Beethoven

There is an article in today’s Wall Street Journal that I can’t linked to because they are subscriber only (come quickly Mr. Murdoch, come quickly).  But the article’s about Ludwig van Beethoven and his 9th symphony…his last.  Do you realize he was deaf? 

Which brings me to perseverance and time.  I think Beethoven was 53 when he wrote the masterpiece.  I wonder if he knew that the deafness and frailty of life would be the right elixir for what many consider to be the greatest composition ever written?  I doubt it.  We move thru life taking our blows and disappointments, not realizing that they, not wild success and notoriety, are the keys to the beautiful symphonies we create.  I guess the key is know what’s in your heart.  Beethoven spoke of that…

I communicated today with a former colleague/vendor who I worked with while in corporate America.  We don’t communicate often, but with the release of my book (Waking Up In Corporate America) I wanted to let him know it was out.  My contacting him was part of my strategy to go viral with my marketing…a good strategy for someone in my state. 

Tom and I talked about a lot of things when I roamed the halls of corporate America.  We spoke of funny things, business things, and the deep stuff too.  Some type of symphony was formed, but I didn’t know it at the time.  As time passed, our lives moved in different directions (natural when a season ends). 

Well, I digress, Tom emailed me today and informed me that he bought 5 of my books.  One for himself and 4 to share with colleagues at a sales conference.  Obviously, I’m grateful for the multiple copy sale. By the way, I believe this is what viral marketing is all about.  And viral didn’t start today with Tom, but years ago.  Deposits were made…essential. But even more important was how he showed me that you don’t have to be conscious of all the greatness you create.  You just have to be working in the land of greatness, which resides in your heart. 

So have you stopped to listen to the symphonies?