I did something very unusual today. In fact I would go so far as to say I’ve never done what I did today in my entire life. It is not abnormal for probably 90% of human beings, but I’ve just never understood why anyone would ever do it. Well, I broke down today. I couldn’t resist. There are many lessons to be learned about why I broke down, but I want to focus on one particular area that will make the most difference for you. What did I do? I bought my very first issue of People magazine.

I was in the grocery store and there staring at me on the cover of People magazine was the face of Steve Jobs. I opened up the magazine and there was a story of Steve Jobs’ career. I’ve listened to his speech at Stanford, and I can Google about anything I want to about the man. So, why did I fork over some hard earned cash to pay for an overpriced magazine?

The answer is simple.

I thought I could make more money with what was in the throngs of that magazine than it cost me to buy it. The reason I thought this is because Steve Jobs was an entrepreneur of the greatest variety in our time. (maybe not, but definitely the most recognizable one especially given his recent departing.) This article is in someways him speaking to us beyond the grave. Or just next to us as if he hasn’t gone anywhere. I was happy too. My giving a little tribute money to Steve Jobs. I never knew Steve Jobs, but I’m still giving him money. (As if my Mac and iphone aren’t enough tribute to him.)

When a person who has contributed so much to the world has anything to say, it really is advisable to listen. Maybe you don’t agree with everything he says, but you can’t deny his results. Results is what John Maxwell refers to as the Law of the Scoreboard. You only know who’s winning by the score. And Steve Jobs kept on winning.

I’ll not go into detail with the content of the article. I can’t. I haven’t even read it yet. What I do know, though, is I will get much more out of it than the money I put into it. When you can do that with your artwork, your business, or any venture you do, you will make the sale. You will get the fans. The cost of a simple magazine could quite possibly make me $100 to $1000 to $10,000 dollars richer this year by acting on the things I will learn in the article.

If you learn from the best, you too will be on your way to becoming the Steve Jobs of the comic book world–which right now I would say would be Todd McFarlane. And yes, I’d listen to him too.

Who do you think is the Steve Jobs of the comic book industry? Am I wrong on this? Who’s better to follow?