An Important Lesson

Not too long ago, my father and I went on an estimate. This estimate was a little unique as it turned out- a person needed help cleaning their basement, and their basement only. It's not something we typically do, so I was curious as to why we were doing it. I kept asking my dad why we had chosen to do this estimate, and he kept repeating, "this person asked for help with their basement." The way he chose to phrase his response hung with me for some reason.

As we were driving out there, my father and I spoke about fun things, food, business, movies, television, the usual. It was nice, I must say. One of my favorite things to do at work, actually, is to go on first time cleanings and estimates with my father. He has a lot to teach, and simply by watching him work, one can learn a lot. We also do carpet cleanings together.

After a long time, we finally came to the house, and the owner was out to greet us. She was very kind, warm, and welcoming as she led us down to the basement. She also told her story as to why she needed us in the first place. Apparently, they had flooded (it had been drained when we were there), and a lot of old keepsakes were destroyed or damaged. She wanted to make sure that the basement was squeaky clean for fear of mold, mildew, and other unsavory basement surprises. But she was unable to clean it herself.

It was then I learned that we went to do this estimate to simply help someone. Would we turn a profit? No. But that's not what mattered. It turns out, she also wanted to the floor painted, which is something we don't do. But! We know a handyman (a damn good one to boot) that is the husband of a Budget employee, and referred him immediately.

My Dad and I walked out of the house when we were through, and then when we got back in the car, he explained why we came all the way out there- money wasn't the goal (what a concept, right?). We went out there to help someone in need, and in this instance, point them in the right direction. So what if we didn't make a buck?

That simple experience is one I will never forget because my father was able to summarize Budget's entire mission with a single act of kindness. We are here to help people. Yes, we are also in business to make money, but money comes and goes so quickly nowadays. We're so focused on it. And if we had been focused on money and nothing else, this person could still be struggling without us. And even the probability of that happening doesn't fly with me.

I'm not writing this as a commercial, or as a way to brag about how amazing Budget is. This entry is to remind us all that money is just an object. The real reason we should ALL be in business is to help others.

Money is fickle. Why follow its lead?

There is no "Stop"

Business is an ongoing coagulation of success, and struggle. We formulate plans, execute them, record the results, and then base our future decisions on those results. Business is routine. Business is a cycle. It is not for those who give up easily. It is not for those who can't take criticism. It's tough.

But why is that such a discouragement?

Plenty of things in life are difficult. But every day people accomplish tasks, get past obstacles, and find their own path to their unique brand of success or happiness. Maybe happiness is your success. However it is measured, one thing is certain for everyone sooner or later. Anything worth having can only be truly attained and appreciated through hard work. Business is no different, and when things get difficult, people show their true colors in the workplace.

There are people around you that will give up when the going gets tough. They'll throw their hands up and just walk out. They don't care about the task, their responsibilities, or their jobs in general. You'll also get people that will muscle through the hard times, determined to beat the intangible wall that holds them back. And finally, you'll find those who are relentless. Relentless in carrying out their tasks, relentless in their determination. Those are often the people that can stand to be in business for themselves.

The way things are right now weed out anyone who is not willing to survive. Is it right? No. Is it fair? Hell no. But unfortunately, it is the cold and terrible truth. Those who survive in business now are special. They are relentless.

Why do I keep saying relentless? Isn't that a negative adjective? Sure! But just like being cunning, the meaning of the word "relentless" isn't all bad. The tenacity to continue even when nothing matters anymore, when there is nothing to go back to, when all your energy is gone and all you have is time and your own willpower, when all you have. Is something to prove only to yourself. That's what being relentless means in business. Combine this with cunning, and you'll turn yourself into a survivor.

There are times when I want to give up, sure. Work is hard. Especially if you're in business for yourself, so I can understand the need to escape, to just stop caring. Hell, no-one is expecting you to hold out forever. Even when there isn't anyone around to judge you, you are around. When the thought of giving up becomes repulsive, guess what? You've become relentless.

There is no stop in business. Stopping means failure. So if you want to succeed, you must reach within yourself. And I don't mean in a sappy after school special kinda way. No, you must reach inside yourself and bypass your ego, your ideas, you concepts, your notions, and find that one thing that won't let you give up, the irrefutable truth that gives you the power to move past all the negative in your life, driving you towards success. That is what it means to be relentless. When the only thing stopping you from moving forward, is you. When the only person you have to answer to is you. And when you're finally willing not to let yourself down? You're ready to be a business owner.

What are you made of?

Positvity in Business

Negative thoughts and outlooks are poisonous.

Many people like to hide under the guise of "being realistic." Sometimes, a situation is hopelessly screwed, true. But even in the worse calamities, one must find silver linings to keep pushing through. Determination, perseverance, and positivity. Three essential qualities that are indicative of a healthy mind to do good business.

Being realistic isn't always grim, like most people say. Especially in business. It is rare when you can't go back and mend the broken parts of your occupation, whether you're an owner, or an employee. There are many stark realities in this world, harsh truths, and difficult trials. But what's important is that we push through the bad stuff and focus on the good- where your business is headed, and how successful it will be.

Depression, anger, anxiety, and a whole host of other unpleasant feelings can cloud even the clearest mind. An owner that is may have surgical execution of goals and profit lines can crumble in the face of a big gamble, or failure. Failure isn't something to stay upset about. No-one likes to fail. But it's how we see failure that drags us down.

I've worked in many hostile situations at various jobs. Fortunately, the one I am currently doing is an exception to this type of experience, but I digress. I have worked many different jobs in my short span of life on this rock, and I can tell you, the negative, bitter people drag everyone down to their level so they can all share in the misery. And lemmie tell ya. If you are easily influenced by the moods of others like I am, all of a sudden you can find yourself bitchin' and moanin' with the worst of em'. Like I did.

Business is tough. Whether your raking in billions, or just clearing your first million in annual sales, business is a grueling, draining experience. But. It doesn't have to be. Work is hard. It's supposed to be hard- I mean come on. It wouldn't be called work if it was easy. But things don't have to be easy to be positive.

If you plan on having any success in your life, taciturn business practices and a grumpy personality will sink you. No matter what happens, no matter how bad things get, you must always stay positive in the end. If you start taking business too seriously, it will consume you alive, and leave behind nothing.

Stay happy. Stay positive. Make money.
Now go be awesome.