JULY 2006
LLOYDEOLOGY
by Lloyd A. Luna

[ Lloyd A. Luna, author of the book “Is There a Job Waiting for You?”, is a futurist, a strategist, a motivational speaker, and a career coach. He is the Chairman and CEO of LLOYDLUNA Communications, founder of LLOYDUniversity.com, the University of the Winners and chief webdeologist of Webdeology.com. Text us at +63918.625.8951 (Smart) or +63927.756.2777 (Globe) or +63922.933.8076 or email your questions to mail@lloydluna.com. Visit us online at www.lloydluna.com ]

IN THE WORKPLACE, HUMILITY COMES AFTER UNDERSTANDING

AT around 3pm of June 8, I met with Byron. We were scheduled to deliver the books in NBS Quezon Avenue. As usual, we got there as delivery boys, not as executives. The receiving staff asked why we were the ones delivering the books. And I can quote her saying: "Ang sipag n'yo naman."

I gave a simple explanation: An author must take care of his books. He must understand the psychology of the market, the kind reception of each and every person who holds the book, and the system where it goes through.

Taking care of your first masterpiece is a tough job, as if you wouldn't want to get it off your sight. Of course, it needs to be sold! I'm not much aware about the perception of other authors. I don't know exactly how they value their work to the very detail though I can only wish that they understand the significance of being "down there" to see what really is happening.

Many authors that we know fail to understand the psychology of the market, perception of the audience and the process of distribution. It's still early but the way I see, it could be one of many reasons why they fail to develop their product.

Product development is very important for authors. Not because they can only write automatically means that they care less on the marketing and distribution side of the business. I think leaving the product entirely on the hands of the publisher or distributors suggests a danger coming in.

Talk to distributor, the drivers, the people involved on the field. Ask them about their observations. Make them feel that they are significant parts of the success of your book. Treat them as your eyes and ears down there if you can't go there by yourself. Make them feel a sense of belonging.

After the delivery, we decided to drop by, just to drop by, at ABS-CBN. I told Byron that maybe we can already give some copies to some Kapamilya media personalities. He agreed.

Walking from Crossings in Q. Ave. to ABS is an exercise that tests your stamina. But anyway we got there. I told the guard that I'm seeing Karen Davila. I happened to know Karen two years ago when I invited her to speak in one of our NCJP events. In fact, I also asked her to be one of our advisers. The guard called the staff of Karen, and then he was told to let us in. Huh!

We saw Karen in the dressing room, getting ready for the TV Patrol World. We didn't want to disturb her so I decided to just sign some more books for Julius Babao, Boy Abunda, Kris Aquino, Pia Hontiveros and Ces Drilon.

We came back, Karen was already on the set. The guard seemed not to be in the mood to allow us but Karen said it's ok for us to come in. But Julius Babao, who was on the dressing room that time, asked us to come in. I personally gave a copy of my book and he was struck by the title. He asked for my calling card and he will call me for a guesting in Magandang Umaga, Pilipinas.

After that, we were allowed to see Karen. I entered the Studio 7 and greeted her. She recognized me. I was pleased by her warm welcome! "Hi, how are you, Lloyd?" I said I'm ok. I told her that I have written a book and I was there to personally give her a copy and to ask how she is going. I explained, "the book teaches not to look for a job, but to make a job look for the person." I also reported that the book is sold out in most NBS branches. She couldn’t agree less. "Wow, of course!"

I thanked for her warm and humble accommodation and left the set. She's going on air already. Going out, we saw Pia Hontiveros. I also gave her a copy. She's in a hurry, so I didn't bother to chat any longer.

Meeting these people is something that is seldom done by people who wanted to become successful. They fail to connect with some "influencers." Or at least take some effort in asking them how they are doing. I personally believe that giving a book is something that they would love. I would assume that they treasure the effort as well. Or even if they don't, still you won because you did your part.

Today's experience teaches us to be much more aggressive. Walk the way that other people fail to do, or care not to do at all because they either don't believe that it will work, or they just don't feel like doing it. I think daring to become different in a world of similar is the bottom line of meeting Karen, Julius and Pia.