Salesmanship Corner by Zig Ziglar - Harvard Business School - The Class Of 1949

On August 28, 1994, "Pinnacle," a feature of CNN Business News, ran a fascinating story about the Harvard Business School Class of 1949. The Class of 1949 is widely recognized as the most outstanding business school class in the history of Harvard University. The "Pinnacle" staff was present at the 45th reunion of the class. Here is their profile:

Most of them came from very modest circumstances. Nearly half of the class became CEO's and Chairmen or Chief Operating Officers of their companies. Eighty-six percent of these men served in World War II and two-thirds of them worked their whole business career in one company. Most of them were married for over forty years to their only wife and they had a sense of self that was clear and down-to-earth. Their "rootedness" was impressive and they were hard workers. They acknowledged that a degree of luck was involved, but I believe it's safe to say that the harder they worked, the luckier they got. As a group they were risk-takers, not gamblers. In a risk-averse world they were willing to assume intelligent risks.

'49er Marvin Traub, former Chairman of Bloomingdale's, said he made important decisions based on the question, "How would I feel if it was on the front page of The New York Times?" The consensus was strong that none of them would have been successful if they had not been ethical. They believed that if people didn't trust them, there would have been no way for them to advance. They trained themselves to be knowledgeable, dedicated and patient. They practiced good values, securing success and happiness in life. Correspondent Beverly Schuch said, "One is struck with the utter ordinariness of this extraordinary group. They are more thoughtful than boastful and wear their success like an old pair of shoes." Sounds like a good blueprint for success to me. I encourage you to buy their approach to life and I'll SEE YOU AT THE TOP!

Zig Ziglar is a motivator and teacher. He is the author of 26 books and loved by millions of people world wide for his practical wisdom and his gift of hope.