Special ‘Zig Ziglar Tribute’ Issue
SPECIAL ISSUE:
A Tribute To Zig Ziglar November 6, 1926 – November 28, 2012
Special ‘Zig Ziglar Tribute’ Issue
“Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile, and a grateful heart.” -Zig Ziglar
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Special ‘Zig Ziglar Tribute’ Issue
Hey, Zig: We’ll ‘See You At The Top!’ Zig Ziglar, the consummate salesman who became perhaps the most wellknown motivational speaker in history, unclipped his lavaliere microphone for the last time died last Wednesday, November 27, 2012, succumbing to pneumonia at his home in Plano, Texas.
But the millions of books sold and dollars earned pales in comparison to the tens of millions of seeds that this man planted in the hearts and minds of those of us who want to achieve and give more of ourselves in this lifetime. And the next.
“A few years ago, I ran into Zig Ziglar and his wife at a Ruth’s Chris steakhouse in Dallas. When I told him he was one of my inspirations for becoming a professional speaker, he said: “What a treat it would be if you pulled up a chair and had dessert with us.’ It is a moment I will long remember.” -Richard Fenton, Publisher, Million Dollar Brand Magazine
With a focus on helping others achieve success in their both their careers and personal lives, Ziglar was a prolific speaker who shared the stage with the best-of-the-best—and we don’t just mean the best speakers/trainers of our time, we’re talking about being alongside corporate and world leaders, including U.S. presidents and Prime Ministers.
That said, one of the things most people don’t know about Zig Ziglar is that his name wasn’t ‘Zig’… It was Hilary. Hilary Hinton Ziglar.
Born in 1926 in Coffee County, Alabama, to parents John Silas Ziglar and Lila Wescott Ziglar, he was the 10th child of a family with 12 children and was only 5 when his The result of Zig's ability and mother moved the family to Yazoo philosophy was a multimillion-dollar City, Mississippi (which, if you are fan company and numerous best-sellers. of Zig’s, you know of quite well.) PAGE 3
Special ‘Zig Ziglar Tribute’ Issue
And it was there in Yazoo City that Zig was exposed to the struggles of living in extreme poverty after his father died in 1932 of a stroke, and his younger sister died two days later. And the road didn’t get any easier— at least, not at first. After serving briefly in the United States Navy during World War II, from 1943-1945, Zig attended the University of South Carolina. He then began working as a salesman, a career in which he also struggled for years before mastering the art of helping others make the right decision for themselves by investing in whatever it was Zig had to offer. In 1944 he met his wife, Jean (the ‘redhead’, and decidedly so). He was just seventeen, and she only sixteen. They married in late 1946.
“When I leave, I want to be sure to have left all of the messages that I could."
Working as a salesman in a succession of companies, including becoming a vice president and training director for the Automotive Performance company in 1968, which moved him to Dallas.
-ZIG ZIGLAR
he wrote and self-published (yes, folks, self-published) his first book, "See You at the Top," having the nerve and self-confidence to order Like myself (Richard), Zig didn’t start 25,000 copies for the first print run. his full-time career as a motivational After all, to quote Zig: “If you aim at speaker until he was in his 40s when nothing, you will hit it every time.” PAGE 4
Special ‘Zig Ziglar Tribute’ Issue
(Note: Pelican publisher Milburn E. Calhoun, said his greatest success came with See You at the Top, which had been rejected by over thirty publishers previously, and then was published by Pelican.)
fine ‘life’ traveling the world, stirring the thoughts and emotions of corporate groups and individual selfdevelopment seekers. With his Southern-accented delivery (he would insist wasn’t an accent at all— it was the rest of us who had accents) combined with his distinctive blend of sound-bite optimism, country wit and sideservings of his Christian faith. And for those who heard Zig speak, especially during the last 10-15 years of his life, you know that Zig made
In short, Zig aimed high: and we dug that about him. He always went ‘the extra mile’ with the firm belief that when you got to that extra mile, there would never be any traffic jams there… Everyone else would have gone home or off to happy hour... All the lights would be green…
no secret about being ‘saved’ at the And, of course, he was right. age of 42, having accepted Jesus Zig Ziglar made a fine living and a Christ as his savior. And while we did PAGE 5
Special ‘Zig Ziglar Tribute’ Issue
not personally share Zig’s religious beliefs, we deeply respected him for his willingness to say what he believed to be true with conviction.
have left all of the messages that I could." And leave many messages he did indeed.
Zig reached people with his message In any (and every) case, Zig Ziglar in more than two dozen books, with was a man who helped people see total sales well into the millions…
the bright side of life which he Zig reached people with his message believed is always there if only we through his children, who have dare to look hard enough. helped run his company and carry In an interview toward the end of his the message forward… life, when asked why he kept speaking when others would have ‘hung it up’ years earlier, Zig said: “When I leave, I want to be sure to
Zig reached people with his message through CD’s cassette tapes (yes, we know there are some of you reading this wondering what a ‘cassette’ is;
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Special ‘Zig Ziglar Tribute’ Issue
if you’re not sure, just ‘Google’ it)… And he worked his butt off! Most But his message reached people best professional speakers would love to when delivered in person, from the say they speak 100 times a year; in platform—a piece of real estate Zig his prime, at his busiest peak, Zig didn’t merely speak from— Ziglar spoke 150 times a year… it was a place he ‘owned’. for many years in a row! And while we didn’t know him as well as some in the industry, we can tell you that Zig Ziglar was the same guy off the stage as he was on.
