Holidays are opportunities for incredible memories and superior storytelling. Anyone can reminisce about slipping Aunt Edna’s toxic dressing to the dog. But, what stories do high achievers tell resulting from the holidays? Who makes progress while everyone else literally fills their pie-holes? Who grinds instead of following the herd into a turkey-induced coma? What networking tactics are winners using to position their next conquest while the majority rests? How does “Pass the Turkey” impact results? Passing the turkey is required at dinnertime when the family has assembled. But, passing the turkey also describes making progress beyond others regarding personal growth.

Outperform Mediocrity
Mediocre minds think Thanksgiving is a day to be thankful for not having to work. High achievers treat Thanksgiving as another day to connect with other high achievers. Turkey Day is not a secret society’s code word to assemble and conspire for word domination. But, it does provide opportunities to practice competing. Turkey Trots, or Thanksgiving Races, occur across the nation for overzealous souls who risk the elements and early mornings to contribute to charity and exercise. While mediocrity is grateful that the alarm is not even set that morning, ambitious achievers rise and grind toward specific causes. Reasons vary among exercise, the beneficiary’s cause, enjoying competition, justifying future gluttony, or old-fashioned networking. Regardless, every individual is up early with a purpose. Eat the bananas, run the course, or walk with friends, just connect with people sharing an achievement mindset. Do not sell, rather intentionally connect. Make memories. Running in the November cold, gives you a connection that people with blankets over their heads can never fully appreciate.

Feed the Champion
Another benefit to early holiday morning competitions is the adrenaline rush. These early risers proudly self-identify as warriors. They wear the T-shirts. They pose for selfies. They meet for coffee immediately afterwards to bask in the glow of fellow over-achievers just a little longer. Winners appreciate the advantage of connecting with a sweaty sales director on her day off before she puts on her make-up. In this case, pass the turkey equates to receiving the main course. Winners constantly compete because that is the way to keep winning. All winners do not cross the finish line first. Some winners collect more mobile numbers of prospects. Other winners schedule more golf outings with key decision makers. Still, other winners gain an audience with local dignitaries that attend these events. Consistently, winners set individual goals and then surpass them. That 30-minute five kilometer personal best is nothing compared to the lunch scheduled with the vice-mayor! Set a personal plan. Achieve an individual goal. Then, feast upon executing it better than competitors.

Takeaways
Whether Thanksgiving morning involves Turkey Trots, Meals on Wheels, or reading to children in hospitals, the victory comes from interacting with people that inspire a greater vision. Passing the Turkey is a time-honored Thanksgiving tradition. So is contributing to local communities. Holidays are perfect opportunities to do good and do well. Gluttony may be a holiday tradition; service definitely is. Create opportunities to serve, to engage others, to create memories. Storytelling is the foundation of successful marketing campaigns. Create a story worth sharing that involves networking, contributing and growing. Successful people find creative ways to contribute value. Pass the turkey on the way to contributing to communities and bottom lines.

By Glenn W Hunter
Managing Director of Hunter And Beyond, LLC