Home › Store › Motivational › Make It, So You Don't Have to Fake It!

Practical and Motivational Advice on Business and Personal Success from Patricia Fripp

MAKE IT, So You Don't Have to FAKE IT!

Written by Patricia Fripp

International speaker Patricia Fripp has shown more than a million people her practical, no-nonsense strategies for getting ahead and achieving their own personal success.

In MAKE IT, you’ll learn:

• 55 strategies for long-lasting success.
• The secrets of the “unfair advantage.”
• Why you have to earn the right to do business with people—and how to do it.
• The only way to treat your customers.
• and more!

Excerpts

Treat all your customers as if they are the only one in the world

My first boss treated every customer magnificently. It was a terrific lesson in customer service. They could be rich or humble, young or old, a resident of the hotel penthouse suite or a waitress in the hotel coffee shop. Each one got the same star treatment. Now that I have a greater understanding of business, I recognize how truly smart he was. I've learned that a waitress with fairly affluent customers can have a far greater sphere of influence than a society lady who only plays bridge or lunches with some friends a few times a week...

To be really memorable, give something of value and ask nothing in return. 

As preparation for a presentation, I interviewed a group of school photographers who were the most successful in their profession. Then, I encouraged everyone in the audience to seek out these people to study and learn from them. 

One of the most successful men in the industry told me, "When I worked in a camera store, one of our suppliers really impressed me. He always tucked a little something extra in his shipments. It might have only been some Tootsie Rolls, but always something. 

"I made up my mind that, when I went into business for myself, I would budget ten percent of the gross for promotions, and these promotions wouldn't be expensive ads or displays. Instead, I'd give small gifts to people." In the very beginning, he actually put ten cents of each incoming dollar in an old coffee can...

Master technique in order to abandon it. 

Unless you're talking to yourself in an empty room, everything you say is public speaking. Take advantage of every contact, from introducing yourself in social situations to addressing recruiting meetings and community organizations. Anyone who can speak clearly and eloquently impresses others as superior and stands head and shoulders above the competition. 

Everyone has knowledge and experience to share. When you clam up with nerves, you are not sharing with others or contributing to the decision process...

Learn to say "no" by saying "yes."

In business, your time is as valuable as your contacts. Have you ever said "yes" when you really wanted to say "no"? Nothing eats up your time faster. It may have seemed the most efficient or popular or expedient thing to do at the moment, but you regretted it afterward. 

First of all, realize you don't need to make any excuses for refusing a business proposal or social invitation. "No, thank you for asking, but I already have plans." What you don't have to explain is that your plans are with yourself. You don't have to make excuses about what you are doing. Often we think we should explain our reasons for our behavior to others as if we are responsible to them for our actions. 

And fortunately there's a way to say "no" and "yes" at the same time: Refuse the request, but offer an alternative that works better for you and benefits the petitioner as well...

What Readers Are Saying...

Very easy read (definitely in 1 sitting for me). Personally, I like books that get to the point quickly and does not ramble on and on. Great anecdotes that make the point. Patricia has a very friendly tone and her cheerleader personality comes through without sounding fake. She is a true believer in herself and shares with her reader SPECIFIC WAYS to do the same. The book does not apply only to people in the sales profession. If you are just waiting around to get recognized or promoted, this book is definitely for you.

– Amazon 

Thanks for the great talk you gave at the ISSA show in Atlanta. I read your book on the flight home and just ordered 5 copies for our sales and office staff. You gave great ideas we can use. Thanks for your energy. Hope to see and hear you again soon.

– Brian Rencher, Technichem Corp.
Boise Idaho

My wife and I enjoyed your Make It, So You Don't Have to Fake It! We are on a motivational book of the month plan, your book is the best one. Keep up the great work.

– Mark Onsgard

I just finished your book Make It, So You Don't Have to Fake It! I enjoyed the book and will read it several more times to make sure I get everything I can from it; apply it, and then pass it on. I acquired it as part of my book of the month from my upline. Thanks for your help in getting me free!

– Joyce M. Pfeifer

One day, while I was at a crossroads in my existence, I opened Make It, So You Don't Have to Fake It! and began to read... and started making changes in my life one step at a time. I thoroughly enjoyed your book and look forward to putting into action more of your fully fantastic Frippicisms. Also, look forward to the next book! Yours in MAKING IT,

– Priscilla Jane

Not what you're looking for? The Fripp Store contains even more resources for public speaking and presentations and sales presentation training.