JT Foxx, Gene Simmons, & Don Roberts at Mega Partnering Los Angeles 2011
Mega Partnering (or MegaPartnering if you prefer) was billed as “The Greatest Business & Real Estate Event on The Planet”.
Did entrepreneur and syndicated radio host JT Foxx deliver? Yes.
What word adequately describes the event? Anyone who attended would likely respond with, “Wow!”
I returned as Master of Ceremonies for the 2/2011 Mega Partnering event held in Los Angeles. In Part 1 of this series, I start with…
Rock legend Gene Simmons
JT Foxx is known for providing “Wow” experiences…and, he didn’t disappoint. Headliner Gene Simmons rocked the house…but not with a guitar.
The house lights went out. The projection screens lit up. Pounding music electrified the room.
The message was clear. Beyond the experience that KISS is to this day, KISS is a business…a very successful business.
And, it’s aggressively driven by Gene Simmons.
“I am a business man stuck in the body of a rock star.” ~ Gene Simmons
Although still very much looking the part of the rock star that he continues to be to this day, Gene is also a branding, marketing, and licensing genius…with over 2,500 KISS related licenses.
Gene’s messaging to the Mega Partnering attendees was emphatic.
“You cannot fail. You have more opportunity than anywhere in the world.” ~ Gene Simmons
Spread your risk
Gene is a believer in minimizing exposure. One example he demonstrated was with everyday smartphones.
What happens if you lose your phone…or it stops working? Is your electronic contact list and calendar backed-up? Regularly? Gene chooses to carry a paper “Day-Timers” like organizer in his snake-skin boots.
The most powerful business tool you have
Gene was emphatic that eye contact is the most powerful tool you have…and it’s one of the first things people see.
“Every man carries in his eye the exact indication of his rank” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
It’s something business people have to work on, as so many almost seem to avoid eye contact.
“The better you communicate and look people in the eye, the more successful you will be” ~ Gene Simmons
Your messaging
Gene emphasized the importance of the consistency of messaging…and connecting it to yourself. He feels you need to be a walking example of your brand.
“A lighter message travels easier.” ~ Gene Simmons
Simplify complicated brand messaging…and elevator pitches. Make it so they don’t need a decoder ring to understand the jargon.
Have an easy to understand message. Have a logo. Trademark them.
Literacy is the access to power
Like me, Gene feels you need to be educated in the business you choose to pursue.
And, you need to surround yourself with people who will push you…coaches, mentors, advisors.
He says you should get rid of the losers around you who drag you down…or don’t make you money.
Opportunity
Gene acknowledged that times are bad…but, went on to say that the opportunity is now.
“Borrow money and invest in America” ~ Gene Simmons
The Military Model
You have a business. The competition is over there.
“Operate your business like a Navy SEAL” ~ Gene Simmons
SEALs don’t mess around. They take decisive action. Get the idea?
Nothing is impossible
Gene and his mother immigrated to the U.S. from Israel when he was a boy. He spoke no English when he arrived.
He literally started with nothing…and built an empire that endures to this day.
“Work you butt off, and have the time of your life.” ~ Gene Simmons
Thank you for your words of wisdom, Gene. I enjoyed speaking at the MegaPartnering event with you.
Find out more about Gene Simmons.
Mega Partnering Attendees…
If you attended the 2011 MegaPartnering event in L.A., I’d love to hear what you took away from Gene’s presentation. Please add your comment below.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
When people talk about your “take-away moment”, you expect one specific thing. But what if there wasn’t just one thing, but a total experience that engulfed many? That is what I took away with Gene Simmons, not just single things that I can wrap my thoughts around, but a multitude of comments, ideas and truisms that I cannot only use myself, but pass on to those I work and play with. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness seems to be his mantra, and he is not shy about where he has come from nor his feelings about life and the world we live in. His history, his challenges and no excuses attitude have made Gene a man of exceptional qualities – Gene – thank you!
Thanks for commenting, Keith. Nice to catch up with you at the event.
Gene’s messages are inspirational. And, kudos to JT Foxx for arranging for Gene to meet with us and share his experiences.
Hi Don,
Great review of our Gene Simmons ‘experience.’ I agree! Right from the moment he walked on stage with his large frame, his casual gaze and his dark glasses, he created an impression. Here was a man who realised he was lucky enough to be born at the right time, the right place with the right things – and has made the most of it.
That got me thinking how blessed we were – indeed – to be at MegaPartnering in LA this past weekend. We were in the right place, at the right time with the right things (the quality of people, the network of opportunities). Now it’s up to us, to take advantage of Gene’s words of wisdom that you noted above and make sure WE all take heed. That there is no better time, or place than right here, right now.
Catherine
Thank you for your kind words, Catherine. Great to see you at the Mega Partnering event.
Had I not attended JT’s amazing event, I may never have known what a wise man Gene Simmons is…nor would I be benefiting now from his sage advice.
“You cannot fail” ~ Gene Simmons
It was powerful when he said it…and it remains a source of power for me now.
Don,
Try Not, Act!
Fail Not, Go!
Go not or die.
John
Good to see you again at the Mega Partnering event, John.
A favorite quote of mine that I’ve heard from two different titans of industry (one in real estate, one in advertising):
“Swing for the fences. Failure is not an option.”~ Donald Trump, Donny Deutsch
Inspirational…
Another one that tells us to be “all in” when we engage in something:
“Do or do not. There is no ‘try’”. ~ Yoda
Don
Gene is a branding Guru.
His secret recipe: Simplicity and clarity
An amazing person and also an amazing week!
You did great Don.
Thanks
James
Thanks for your kind words, James. Nice to see you at the Mega Partnering event.
I remember Gene saying to keep our messages as clear as possible…and uncomplicated. They travel easier that way.
Gene’s got one of his messages down to just one word…KISS. Yet, it has clear meaning to so many fans.
Don