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You Won't Believe What I Learned In The Toilet Last Night...

by Mark Kaye
59 replies
Saturday night I learned the most important lesson to finding personal success in Internet Marketing or any other endeavor while visiting the mens room of my local movie theater

The movie just let out and I had to pee (Damn jumbo sodas!) I was fourth or fifth in line when I noticed a stall that didn't appear to have anyone going into or coming out of it. The door was closed but I appeared that it may be unoccupied. I thought of going up and knocking on the stall door to see if it was available. What could it hurt?

If the stall was occupied, I was no worse off than before. If it wasn't occupied, score! I had just jumped ahead of four or five other dudes who were also trying to get what I wanted.

Then I began to have doubts.

How embarrassed would I be if the stall was occupied?

And if it wasn't occupied would the other guys in line be ticked off because I jumped ahead of them?

Then, while I was sat there with my thoughts and debated my next move, some other guy who was standing behind me went up and KNOCKED ON THE STALL!!!

The door swung open...it was empty.

While I was going over every possible scenario in my head and trying to predict every possible outcome, that guy just went up KNOCKED ON THE STALL!!! That guy was willing to take the risk. He didn't hesitate and now he was reaping the reward.

I missed my shot and now somebody else was pi$$ing all over my dream...literally.

From now on I vow not to hesitate. When I see a potential opportunity I will walk right up and KNOCK ON THE STALL! (Whatever the "stall" may be.)
#learned #night #toilet
  • Profile picture of the author Andy Money
    Great point, good read . Take all opportunities (within reason)
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  • Profile picture of the author goindeep
    yeh. no room for politeness. when you gotta go, you gotta go. good story.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kim Standerline
    Umm

    I thought you blokes peed in those thingies on the walls
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  • Profile picture of the author AskStevenSmith
    That's a great story and one we can all relate to. With that type of creativity you're sure to be a success.

    Steven
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  • Profile picture of the author gamequeen
    Great comparison. You are definitely right, you have to take those chances when they are presented to you. You never know what could be waiting for you on the other side!
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    • Profile picture of the author Nick Brighton
      Originally Posted by Kim Standerline View Post

      Umm

      I thought you blokes peed in those thingies on the walls
      I stopped peeing in cash machines when I stopped drinking late at night.
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  • Profile picture of the author Eric Stanley
    Very interesting. I have to admit that I thought it was going to be a lesson using the analogy of open and closed doors and that having something to do with success -- I.e. - Usually stall doors are open if they are empty, but sometimes an empty stall (success in this case) was behind a closed door all along. Sometimes you just need a little "push" to see the light, when everyone else takes the easy way and walks through the open door. Odd analogy I know, but hey it works.
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  • Profile picture of the author imoutthere
    They say toilet U is the best place to learn.

    Not many people would have turned a common every day situation into a learning experience.

    Way to be aware of your surrondings. You can learn something everywhere, especially from my smart mouth 4 year old. LOL
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  • Profile picture of the author Jessica Lynn
    LOL - I love this story. This empty stall thing has happened to me too, and I've never seen anyone brave enough to knock on it.
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  • Profile picture of the author nanotek
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author Joel Chue
      I had a similar experience once at a seminar.

      The speaker was "giving" away a $50 note...

      all that required was me to walk up and take it.

      I hesitated and "strolled" and was about to take
      it when someone just dashed up and took it for himself

      When opportunity presents itself, GRAB it for yourself!
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      • Profile picture of the author Kevin Caldbeck
        Howdy

        Here in Texas we would just use the sink. It is best to try and not pee on the guy washing his hands. The sink thing can even work for women.

        Kevin
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
    I just had a thought....

    How many of us are creating the Internet equivalent of the door on the empty stall?

    We want people to follow through, but put up artificial barriers that only allow a small percentage through.

    Mark, I think your story is wonderful. You can use many different angles and comparisons.

    Who are you in the story?

    What happened to the guy's problem once he went through the door?

