Yesterday, I had the pleasure to attend the private memorial service for Las Vegas Entertainer Danny Gans. He died suddenly 3 weeks ago at the age of 52. For those who aren’t familiar with his name, he was a big star here in Las Vegas as a singer, comedian, and impressionist. He took over the Mirage showroom when Sigfried and Roy had to close their show and then just 2 months ago moved over to the Wynn Resort. Danny won Best Entertainer here in Las Vegas for 12 years in a row, but was really only a ‘known’ star in Las Vegas, even though he was such a remarkable talent. Most all of the other entertainers here in Las Vegas were at the service including; Donny Osmond, Carrot Top, Cris Angel, George Wallace, and Sigfried and Roy, to name just a few. The Wynn Resort and Gans’ Family arranged a beautiful memorial service.
So, what does that have to do with a business application and learning lesson for you? Danny started out his career as a pro baseball player and then after a bad shoulder injury, honed his skills as an entertainer and took that to the top here in Las Vegas. We all have had setbacks in our life or careers and need to use Danny as an example. Just because one career goal is finished, pick yourself up and move onto the next. When it seems one door closes for you, look around for the next one to open up!
Danny made millions of dollars each year here in Vegas, but was really only well-known in this town. Not much national stardom or press. You in your business or product don’t need to be everything to everyone. Find your niche and/or locale, and be a strong perfected player in that market. Hone your skills in your product or service and become the BEST you can.
Be of service to many. The more lives you can impact in a positive manner, the more successful you will become. Laughter and entertaining allowed Danny to touch the lives of thousands of people every week here in Vegas.
Give to charity. Danny had many charities that benefited from his generosity, and you need to give back to the community as well to be successful. In this down turned economy, there are many charity organizations that are grateful for all donations - time, money, products, or services.
When a sudden death like this happens to someone as talented and young as Danny, it is a wake-up call to all of us to reflect on our lives, see where we are headed, and make the necessary changes to become more successful, more happy, and more productive in what we are doing. For further information, you can check out www.dannygans.com