“I’ve got a guy I’d like you to meet… ” a friend told me. “The two of you have got to get together… you think so much alike… you have so much in common. You know, he’s a self-made millionaire!”
“Self-made…! Well, that certainly DOESN’T describe me,” I said.
“Oh c’mon, Steve. I know what you’ve done in your business career… don’t be so modest!”
Well, the truth is that honesty IS NOT modesty… and I was just being honest. You see, IMHO… the self-made man is a phantom.
A simple story, please… to make the point.
**************************************************************************************************************
I started my car this morning, and was about to pull out of my driveway when I noticed something strange. You see, like I often do… I had backed my car in the night before and was now staring straight ahead at a trail of something that had obviously leaked from my car on the way in.
Transmission Fluid… and lots of it.
So, I did what everyone would do on a Saturday when everything is closed… I called the President of a regional automotive service company AT HOME and explained my situation.
His business is consistently booked out days in advance, and you can’t just get in first thing on a Monday morning without an appointment.
Unless, of course… you have a relationship.
And I’ve been doing and recommending and referring business to Dave for at least ten years. They know it… and appreciate it.
Two questions: First, when things fall apart (as they will from time to time), do you really want to be “self-made”, or would you rather have a team?
And second… if things hit the fan today, who are you going to call?
**************************************************************************************************************
I think the reason I so often encourage people to build strong teams is because, well… so often I have benefited from having a strong team.
No, I am not self-made… and would never want to be.
I’ve had great mentors and outstanding employees. Incredible friends, loving and supportive family, and loyal advisors. I’ve spent a lifetime cultivating relationships that work both ways.
A last minute haircut after hours… yup, no problem. A suit that needs tailoring for an unexpected formal event? Unlikely… but, yes… bring it in. A lawyer… doctor… or insurance agent available AT HOME at midnight in a pickle…? Done deal… they’re in the speed-dial. So are accountants, bankers, stock brokers, and pastors.
Even a politician and a police officer or two.
Traveling just about anywhere, there are a handful of people I could call at 2 a.m. if necessary… and they would be there for me, because they know I would be there for them.
I HAVE been there for them.
**************************************************************************************************************
No, “self-made” is over-rated.
In fact, it’s a fallacy… need a rock-solid example? Well, how about this… I am not aware of anyone who’s ever made a dime without customers… ‘nuf said.
Build a team… share the credit… dump the status.
And reward your people.
I look forward to speaking with you.
Photo Credit:
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Excellent message, thank you for reminding us all that it takes each other, if we work as a team, so much more can be accomplished.
Thanks Emily,
In the end, that’s really all we have is our relationships! Love to hear more about you… twitter.com/stevebuelow.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Steve
Thought provoking, and right on the money, as usual.
Keep up the good work!