I just got back from a weekend with Derek Gehl, President of the hugely successful Internet Marketing Center. So far, IMC has sold $60 million in products online. Not bad for a business that was started by Corey Rudl with $25 in a tiny bedroom in Canada. IMC's entire business is based upon helping people earn money on the internet. Derek always starts off his two day seminars with a bang, covering none other than... GOALS. He knows you can have all the information in the world, and great ideas, but if you don't have a plan with direction, desire and targets, then the information is rather useless. Not many people know the story about how Derek came to be a part of IMC's success story. One fall morning back in 1998, Derek Gehl marched into Corey Rudl's tiny office and announced that he was going to come and work for Corey. Seeing as how Corey only had ONE employee at that time (his secretary), he politely explained to Derek that he was a one-man operation, and tried to send him on his way... But Derek didn't give up that easily. He sat down and explained to Corey why he wanted to be his first employee -- and exactly what he would be able to do for him. And after a 3-hour long conversation ... Corey decided to give him a shot and Derek became his right hand man. This became a crucial decision because on June 5, 2005, Corey Rudl was killed in a car accident at the age of 34. Derek was chosen to take the reigns at IMC and in his first year at the helm has done an amazing job at moving the Corey's mission forward, creating 10 new products, increasing business, and overcoming a situation that would have destroyed many companies. He did all this despite his feelings of sadness over the loss of his friend. Derek has an amazing ability to set goals, create actionable plans and carry through on them. Sometimes focusing on your goals is what gets you through the tough times. Derek's greatest strength is his ability to almost instantly develop a workable action plan for just about any business. He has an uncanny knack for knowing WHY a business may not be meeting it's full online potential -- and then coming up with a long list of specific steps that the business owner can take to start improving things immediately! Goals are the foundation of his approach. Derek rose to the forefront and has become a greater leader. Corey Rudl was wise enough to surround himself with other leaders. Leaders don't want their peers to be dependent on them or fall apart when they are gone. They lead by example every time they overcome a challenge. They want their peers and proteges to develop the greatness within, step up and rise above every adversity. I'd say Derek is doing just that. Derek even gave me some tips and strategies to make improvements on my own web site and newsletter. Small changes can lead to amazing results. What are some small changes you can make today to get to the next level in your life or business? Do it... do it now. Live Your Dreams, Jill Koenig |
