Recently my family visited the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. Growing up in the tv spy era with popular viewings such as Get Smart, Pink Panther cartoons, James Bond movies, and The Man From U.N.C.L.E. I was thrilled to check out what this adventure may hold. While I fully realize Hollywood’s version of espionage holds little resemblance to reality I was curious and wanted to take it all in. I’ll admit I was surprised to find a business book, Business Confidential: Lessons for Corporate Success from Inside the CIA by Peter Ernest and MaryAnn Karinch in the gift shop. This was a purchase I had to make. What insights would the CIA have about running a successful business?
Being a virtual assistant who operates as a solo businessperson I was unsure how much, if anything, would be relevant to my single woman operation or if everything is guided towards larger business models with actual employees and board rooms. And the worst case scenario would be I’d simply learn about the National Clandestine Service (NCS) and get a peek inside the minds of those in a very secretive world. Being curious about espionage I figured it was a win-win.
While much of these writings are intended for businesses with employees there are still insights, tips, and suggestions that can be applied to being a solopreneur.
The writings are narrated by Ernest as he draws upon a wealth of experience during 36 years with the Central Intelligence Agency, most of it in the Agency’s National Clandestine Service (NCS). The chapters discuss hiring the right individuals to support your mission (applying the adage hire for attitude, train for skill), building a committed team, with focuses on information collection and techniques (I particularly enjoyed this section as I do much internet research work), with focuses on interpersonal skills, presuming success, and meeting change with intelligence to name just a few.
The Path of Persuasion section caught my eye for how it outlined clear steps to close a sale – from delivering the presentation to handling any objections to assuring clients their trust is firmly in the proper place with you and your business.
Regardless of the size or nature of your business I believe you’ll find valuable information, plus unearth some core principles of the spy world and how it all works, that you can apply to your business strategy. I did.
Interested in getting your own copy of this book? Check out the ordering link here.
P.S. Museum Bonus Review: If you happen to be in the Washington, D.C. and are curious about if you should visit the International Spy Museum my reply is “YES!” Our family truly enjoyed it all. Allow for about 2-2 1/2 hours for the self-guided tour. There’s much to see…and experience. Some areas are interactive — from beginning to end.
Before entering the Briefing Room, and after you bypass several security clearances, you’ll be given the opportunity to assume a new identity cover. Memorize your identity’s facts, nod your head to the agent along the wall, and the Briefing Room doors will slowly glide open where you can enter and accept your assignment, if you choose.
Witness firsthand some of the tiniest devices used during the history of espionage. Be on the look out for James Bond’s Aston Martin car. It’s a beauty like no other. Feel the vibrations reverberate through your body when you stand inside the bomb shelter and listen to the story of the Manhattan Project. Near the end, have the chance to use your new identity to assist in the covet assignment and perhaps be invited to become part of an elite team. Upon exiting the museum, learning of the high percentages of spies globally who crisscross around the D.C. metro area, you’ll find yourself taking a second glance at those you pass on the sidewalk. . . wondering, if perhaps . . . .
The International Spy Museum’s Facebook Page is here if you’d like to interact, learn some spy trivia, or participate in one of their events.