Getting Ahead In Life Is Easier Than You Think
Start by looking around YOU.
Who do you spend your time with?
Are they opportunity seekers, small business people, and entrepreneurs who are actually doing something in business or in life? Or just going along for the ride and see where life takes them?
Try talking to your friends and family about making money in a business of your own (even part time). The odds are 97% will tell you, “You’ll never do it. Just forget it and find a job.” Some will laugh and go around telling others of your foolish plan.
Avoid people who try to belittle your ideas and ambitions. Small thinkers always do that, but the really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great also. Look for the one’s that look you in the eye and treat you as an individual with respect. These are the givers and will almost always be willing to share ideas and even help you along the way.
If the people you associate with belittle your ambitions or the ambitions of other “thinkers and doers” or they are constantly whining, crying and complaining about not making any money and have all kinds of excuses why they can’t succeed. It’s time to associate yourself with people like yourself; people who understand the risks and rewards associated with all opportunities.
Find those people; try and get to know them. Tell them about yourself; let them get to know you. Share your life experiences with them. See if they will share their life experiences with you. Unfortunately, you will find some people who will refuse to give you any opportunity to share with them (that’s their problem). They are the people who will only associate with other people who can “do something for them”. If you have nothing to offer them; other than your money, they really don’t want to know you only what’s in it for them. Give them a chance and they will squander it; walk away and don’t look back. There are many others willing to share and learn, associate your self with them it can pay dividends.
“You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.” James D. Miles
As you begin to associate with other people like yourself, create your own notebook of contacts; people you know professionals or anyone you have had successful dealings, people who have contributed to your on-going education in business, or in life. More importantly people that know you, business people and other “opportunists” with whom you share common interests, goals and ambitions. BUT only if each of those people are the kind of people who are “doing something” to achieve their goals and will willingly share their experiences and knowledge with you.
Get you a small notepad and keep track of these people they will be a valuable resource for the remainder of your and their lives. Keep good notes and as much info about the person as you can gather. These people will, as you get to know them; begin to impact your life in positive ways. Your subconscious mind is a powerful thing, if you begin to think positively and reinforce the thoughts daily. You will find there are few problems that can’t be resolved and you can’t even help it.
“Ask a question and you’re a fool for three minutes; do not ask a question and you’re a fool for the rest of your life.” — Chinese Proverb
When you need to know about something or someone; or want to find someone to do something you need done, ASK the people in your notebook. Keep in contact with the people who know you call them every once in a while just to find out how things are going with them and share your recent experiences send them a birthday card if you know their birthday, or send them holiday greeting cards draw them into your area of influence and above all else, always be ready and willing to share what you know, and who you know, with them. Respect their time as you would want them to be respectful of yours.
When I was young and just decided to quit my first real job; the owner of the company made me come get my last paycheck from him. He first, thanked me for working for him and doing a good job. Then he wanted to know why I was quitting; if it were the money that could be rectified. I assured him it wasn’t; and that I really liked the people I was working with and had no complaints. I just didn’t feel comfortable and it seemed like I was missing something in my life.
He told me that he had similar feelings when he was younger. He, then went on to tell me, how he had started, he worked as a machinist on a
This started a very good relationship between the two men. He went on to say that about a year later the gentleman came to him and asked, if he would be interested in starting a business. John was a little surprised because he didn’t know anything about running a business and he didn’t have any money to invest. This didn’t deter the business man, he thought John had all the necessary attributes and was willing to take the risk.
The rest is history John owned a very successful business, manufacturing heat exchange vessels for the oil industry. What John learned he passed on to me that day. Always help someone if you can, you never know when it will come back and pay dividends. We kept in touch for many years, John has since passed on, I miss his help and advice but life must go on and new acquaintances made.
Look around and see where you’re at and where you want to be; if you’re not satisfied, then make some changes. Everyone has the same amount of time and energy, some squander it others put it to good use; which are you? The people you associate with will always have an impact on your life, make good choices and build relationships; you will come out way ahead.