    What could add to the value once he has accomplished his task?

    How could you let others know when it's okay to go through the door?

    How can you get the others that are waiting to knock on the door and walk on in?

    Can you add additional stalls?

    Guys may relate to this question better: Does it really matter what the decor is like? Or do you just have one purpose which makes decor inconsequential?

    Finally, guys, please wash your hands!

    All the best,
    Michael
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    • Profile picture of the author Peter Bestel
      Originally Posted by Michael Oksa View Post

      I just had a thought....

      How many of us are creating the Internet equivalent of the door on the empty stall?

      We want people to follow through, but put up artificial barriers that only allow a small percentage through.
      Given the context of the analogy, I gotta say I'm a bit uncomfortable with that, Michael.

      Also, whilst I understand your intentions, I think it best that we don't extend the analogy any further. I don't want my business to be compared with that of a toilet, locked door or not. Let's just leave it at the 'sieze the day' message shall we.

      Peter
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      • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
        Originally Posted by Peter Bestel View Post

        Given the context of the analogy, I gotta say I'm a bit uncomfortable with that, Michael.

        Also, whilst I understand your intentions, I think it best that we don't extend the analogy any further. I don't want my business to be compared with that of a toilet, locked door or not. Let's just leave it at the 'sieze the day' message shall we.

        Peter
        Thanks for the constructive criticism.

        Let's say it could be ANY door then?

        All the best,
        Michael
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        "Ich bin en fuego!"
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris W. Sutton
    You Won't Believe What I Learned In The Toilet Last Night...
    Hopefully you learned not to be looking for things in the toilet!
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  • Profile picture of the author tommygadget
    I thought I was in for potty humor but was pleasantly surprised by an amusing tidbit. Yes, that story is just so appropriate for pointing out the limiting factors placed on us by our upbringing. We have to look inside ourselves and break those chains.

    TomG.
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    • Profile picture of the author Joanne Greco
      From now on I vow not to hesitate. When I see a potential opportunity I will walk right up and KNOCK ON THE STALL! (Whatever the "stall" may be.)
      Good for you!! That's a great attitude.
      I like your toilet story. I would have been that guy who knocked on the door, but then again I'm the type of woman who will go into the men's room when the line for the ladies room is to long. lol
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      • Profile picture of the author Tom B
        Banned
        I figured out how to cure world hunger when I was in the toilet. I just didn't have anything to write on and forgot once I left.
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      • Profile picture of the author Killer Joe
        Originally Posted by Joanne Greco View Post

        I'm the type of woman who will go into the men's room when the line for the ladies room is to long. lol
        I thought your avatar looked familiar

        Btw, I called that number looking for a good time...I got the Sargent at the local precinct.

        You owe me a quarter...

        KJ
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      • Profile picture of the author Mark Kaye
        Originally Posted by Joanne Greco View Post

        I'm the type of woman who will go into the men's room when the line for the ladies room is to long. lol
        I've always admired women who do that and never understood why it doesn't happen more often. Women like you epitomize the "go-getter" attitude.
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  • Profile picture of the author LindaC
    Your story brought back memories of long ago. Remember once my dad going up to the front door of a house. Knocking on the door and buying a coal mine with no money in his pockets.

    He always said...one does not need to create new money. There is already enough out their to go around. All one needs do is come up with a way to obtain your fair share.
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  • Profile picture of the author Glenn Leader
    We have a saying over this side of the pond...'He who hesitates is lost.'

    Having said that, if the cubical was occupied, you might have received
    far more than you bargained for... Just ask George Michael

    Glenn
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  • Profile picture of the author Scott Million
    Originally Posted by Mark Kaye View Post

    Saturday night I learned the most important lesson to finding personal success in Internet Marketing or any other endeavor while visiting the mens room of my local movie theater

    The movie just let out and I had to pee (Damn jumbo sodas!) I was fourth or fifth in line when I noticed a stall that didn't appear to have anyone going into or coming out of it. The door was closed but I appeared that it may be unoccupied. I thought of going up and knocking on the stall door to see if it was available. What could it hurt?

