Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the initial motivation for applying Benjamin Franklin's plan?
What was the initial motivation for applying Benjamin Franklin's plan?
Which subjects did the individual choose from Franklin's original list to focus on?
Which subjects did the individual choose from Franklin's original list to focus on?
What was the format of the reminders used by the individual during the course of following the plan?
What was the format of the reminders used by the individual during the course of following the plan?
Which principle was focused on during the first week of the individual’s commitment to the plan?
Which principle was focused on during the first week of the individual’s commitment to the plan?
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What was the outcome of following Franklin’s plan over the course of a year?
What was the outcome of following Franklin’s plan over the course of a year?
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What attitude did the individual have towards the idea of Franklin’s plan being followed by others?
What attitude did the individual have towards the idea of Franklin’s plan being followed by others?
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How did the individual feel about their progress at the end of the one-year period?
How did the individual feel about their progress at the end of the one-year period?
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What inspired the author to think of Benjamin Franklin's method of success?
What inspired the author to think of Benjamin Franklin's method of success?
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How many subjects did Benjamin Franklin focus on at a time?
How many subjects did Benjamin Franklin focus on at a time?
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What did Franklin believe about his own abilities?
What did Franklin believe about his own abilities?
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How often did Franklin repeat his method of mastering subjects?
How often did Franklin repeat his method of mastering subjects?
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What did Franklin write about when he was seventy-nine years old?
What did Franklin write about when he was seventy-nine years old?
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In the author's view, what is the significance of Franklin's method?
In the author's view, what is the significance of Franklin's method?
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What metaphor does the author use to describe Franklin's impact on others?
What metaphor does the author use to describe Franklin's impact on others?
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What was one of Franklin's principal beliefs concerning success?
What was one of Franklin's principal beliefs concerning success?
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Study Notes
Benjamin Franklin's Success Plan
- Franklin's 13-week plan, detailed on page 188 of his autobiography, was a key factor in his success. He believed this method had significantly contributed to his happiness and success.
- Franklin, a self-described ordinary man, developed this plan to improve and master thirteen subjects, each focused on for one week repeatedly.
Franklin's 13 Subjects
- The author's personal adjustment to Franklin's method involved selecting six of Franklin's original 13 and adding seven personalized subjects, relevant to selling, categorized as:
- Enthusiasm
- Order/Self-Organization
- Considering Others' Interests
- Questioning
- Key Issue Identification
- Silence (Active Listening)
- Sincerity (Building Trust)
- Business Knowledge
- Appreciation & Praise
- Smiling for Happiness
- Remembering Names & Faces
- Prospecting & Service
- Closing the Sale
Franklin's Method and Impact
- The author applied Franklin's method to selling, carrying a "pocket reminder" card for each weekly topic. This reinforced the weekly subject.
- Week by week, the author used Franklin's methods and experienced a positive impact on their sales and overall self-mastery.
- The author noted an inner strength or power they hadn't previously experienced.
- This approach, while not easy, significantly increased the author's enthusiasm, effectiveness and sales skills.
- A significant takeaway emphasized Franklin's belief in the plan's importance, and the author's personal confirmation of its effectiveness despite the lack of widespread adoption and acknowledgment of it from others.
Key Takeaway
- The author believes that Franklin's approach, though simple and repetitive, is valuable and scientifically sound, a critical strategy in sales.
- The author concludes that this method is essential for success, recommending it to sales managers.
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Description
Explore Benjamin Franklin's transformative 13-week success plan, derived from his autobiography. Learn about the 13 subjects he focused on and how adapting this method with personalized topics can enhance skills in business and personal growth.
