"Genius is 1% inspiration..."

It is on this day in 1879 that Thomas Edison finally struck upon the idea for a workable electric light. Inventors had been attempting to make electric lights since the 1820s, yet they had chosen the wrong material for the filament: platinum. Edison tried carbonized cotton thread...and later, tungsten filament...both of which lasted longer and glowed brighter.

Arguably, Thomas Edison is one of the most influential persons on modern life. He invented the incandescent light bulb, the phonograph, the motion picture camera, as well as improving the telegraph and telephone. In his 84 years, he acquired 1,093 patents.

Edison was a poor student. When a schoolmaster called him "addled", his furious mother took him out of school and continued his education herself, at home. Around the age of twelve, he lost most of his hearing. He blamed it on an incident where he was grabbed by the ears and lifted to a train. He treated the disability as an asset, since it made it easier for him to concentrate on his experiments and research.

One of the effects of the invention of the electric light is that people sleep less than they once did. Before 1910, people slept an average of nine hours a night...since then it's been closer to seven and a half  hours. Sleep researchers have shown that if people are deprived of electric light, they will return to the nine hour nightly schedule.

Besides his astounding number of inventions, Edison is also the creator of some great quotes on perseverance and hard work, including:

• "Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits."
• "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."
• "Genius is 1% inspiration, and 99% perspiration."

Sales Prospecting Nugget: Here's how you can use Edison's life to grab some attention with clients or prospects:

1. Opening line to a sales prospect: "Did you know that today was the day, in 1879, that Thomas Edison hit upon the idea for the electric light bulb?(Pause...for response) I'm calling you today because I'd like to help you shed some LIGHT on your investment portfolio."
2. Opening line to sales prospect II: "In 1879, Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. After his invention, people began sleeping one-and-a-half hours LESS per night. Did you happen to know this? I'm calling you today because I have found that many investors today are sleeping less due to concern about their financial picture. If this is true with you, I'd like to help you ease your mind and give you back your well-rested nights."

Have a great weekend! Ciao.