    If the stall was occupied, I was no worse off than before. If it wasn't occupied, score! I had just jumped ahead of four or five other dudes who were also trying to get what I wanted.

    Then I began to have doubts.

    How embarrassed would I be if the stall was occupied?

    And if it wasn't occupied would the other guys in line be ticked off because I jumped ahead of them?

    Then, while I was sat there with my thoughts and debated my next move, some other guy who was standing behind me went up and KNOCKED ON THE STALL!!!

    The door swung open...it was empty.

    While I was going over every possible scenario in my head and trying to predict every possible outcome, that guy just went up KNOCKED ON THE STALL!!! That guy was willing to take the risk. He didn't hesitate and now he was reaping the reward.

    I missed my shot and now somebody else was pi$ all over my dream...literally.

    From now on I vow not to hesitate. When I see a potential opportunity I will walk right up and KNOCK ON THE STALL! (Whatever the "stall" may be.)
    Ha ha ha. I thought this post was going to be gross after reading the title. Pretty funny man.

    It's so true. The over thinkers miss the bandwagon. While they're still asking "what if" on their first product, Johnny num nuts is launching their 10th.
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  • Profile picture of the author CanuckMike
    This post reminds me of that new movie coming out with Jim Carrey....I think it is is called 'Yes Man'. I keep seeing the ads for it across digg. When opportunity presents itself, just say YES.
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  • Profile picture of the author Oscar D
    That is really true and in terms of Internet Marketing it fits in perfectly.

    TAKE THE RISK
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Thompson
    This is a beautiful metaphor to use in a therapeutic way. The quick version: therapeutic metaphors can be used to help people solve problems. They involve telling stories. If you had a friend who hesitated a lot, you could tell him this story as if you were simply telling something interesting that happened to you (pretend it happened to you). The only difference is you don't explain the story. You don't explain the "why" when you tell someone a metaphor. Metaphors are used in hypnosis regularly, even "conversational hypnosis".

    I'm going to have to add this to my toolbox of metaphors. I really like it!
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  • Profile picture of the author WritingMadwoman
    Mark, what a cute story with a valuable lesson. I've done the same thing myself - hemmed and hawed, tried to reason out every possible thing that could go wrong - and whoops, the opportunity is gone! Interestingly I don't do this in the toilet - some things are just too urgent, I'm with the other ladies who have used men's rooms if the ladies line was too long.

    Come to think of it, I don't think I've EVER seen a line waiting for the men's room! How did that happen? Are there only 2 urinals or something?

    Anyway, great lesson for the business world too.

    Wendy
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  • Profile picture of the author Bev Clement
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    • Profile picture of the author GlynisG
      Good one Bev

      Do you ever stop working???
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      • Profile picture of the author ExRat
        Hi,
        Then, while I was sat there with my thoughts and debated my next move, some other guy who was standing behind me went up and KNOCKED ON THE STALL!!!
        Analysis paralypiss.

        Sorry.
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        • Profile picture of the author Mark Kaye
          Originally Posted by ExRat View Post

          Analysis paralypiss.
          Ha! Can I steal this for the re-write?
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          • Profile picture of the author ExRat
            Hi Mark,

            No problem, it's yours.

            And in line with TL's comment just above, and also the theme of this thread, I would remind everyone to take your business seriously. Sit down and take your time :rolleyes:
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            Roger Davis
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            • Profile picture of the author gorri
              Hehe lol!

              Good read.
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              • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
                Originally Posted by Glenn Leader View Post

                We have a saying over this side of the pond...'He who hesitates is lost.'

                Having said that, if the cubical was occupied, you might have received
                far more than you bargained for... Just ask George Michael

                Glenn
                Originally Posted by ExRat View Post

                Hi Mark,

                No problem, it's yours.

