A while ago, I read Frank Bettger’s How I Raised Myself From Failure To Success In Selling.
Along with being recommended by some top-flight marketing birds, this book is also featured in the nostalgic soft-core porn Barcelona, in which the earnest and nerdy main character reads it to his plump, uncomprehending secretary.
Anyways, Bettger’s book has many good lessons, whether you are a failure in selling or pickup.
Such as for example, his very first lesson.
More than a hundred years ago, Bettger started out as a professional baseball player. But was afraid of failure, and so he didn’t put in all the effort he could.
His coach called him into the office and told him he’s being let go.
“If you didn’t drag around the field like a limp noodle,” the coach said, “maybe you’d have a place on this team.”
Bettger took this lesson to heart.
And the next time he got a spot on a team, he became the most enthusiastic little baseballer that the great American pastime had ever seen.
He ran like an escaped convict to first base.
He threw himself at every ground ball regardless of how far it was.
He wore a smile and he radiated positive energy and verve while in the field.
His enthusiasm soon made him a much better player, and his salary was something like tripled (though back then baseball players basically worked for peanuts and hot dogs).
And did you catch how Bettger became so enthusiastic and successful?
If you didn’t, he spells it out in his book:
“The best way to be enthusiastic is to act enthusiastic”
Of course, it’s possible to overdo this.
But odds are good that right now you too are a limp noodle when it comes to daygame.
And whether it’s a matter of going out onto the street, running after a fast-moving tart in heels, or stopping her with a flashing smile, you could probably use some more forced enthusiasm.
I know I could. And that’s why I will remember Frank Bettger when I go out for my daygame sesh tomorrow morning.