One of my favorite movies is Cinderella Man, the true story of James Braddock.  He was a boxer from Hell’s Kitchen New York, who grew up just a few blocks from Madison Square Garden.  His legendary life was one of great inspiration and will forever live in boxing history.   In the early 1930’s, his career hit an all time low right in the middle of the Great Depression.   Having to take a leave of absence from boxing, Jim humbled himself to work the docks as a longshoreman.  He even accepted government relief money, but unlike everyone else he paid his money back.   Because of multiple injuries to his fighting right hand, Jim had to rely on his left during his longshoreman work, which eventually became stronger.  When most fighters would have thrown in the towel, Jim fought his way out of the docks and back to the ring.

 

Surprising his opponents with a strong left, his secret weapon.  He won a few fights despite his critics who all had given up on Jim.  But despite the Depression and few broken bones, he never lost his courage to persevere and fight.  If you have seen the movie or read the true story of James Braddock, you too were encouraged by one of the greatest fighters of his time.  Jim’s love for boxing, but more importantly his family, gave us all inspiration for generations to come.  Check out the music video tribute to the "Cinderella Man" below then keeping reading:

 

 

 

Today in America, work has been a little harder to come by these days.  It appears that we are coming out of the so-called ‘recession’ but there are plenty of those still without work.  During such times the best or worst of people really come out.  Those who have an attitude like ‘The Pride of the Irish”, Jimmy Braddock, know how to survive when their back is against the wall…for those who don’t they can only talk smack.   As Jim’s opponent Max Baer did before the boxing match that will forever go down in history.

 

Max Baer, the then World Heavyweight Champ, chose to fight Jim for some quick cash.  The ‘Chump’ as Max called him would be an easy win for the loud mouth, ladies man who was favored 10 to 1.  In the days leading up to the fight, Max started talking smack.   At a press conference Max looked at Jim’s wife and said, “Your much to pretty to be a widow.  Maybe I can comfort her after he’s gone.” 

 

Mankind hasn’t changed much since the Great Depression.  No matter if your facing Max Baer in the ring or your biggest competitor across town, the weaker opponent always resorts to name-calling.  We saw this behavior on the playground as kids, and we still see it in the business world.  I have seen it myself this summer.  Sure we all want to blast the competition from time to time.  I would love to say things like, “Oh you are using XYZ Mechanical?  I hope it’s not true about the owner’s child molestation accusation.”  Yeah the temptation has been there for me more times than I can recall.  However, I bite my tongue.

 

This summer, one of my competitors patronized one of my best customers.  This particular customer and I have been partners for 5 years.  During these five years, we have gotten to know each other very well.  I am very familiar with his business, what makes them money and what is most important to them.  He on the other hand, knows our company in and out.  He knows many of my technicians by name and I his wife’s name.   He and his company have been very faithful to me over the years and because of his faith, I would do anything to keep him loyal…it’s a true partnership and a win-win for both of us.  However for the first time in five years he has questioned our relationship. 

 

I received a call from him and he was concerned about an issue in his building.  We responded to his need and soon we discovered that our competitor just left the facility.   My customer has had an ongoing issue with this one cooling system, and he needed a band-aid quick.   We have discussed replacing this system due to its age and on going problems many times.  But because of the economy and tight budgets, and a loud mouth competitor talking trash in his ear, he called them instead.  The temporary fix to the unit was satisfactory but ultimately the problem returned.  When I approached my customer he could hardily look me in the eye. 

 

A few weeks later we were back out on the roof and the trash-talking competitor packed up his tools and left.  When budgets are cut and business is down, most people respond much like Max Baer.  They start talking trash.  They become insecure and instead of putting in the hard work, they take the lazy way out by slamming the competition.   I have found that method to backlash every time.  When I heard all the nasty things this particular competitor said about our company and myself, it was all I could do to bite my lip.  However, I was reminded about Jim Braddock who bit his lip and later let his fist do the talking. 

 

Most of you reading this have competition too.  Maybe you are a property manager whose occupancy has dropped a little this year.  You may be in retail, sell cars, real-estate agent, business owner, or maybe you are one of my vendors.  I know its tough out there, but please do yourself a favor and keep your mouth shut about the competition.  Yes they are dogs and they always seem to stand between you and the next sale or house note.  BUT don’t do it…keep your negative thoughts to yourself.  Trust me if you let your fist do the talking your commission and your company’s bottom line will ultimately win.  Oh, and one more thing.  Your competition could be someone else in the office trying out for the same promotion as you.  Uh-huh...same rules apply to you too. 

 

Some of you are probably asking yourself right about now, “If you we can’t slam the competition with our mouths, then what should we do?”  Well we asked ourselves that same question, and it has paid off in more ways than we could imagine.  You need to make your “What Makes Us Different” list.  At my day job, we sat down and put our ‘list’ together.  Before you know it we were so pumped up that we all hit the streets and shared our list with every one who would listen.  No, the list didn’t say things like, “We can too, but we’re cheaper”.  Please…I hate those type of salesmen.  Be specific.  Your lists of services may be longer than the competition.  Your delivery time could be the fastest in town, but you haven’t told any body in a while.  Get creative.  Who knows your left hand could be a bit stronger because your right hand could be overplayed.  Shake things up a bit and who knows you could surprise the customer, your competition and even yourself.  Jim Braddock did.

 

On June 13^th, 1935 at Madison Square Garden, Jim Braddock stepped into the ring with Max Baer the 10-1 favorite.   They went all 15 rounds, and the “Pride of the Irish” Jimmy Braddock won by decision.  If you haven’t seen Cinderella Man, then pick it up this week.  Have your kids watch it with you.  It’s a great lesson of hard work, dedication and love.  And the next time you have an opportunity to bad-mouth the competition, remember this story.  Instead, out work them, out think them and let your ‘What Makes Us Different’ list do the talking.   And when you do, the gloves will come off and you too will win by decision.  Check out the last five minutes of this infamous fight below.  (Max Baer is the one wearing the star on his trunks)

 

 

 

For more helpful tips go to my “Customer Service” edition of Mechanical Matters by clicking here.  If you have any comments or questions, please call me and my team at any of the numbers shown or email by clicking on the comment button below.