INDUSTRY INSIGHT: 
Magic Johnson
by Michael J. Herman
He sports one of the most recognizable smiles in the world. His name is synonymous with success and excellence. His leadership style has propelled many of his teams to championship status, including the Los Angeles Lakers. Now his global endeavor, Magic Johnson Enterprises, follows the same path to greatness:
Johnson uses the same philosophy in his company that he used on the court: “If people don’t get along, they won’t work well together. So the first thing I had to do when we started was learn how to get everyone on the same team and play the same game,” says the 49-year old entrepreneur.
Losing isn't an option and his unquenchable thirst to manifest success is at the core of his ambition. This becomes obvious when you consider that more than one hundred banks and lending institutions slammed their doors in Johnson’s face when he announced his intention to bring economic development to the poorest parts of urban America, starting with his home town of Los Angeles.
“The turning point in our success is similar to other successes I’ve had,” observes Magic. “We had to find an anchor partner, a brand name strong enough to bring others with it and brave enough to take a stand for the poor and blighted communities.”
MJE’s 36 Burger King Stores out-perform other BK stores in the same markets by two-to-one.
Their first partner company was Starbuck’s Coffee, then came AMC Theaters, TGI Friday’s, Burger King and Sodexho. “These partnerships allowed us to launch our goals of giving financial incentives to poor, urban neighborhoods.”
Where does his desire and will to be the best come from? How does he stay on top decade after decade? His mother... Magic attributes all his success to the opportunities given to him by a supportive and loving family.
“You don’t win on your own. You have to have the right people supporting and nurturing your dreams. Otherwise you can’t gain the right amount of momentum to sustain a rise to the top. It’s the little things that make the difference.” Magic’s ability to motivate players are as ubiquitous as his famed jump shot.
Johnson’s corporate and social visions are surpassed only by the size of his heart. Never too tired for a fan, an interview, a kind word, or a cause, Earvin “Magic” Johnson is widely regarded as one of the nicest of tycoons and the most socially-responsible of team leaders.
His motto in athletic competition is the same as in business: “Treat everyone so they feel special and like a winner, and never give up until you get what you want. Never ever give up, because you may get what you want the very next time you try.”
What does it take to make it big? Nothing really, just a little Magic.
Michael J. Herman is a nationally syndicated columnist, speaker, and Best Selling Author. His company The Motivational Minute Publishing Company in Burbank, CA is a leading producer of peak performance seminars and business coaching. www.michaeljherman.com
