team does social media ads! We are flying!
Riaz: interesting, I help B2B tech companies with their demand generation and help businesses in other verticals to generate leads using Facebook and Google and other social media...
Jim: Good for you, it’s great stuff. Can we take that picture I’m meeting someone.
Riaz: *shoves business card back in pocket* absolutely let’s grab that pic.
*click*
Jim: Good one!
Riaz: Thanks!
As we are going down two different escalators side-by-side, I turn to him and say:
Jim, I appreciate the opportunity to chat, we both know every “no” brings you closer to a “yes” and we will definitely cross paths in the future. (Said this more to myself...)
Jim: You bet!
Jim was a great guy and I could tell he appreciated the gusto. I’m glad I tried to do a surprise pitch on him. I know I interrupted his day but he was totally cool with it.
You may think good for you for trying but if you have ever run a business, you know that every single day you need to go through this type of thinking before mostly every single conversation you have with anyone not just ones with business owners like Jim. You have to rise up every single day and be resourceful and thoughtful in your approach.
Moral of the story: When you start a business you have to take the leap every single day not just that first time!
How would you have approached this opportunity?
What would you do?
Comment below.
Mental Health Advocate & Consultant | Leading Mental Health Initiatives
3 个月Riaz, Appreciate you sharing this!
Senior Digital Sales, Business Development and Marketing
6 年Love this. It's sales, and no's happen. Glad he was cool about it. His fame as a celebrity businessman creates opportunities on his terms, but I'm glad to see he understands he's going to get more than his fair share of unexpected pitches thrown his way.?
Well done Riaz! Good on you!
Owner & Chief Transformation Officer at Nutri-Lawn Service Group We increase value & enjoyment of your home & business.
6 年The Moral of the story is spot on.? Self employment is a day by day, small victory after small victory life. And what you did with Jim was a victory because you made the next situation like this less uncomfortable. Easy for me to say after 30 successful years but that's what it took and that's what it takes. Good on you Riaz.
I bring luxury design, elevated technology, and strategic growth to every business we touch. My team can build your empire in Luxury, Fashion, Beauty, Finance, Tech, Web3, and beyond!
6 年Way to hustle in the silkiest way Riaz Sidi