                And in line with TL's comment just above, and also the theme of this thread, I would remind everyone to take your business seriously. Sit down and take your time :rolleyes:
                You just have to block out the toe-tapping theme song from the movie. Just ask Sen. Larry Craig...
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                • Profile picture of the author ExRat
                  Hi Martin,

                  surely the throne room should be a workfree zone
                  ...as long as you're not on a high-fibre diet.
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    • Profile picture of the author Martin Luxton
      Originally Posted by Bev Clement View Post

      Bev,

      I know space is at a premium in Hong Kong, but surely the throne room should be a workfree zone.


      OK, a bad toilet joke.

      A Harvard guy and a Yale guy go to the men's room.

      After he finishes, the Yale guy leaves without washing his hands.

      The Harvard guy runs after him.

      "What are you doing? At Harvard we were taught to always wash our hands after peeing."

      "At Yale they taught us not to piss on our hands in the first place!"


      Martin
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  • Profile picture of the author dbarnum
    Those funny little life lessons
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  • Profile picture of the author TLTheLiberator
    An online based business is the greatest opportunity available for the average person to gain control of their finances in the history of the world.

    Don't blow it by...

    - Being lazy
    - Not serious about your biz
    - Not taking strategic action

    Hope This Helps!!

    TL
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  • Profile picture of the author chrisc58
    Hi there,

    I heard this one a few years ago. Anywhere you go is marketing. Bus, Train, Shops anywhere. Just drop a drop card or business card anything.
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    • Profile picture of the author Mark Kaye
      Originally Posted by chrisc58 View Post

      Hi there,

      I heard this one a few years ago. Anywhere you go is marketing. Bus, Train, Shops anywhere. Just drop a drop card or business card anything.
      THIS IS SO TRUE!

      I work in the Radio Biz and the one thing that we're always told is to drop a business card in ALL OF THE FISHBOWLS YOU CAN!

      You know what I mean. You're in a restaurant and when you get up to pay you notice a fish bowl full of business cards. Attached to it is a sign that says:

      "Drop Your Business Card & Win Lunch For Four!"

      Do you ever drop your business card? You should. As soon as people see that Radio Station Logo on the side of my card I know that I am going to get a free lunch, or a free soda, or a phonecall about advertising (random drawing my foot!)

      There is a person who sorts through all of those cards and that person owns a business, has a family, surfs the web for info...well, put your info in front of them! Maybe even write a personal note on the front of the card about your specialty...

      "This was the best Burrito I've ever had! Call me! I want to email your burrito to my customers!"

      Yes the fishbowl is a way for them to get information about their clients, but it's also a golden opportunity for you too, so always drop your card in the fishbowl!!! You may even get a free lunch!
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  • Profile picture of the author knallanon
    Good point.
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  • Profile picture of the author IMChick
    This is a great story! I am now going to my local movie theatre. I have to make sure that I visit both the ladies and men's rooms while I'm there! And I will drop a business card with a note on it into the fish bowl on the front counter!
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  • Profile picture of the author Justin Delahoyde
    Well that was an interesting surprise. Besides the toilet how many other random places do we learn out life lessons. I find a lot of mine happen on the bus and train. But otherwise good analogy.
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  • Profile picture of the author Eric Graudins
    A similar "opportunity" presented itself when my wife and I were at a Nick Cave concert the other night. There were thousands of people at the venue, and all the seats were taken. Except for several rows marked as "RESERVED". We didn't want to take our chances down in the overflowing mosh pit in front of the stage, so we just marched into one of the "reserved" aisles, and sat down. Nobody challenged us, and we got a great view of the concert. We just took the view that the seats were reserved - for us.
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  • Profile picture of the author wlcked
    At first i laughted, but then i got the point and at some point everybody has to to realise from his own experience that should think fast and grab the opportunities, before the others
    I always hate if i start to think too much between choosing 1 or 2 for example ... take the risk , do it fast
    ( little nonsense, but nvm )
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