Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Turning Crisis Into Opportunity

To aid his nomination as the 1912 presidential candidate, Teddy Roosevelt and his running mate, Hiram Johnson, had 3 million pictures of themselves taken. Just before they were to be sent out right across the country, Roosevelt discovered that they hadn't obtained permission to publish them. They were told that legal penalties for the copyright violation might be as much as $3million.

But it was too late to turn back. The printing plates were ready and the convention about to start.

The chairman of the campaign committee decided on a different tack and sent a telegram to the photographer saying: "Planning to use 3 million copies of the Roosevelt photo. Great publicity opportunity for you. What will you pay us for using your picture?"

"Appreciate the offer," the photographer replied. "Can only pay $250."

The chairman accepted without a fight and both sides came out on top.

Moral: When You're Faced With A Crisis, Ask Yourself What the Win-Win Solution Is. 

Thanks to ManageTrainLearn