Meet Pareto's Cat

You’ve probably heard about the Pareto Principle, or the closely related 80/20 rule.

In 1906, an Italian economist named Vilfredo Pareto noted an interesting phenomenon. The richest 20% of the people in Italy controlled 80% of the wealth. Further study found this phenomenon was widespread in many economies.

There are lots of applications to the Pareto Principle. Professionals derive 80% of their income from 20% of their clients. Businesses get 80% of their returns from 20% of their investments.

But we’re drifting away from the main point: Did you know Pareto had a cat?

Pareto’s Cat

Pareto had many cats, but there was one cat in particular who was really his cat.

This cat was always curious. She constantly tried to sneak into cabinets and closets where she didn’t belong.

She was an indoor cat, but she inevitably begged to go outside if there was another animal in the yard, an interesting person, or a significant change in the weather.

Cats were not allowed in Pareto’s studio, but this one would almost always manage to slip through as he opened the door.

Then she would sit down right on top of his manuscript, his economic charts, or whatever else he needed to work on.

Pareto’s cat would knock over his brandy, shed hair on his cushions, and bat his pipe to the floor if he happened to set it down for a moment. All the rugs in Pareto’s home were covered in burns, stains, and patches the cat had scratched bare.

Yet every day, no matter what kind of day he was having, Pareto would give his cat a bowl of sweet tuna. That’s all you need to know.

Now, Pareto lived through the Risorgimento and the first world war. He witnessed social and economic upheaval, violent nationalism, and the rise of the Bolsheviks.

His wife left him for a younger man, and to make matters worse it took years for the court to grant him a divorce.

But no matter what was going on in Pareto’s tumultuous world, his favorite cat always got fed.

Get fed first

Pareto’s cat understood an important corollary to the 80/20 principle: The people, businesses and organizations at the very top are the least affected by recessions, global events, and disruptions to their industry.

When things go sideways, the top 20% always have the best chance of weathering the storm and pivoting successfully.

When you’re at the top, you’re better equipped to both survive and take advantage of radical change.

When you’re in the lofty 4% or better, you are like Pareto’s cat.

In the worst of times, the Pareto’s cats of our world almost always land on their feet. And they always get fed.

If you want the same for yourself, then strive to be in the top 20%, 4%, even 1% of your field. As you rise higher to the top in terms of income, opportunity, skill, recognition, or just about any other metric, you compete with fewer people for a larger share of resources.

It looks simple enough, but how do you get there?

Pareto’s cat understood the ancient, natural secret. You don’t necessarily have to be the biggest, the smartest, and maybe not even the kindest.

You don’t need vast financial resources. Being tech savvy is optional.

So, what’s most important, and how do you get it?

The Original Advantage

No matter how convenient it becomes to shop, file your taxes, and even sell your home online, there will always be clients who prefer to work with a unique human being. Better still, many of these people have money to spend on special treatment with a personal touch.

This is why we have 5-Star hotels, concierge services, and boutique and bespoke versions of almost every kind of business under the sun. High-end clients are already accustomed to paying a premium for quality, personalized service.

This level of service is becoming scarce, even as a growing demographic is willing to pay more for it.

If you’re passionate about what you do, you can deliver at this level. If you’re perceived as being among the best of the best, you’ll quickly rise to the top of your profession.

Please note I said perceived as being among the best of the best.

There’s always going to be another business whose solution is a better fit for your potential clients. That doesn’t really matter in the long run.

As long as you deliver a product or service that does everything you say it will do, you can win on perception alone.

That’s what Pareto’s cat did.

If you’re like most people, your business acquaintances don’t know very much about your personal story. You probably keep it well hidden, or at least you don’t see the need to waste time and energy talking about it.

You could be hiding your biggest advantage from yourself. It’s a part of you that maybe seems too weird for public display. It may have evolved out of a struggle you had to overcome, something you now want to put behind you.

If this sounds like you, you’ve got it backwards! If Pareto’s cat were here today, she would tell you that everything you do should be infused with your most unique and personal qualities.

Pareto’s cat was always exploring new nooks and crannies, knocking over vases, exasperating Pareto. But she also provided endless amusement. And she could not be ignored.

Pareto’s cat was one of a kind, and this made her irreplaceable.

You, too, are one of a kind, and this makes you irreplaceable. But are you doing anything to help people see it?

Chris Jacobson, the REALTOR® who founded Vallejo Historic Homes, once told me, “Let’s say you’re thinking about selling your home, and you’re into skydiving. One day you meet a real estate agent who also skydives. That agent will probably end up listing your home.”

If you’re among the 1% of adults who don’t think that leaping from an airplane is absolutely bonkers, and you meet someone else who finds joy and meaning from plunging to their death with only a thin sheet of nylon to avert annihilation, the two of you will probably have a lot to talk about.

If you grew up with a disability, survived a childhood trauma, moved to a foreign country to work, study, or survive…

If you had to learn a new language or adapt to new customs or rapidly reinvent yourself—you’ve got a story that will inspire others. They will see themselves in your struggle.

If you have a deep understanding of astrophysics, philosophy, or art history, certain groups will admire your intellect and assume you are equally wise in other areas.

Your interests, passions, and experiences can open doors for you. Don’t hide them. Even if your client doesn’t skydive, she may be fascinated that you do.

Explore the things that make you who you are. Deepen them. Push them to the edge.