And he customized them! And despite a tumble down a flight of stairs in 2007 that left him with short-term memory problems, Zig continued to speak whenever possible.
If you never had the chance to experience Zig in person, we cry for you. Elvis Presley? Michael Jackson?
The man loved what he did, and he did it with style, grace and integrity.
Please.
And so should we all.
Yes, Elvis, Frankie and Michael delivered great shows. They were great entertainers. But Zig was an entertainer and a teacher… and a motivator… and a leader… and a role model.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jean; children Julie Norman, Cindy Oates, and Tom; 7 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a greatgreat-grandson.
Frank Sinatra?
Rest In Peace, Zig Ziglar. And so very much more. Job well done. -MDB PAGE 7
Special ‘Zig Ziglar Tribute’ Issue
Selected Books by Zig Ziglar… See You at the Top Network Marketing For 1975. Gretna: Pelican Pub. Co Dummies ISBN 0-88289-126-X 2001. Foster City, CA: IDG Books. ISBN 0-7645-5292-9
Zig Ziglar's Secrets of Closing the Sale Selling 101: What Every 1982. New York, NY: Berkley Books. Successful Sales ISBN 0-425-08102-8 Professional Needs to Know Raising Positive Kids in a 2003. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Negative World Publishers. ISBN 0-7852-6481-7
1985. Nashville, TN: Oliver Nelson. ISBN 0-8407-9039-2 Confessions of a Grieving
Christian
Top Performance: How to 2004. Nashville: B&H Publishing Develop Excellence in Group. ISBN 0-8054-2745-7 Yourself and Others 1986. New York: Berkley Books. The Autobiography of ISBN 0-425-09973-3 Zig Ziglar 2004. New York: Random House. Over the Top ISBN 0-385-50297-4 1994. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers. ISBN 0-8407-9112-7 Better Than Good:
Creating a Life You Can't Success for Dummies Wait to Live
1998. Foster City, CA: IDG Books. 2006. Nashville: Thomas Nelson ISBN 0-7645-5061-6 Publishers. ISBN 978-0-7852-8919-7 PAGE 8
Special ‘Zig Ziglar Tribute’ Issue
A Brief Selection of Zig ‘Ziglarisms’ Many marriages would be better if the husband and the wife clearly understood that they are on the same side. -Zig Ziglar
People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily. -Zig Ziglar
If you can dream it, then you can achieve it. You can get everything you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want. -Zig Ziglar
It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through. -Zig Ziglar
Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude. -Zig Ziglar
If God would have wanted us to live in a permissive society He would have given us Ten Suggestions and not Ten Commandments. -Zig Ziglar
I believe that being successful means having a balance of success stories across the many areas of your life. You can't truly be considered successful in your business life if your home life is in shambles. -Zig Ziglar Building a better you is the first step to building a better America. -Zig Ziglar Money isn't the most important thing in life, but it's reasonably close to oxygen on the ‘gotta have it’ scale. -Zig Ziglar
If you go looking for a friend, you're going to find they're very scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you'll find them everywhere. -Zig Ziglar It's not what you've got, it's what you use that makes a difference. -Zig Ziglar A goal properly set is halfway reached. -Zig Ziglar
A lot of people quit looking for work as soon as they find a job. -Zig Ziglar PAGE 9
Money won't make you happy, but everybody wants to find out for themselves. -Zig Ziglar
Special ‘Zig Ziglar Tribute’ Issue
A Few More… People don't buy for logical reasons. They buy for emotional reasons. -Zig Ziglar
You cannot climb the ladder of success dressed in the costume of failure. -Zig Ziglar
Many marriages would be better if the husband and the wife clearly understood that they are on the same side. -Zig Ziglar
Failure is a detour, not a dead-end street. -Zig Ziglar Remember that failure is an event, not a person. -Zig Ziglar
If you can dream it, then you can achieve it. You can get everything you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want. -Zig Ziglar
If you don't see yourself as a winner, then you cannot perform as a winner. -Zig Ziglar
Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude. -Zig Ziglar
When you are tough on yourself, life is going to be infinitely easier on you. -Zig Ziglar
I believe that being successful means having a balance of success stories across the many areas of your life. You can't truly be considered successful in your business life if your home life is in shambles. -Zig Ziglar
A lot of people quit looking for work as soon as they find a job. -Zig Ziglar
Building a better you is the first step to building a better America. -Zig Ziglar
You cannot perform in a manner inconsistent with the way you see yourself. -Zig Ziglar
Money isn't the most important thing in life, but it's reasonably close to oxygen on the ‘gotta have it’ scale. -Zig Ziglar
Success is dependent upon the glands - sweat glands. -Zig Ziglar
You do not pay the price of success, you enjoy the price of success. Zig Ziglar
And, Finally… PAGE 10
Special ‘Zig Ziglar Tribute’ Issue
A Tribute to Zig Zigler in the Words of Others… “Zig was born in November, 'graduated' in November and I first met him in November, 1976. He was the star of the show in a massive Positive Thinking Rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I was one of 11,700 in the audience and he held us spellbound, easily eclipsing the big names on the platform with him that day. I'm so grateful that Zig was my friend and role model. His legacy has made this a better world.”
