The Third Realization
---------------------

**The Power of Silence and the Art of Listening**

> The Samurai used the psychology of intimidation to their advantage. The Samurai warrior, like the feudal knights of Europe, wore elaborate armor and traveled on horseback. Their appearance was designed to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies, taking them off guard and making them easier targets.

![enter image description here](https://s12.postimg.org/puk30e1v1/Untitled_14.jpg)
*They wore brightly colored masks and large decorative helmets to make themselves appear larger and even more frightening.*
***If you've missed any of the previous realizations, [visit my blog](https://steemit.com/@markrmorrisjr)  and be sure to follow me for updates!***

In contrast, the Ninja's goal was to not be noticed. Whether stealthily sneaking over a palace wall in the dark of night, or walking in boldly unnoticed in an unassuming disguise, the Ninja worked to be in a position to strike before the enemy knew they were there.

![enter image description here](https://s11.postimg.org/tzmwdsuyr/Untitled_11.jpg)

In business, the Samurai works the same way. They wear the best suit, and drive the nicest cars to make sure they exude an image of success. Whether intentional or not, they overpower the competition with their marketing and always makes sure their presence is felt. 

They want it to be apparent that they are the only game in town. I’ll leave it to you to figure out who the Samurai are on Steemit. 
Traditional business wisdom has often been to fight fire with fire, out Samurai the Samurai, but many of today's most successful entrepreneurs have broken that mold. 

Take a look at guys like Seth Godin, an unassuming blogger who spends much of his time commenting on business trends. He has quietly stepped in as a thought leader in sales and marketing. He did it by giving away his thoughts on the subject through a blog! 

*You may not know his name, but chances are you have heard someone talk about his books, “Tribes”, or "The Purple Cow" This is the way of Steemit Ninjas.*

To understand the power of silence, try this experiment. Go to Steemit Chat. While not being noticed is the goal, black pajamas are probably not the best way to do this. It will work best if you have at least one friend at the event who can introduce you to a few people.

**Once introduced, ask a simple question such as, so, tell me what do you do?** 

And make it your goal to only listen and ask questions to fuel the conversation, but pay close attention. If you listen long enough, you will learn a lot about the other steemers in the group. 

*They may tell you about their successes, they may tell you about their triumphs, but in between they will also be revealing a lot of valuable information about problems they need solved, key people they are looking for and opportunities they would love to take advantage of.*

Remember it. Ask for outside contacts, like websites, or other social media connections, make lots of notes, but most importantly, try not to say anything that steers the conversation onto you for longer than needed. Keep them talking. This is a covert information gathering mission. Your job is to find out as much as you can about as many of them as you can.

**Now you are going to use this information to infiltrate the competition and take them down!** 

***Wrong***. Remember, the Ninja way is all about promoting peace. Your goal in gathering this information is to find a way that you can help them. Make them even more successful at what they do. Turn this information into opportunities for you to meet their needs.
But you have to ask for the sale, right? 

**Wrong.** 

*Do not ask for anything, just collect your information and keep it in mind. It will become useful later, especially when we get to realization 9, The Power of Referrals.*

Not all of the information you collect will be useful right away. Much of it will just be practicing the art of listening. Use this opportunity to begin file of network connections. Organize them however it works for you, but keep track of them. 

These are the beginning of your network. It doesn't matter that they don't know they are part of your network. In fact, at this point it is probably better that they don't.

While it may seem like this is just a waste of time, this is a big part of becoming a Steemit Ninja. Dale Carnegie referred to this in his brilliant work, “How to Win Friends and Influence People” (if you have not read this book, please, stop reading this and go get it, it is absolutely essential) 

> He tells the story of going to a cocktail party and speaking with a
> very influential man. During the course of the evening Mr. Carnegie
> did not say more than a few words about himself, but kept the
> conversation steered towards what this guest of honor wanted to speak about. Much later, he heard back from someone else about the encounter and the report was that Mr. Carnegie was a brilliant
> conversationalist, although he did not feel that he had said two words together.

*It is amazing the impression we can make on others when we genuinely take an interest in them, and let them steer the conversation.*

**You may be saying, I see how this is a great way to make friends, but, how does this turn into business?** 

Here is a short sneak peek ahead to what you have to look forward to as a Steemit Ninja. When James and I first got into the Social Media business, I called one of my long-time friends that I noticed was starting a brand new landscaping business. 

*Jerry, the friend, had been in landscaping for decades, but had decided it was once again time to own his own firm. I called and offered my assistance to get Jerry started with his new Facebook page, no strings attached, without even hinting that Jerry should hire me.*

Because of my demonstration of knowledge, and willingness to help, Jerry called a meeting with Me, James and his business partner Greg. Within 48 hours, We were not only managing the social media for Jerry's new company, but one of his friend's other companies as well.

The Third Realization
---------------------

**The Power of Silence**

*(to be read as described)*

Alone I am powerless
But, I am not alone
I am surrounded by the abundance of the universe and everything I need is here.
I need the help of others to achieve my success.
There are many around me who possess the necessary ingredients for my success.
I will ask them for help.
I will ask, and I will receive the help I need, because I am not afraid to offer others what I possess to help them achieve their success.
I realize that words are as powerful as a double-edged sword, but the power of silence is greater.
In my silence, I will draw out those around me, and learn from them.
If I am patient, and listen, they will tell me their secrets.
Even the strongest tower can be entered if one learns the secret and I will listen and learn.
Those around me are sharing their secrets, even in their own silence, and as I observe, I will gain influence, and power through the knowledge I gather.
With one well placed question, followed by listening silence, I will draw out even the most guarded of people. Once I have learned their secrets, I will know how best I can serve them, and they can serve me. I will use this to my advantage when the time comes to forge alliances.
I need never fear having the right thing to say, when I come armed with silence and the willingness to listen. The words will present themselves in the silence, through the listening.


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