Vice President Sales at Yaymaker, overseeing virtual and in-venue events, corporate team bonding expeiences, celebrities and influencers.
Alexander Hamilton was a visionary, lawyer, politician, banker, economist, author, military commander, statesman and Founding Father of the United States. Hamilton’s drive, talents and accomplishments were undeniable. After hearing the music of Lin Manuel Miranda’s interpretation of Hamilton, I was inspired to read Ron Chernow’s biography of Hamilton, watch the play and start writing like I was running out of time. I recommend that every one of my colleagues listens to the songs of Hamilton.
Alexander Hamilton inspired me to push myself to never be “Satisfied.” If you have never listened to the songs of Hamilton and you are asking yourself “What’d I Miss?” here are some key lessons that you can apply to help ensure you dodge any bullets during your professional career.
1. Always stay “young, scrappy and hungry.” No matter your age, it is critical to stay positive, resourceful and motivated. I have seen too many senior executives get complacent, lose their edge and play it too safe. “We Know” if you don’t constantly get out of your comfort zone, “You’ll Be Back” where you started.
2. Ask yourself “What Comes Next?” If oceans rise and empires fall, do not be afraid to search for the next major wave and ride it. If you simply “Wait For It” and think “That Would Be Enough,” it probably won’t. It is important to study trends and be on the forefront. I believe trends like social influencers, virtual events and AI are only going to grow. Find ways to embrace these changes or you could be “Helpless.”
3. Learn to “Say No to This.” It is easy to get distracted and tempted to opportunities that will not benefit you in the long run. Giving in to short-term satisfaction can destroy your long-term professional potential.
4. Put yourself in a position to be in “The Room Where It Happens.” It is important to network and collaborate with key decision-makers, even those with perspectives that are diametrically opposed to yours. Often, significant business decisions are made by a key few influencers. If you plan on making a strong impact, know who the key decision-makers are and what their motivations are. Do your homework, and know what you want to accomplish. And be open to compromise. However, make sure you are part of the meetings in which people are discussing important decisions.
5. Make time in your schedule to “Take a Break.” If you are constantly working “Non-Stop,” your brain will never rest, and it will be harder to think of new ways to problem-solve, sustain your productivity and recharge your batteries. Schedule breaks every day, every week and every month. Make sure to take at least mini-vacations every year. Try to utilize these breaks to completely distance yourself from your work. Use these periods to focus on your family, friends and yourself.
“One Last Time”: If you want to “Stay Alive” and “Blow Us All Away” professionally, take the time to listen to the songs of Hamilton, watch the show, read more about him and inject your inner Hamilton into your career.
Your Obedient Servant,
M. Rolnick
Forbes Business Development Council is an invitation-only community for sales and biz dev executives. Do I qualify?
Vice President Sales at Yaymaker, overseeing virtual experiences and corporate events to give people and employees more Yay in their life. Read Matthew Rolnick’s full
Vice President Sales at Yaymaker, overseeing virtual experiences and corporate events to give people and employees more Yay in their life. Read Matthew Rolnick’s full executive profile here.