“Today I’m extremely saddened by the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Zig Ziglar. He led an exemplary life and was best known for inspiring greatness to millions of people around the world. Zig will be deeply missed and my heart goes out to his family and all of those affected by this loss. RIP Zig Ziglar. You will be remembered in our hearts forever.” – Brian Tracy
– Jim Cathcart “Thankful for Zig's influence, integrity and faith. He finished well.” – Mark Sanborn “Sending our prayers to the Family of Zig Ziglar-we've lost a legend. A great family man, & great source of inspiration to millions of people!”
“Thank you Zig for all you taught me, you greatly influenced my life. Thank you for letting me help you write Network Marketing for Dummies. You will be so missed but your legacy will live on through all of us who loved and respected you so much. RIP Zig. There is no one else like you.” – Jan Ruhe
– Tony Robbins “He was truly an original. A salesman and realized that ‘sales’ was the Million Dollar Skill. Bottom line, he was a nice man.” – Claude Diamond
“I saw him in San Jose, Ca. in 1999. He moved me in such a way that I felt I was the only person he was speaking to that day. Thank you Zig Ziglar for making such a great impact in my life.” – Chuck Dart
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Special ‘Zig Ziglar Tribute’ Issue
More From Others… “My teacher Zig Ziglar died this morning. He was 86. Thanks for teaching me how to sell and why it mattered. Thanks for reminding me how much it mattered to care. Thanks for telling us a fifteenminute story about Johnny the Shoe Shine Genius, so compelling that I flew to the airport just to meet him. Thanks for 72 hours of audiotapes, listened to so many times I wore out the cassettes twice. Thanks for that one day we spent backstage together in Milwaukee. Thanks for making goal setting so clear. Thanks for elevating the art of public speaking, and making it personal, not something to be copied. Thanks for believing in us, the people you almost never met in person, for supporting us with your voice and your stories and your enthusiasm. Thanks for teaching so many people, people who will continue to remember you and to teach as well. You'll be missed.” – Seth Godin “Years ago I received a letter from Zig Ziglar; one of the happiest moment of my life.” – Individual Not Identified
‘See you at the Top’ has more cogent meaning now; looking forward to that day. See YOU at the top my kind brother and good and faithful servant.” – Scott Hammond “Zig Ziglar, my friend, mentor, and an icon in the motivational industry died today. The first time I heard him, I met my destiny and saw my future. His words captivated and mesmerized me, and I hung onto every word. I often drove 300400 miles to hear him speak live; listened to his words on tape; and his voice was a familiar part of my household for decades. Once I heard him, I determined to share a stage and speak with him, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, and Jim Rohn, a dream I feel fortunate to have realized. Many people believe you should practice what you preach. Zig believed you should preach what you practice. His life and inspirational messages touched my heart and spirit, and I have never been the same. He inspired me to get out of my head, and follow my heart to become a speaker. Zig's life is an example of a positive voice. The world is a better place because he lived his passion, and encouraged me and millions of others, to live from our GREATNESS!” – Les Brown
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AND STILL MORE…
Special ‘Zig Ziglar Tribute’ Issue
And Even More… “I'll never forget many years ago I met him for the first time in Salt Lake City, for that day, he changed my life. My Stinkin’ Thinkin’ was in my way. Thank you Zig for giving me the tools to change my Attitude and for all the times that I spent listening to you around the world, I shall miss you. And, Yes, I will SEE YOU AT THE TOP!”
“RIP Zig! Truly a life Champion! You are now walking on streets of gold.” – Somos Uno “Just imagine what would happen if God would send him to hell. Hell would never be the same again.” – Individual Not Identified
– Ron Gillespie “Man, he was the best!! His life's stewardship and guidance for me was awesome!! Thank you, thank you sir, RIP my friend!!”
– T.E. Nolan
“Zig you are sorely missed! Glad your legacy will live on!” – Adrienne Saunders “Zig Ziglar was the ‘Magic Man’ of our time!” – Tom Elder
“RIP, Zig Ziglar. You were an inspiration.” – Louie Bernstein “Mr. Ziglar, you are going to be missed! Rest well, sir!” Rashidah Leverett “Just imagine what would happen if God would send him to hell. Hell would never be the same again.” – Individual Not Identified
"You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must PLAN to win… PREPARE to win… and EXPECT to win.. He truly helped change my life. The world is now short of a wonderful, kind, insightful, awesome human being, but his message a spirit will live on. In honor of Zig, anyone out there that has been afraid to take the first step, DO IT TODAY! You will be amazed at where that first step can take you!” – One Way Up
PAGE 13 Our Next Issue Will Be December 17, 2012