I don't usually re-blog stuff . . . but this one is worthy enough (and the author gives clear permission) . . . . This comes from My favorite Seth Godin and rings especially true for LOTS of people in today's business environment.
I have some comments of my own (of course) at the end, so I hope you will read the whole thang!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Too good to be true (the overnight millionaire scam)
You probably don't need to read this, but I bet you know people who do. Please feel free to repost or forward:
Times are tough, and many say they are going to be tougher. That makes some people more focused, it turns others desperate.
You may be tempted at some point to try to make a million dollars. To do it without a lot of effort or skill or risk. Using a system, some shortcut perhaps, or mortgaging something you already own.
There are countless infomercials and programs and systems that promise to help you do this. There are financial instruments and investments and documents you can sign that promise similar relief from financial stress.
Resist.
There are four ways to make a million dollars. Luck. Patient effort. Skill. Risk.
(Five if you count inheritance, and six if you count starting with two million dollars).
Conspicuously missing from this list are effortless 1-2-3 systems that involve buying an expensive book or series of tapes. Also missing are complicated tax shelters or other 'proven' systems. The harder someone tries to sell you this solution, the more certain you should be that it is a scam. If no skill or effort is required, then why doesn't the promoter just hire a bunch of people at minimum wage and keep the profits?
There are literally a million ways to make a good living online, ten million ways to start and thrive with your own business offline. But all of these require effort, and none of them are likely to make you a million dollars.
Short version of my opinion: If someone offers to sell you the secret system, don't buy it. If you need to invest in a system before you use it, walk away. If you are promised big returns with no risk and little effort, you know the person is lying to you. Every time.
end of post
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OK!
"There are four ways to make a million dollars. Luck. Patient effort. Skill. Risk."
Let's think about this with relevance to our business and the environment we are all in.
"LUCK" is NOT a good strategy . . . so that one's out . . .
"RISK" - Isn't there already enough built-in risk with the uncertainties we face daily? You'd be crazy to do anything risky unless your pockets are DEEP and FULL.
That leaves:
Patient Effort - Continue to Lead Generate PATIENTLY and diligently, and you'll make it through this morass!
and
Skill - Work on your scripts . . . Track your efforts . . . determine your strengths and weaknesses . . . FOCUS on honing your skills EVERY day . . . It'll pay off in a large way eventually.
and don't lose faith . . . The next 4 months will be frightening for many REALTORS . . . Those who are able to remain standing will emerge stronger than ever before . . . so . . . unless you're uniquely qualified and motivated to do something else to bring home the bacon . . .
I think the wisdom here is to head on down the path of "Patient Effort" and "Skill" improvement.
Best,
b
Barry Owen
Career Development Coach
Principal Real Estate Broker
Keller Williams Realty - Nashville, TN - Green Hills - The FLAGSHIP!
www.theowengroup.net - Honing Skills and Patiently exerting effort daily with Home Buyers and Sellers in Middle Tennessee
www.creatingspaces.blogspot.com - Barry's other blog-site
Simply & BOLDLY Living the FourFold Way in Open Space!
Zorra's mother described how the family has lived in battered women's shelters and has faced homelessness on several occasions after she and Zorra's father separated. The mom and her six kids, ages 7-17, have been exposed to domestic violence in their home. While the family now has a stable home, the financial stressors are such that having enough food in the house is a challenge. Mom isn't able to work because several of her children are high needs, medically complex kids requiring a high level of supervision and frequent medical appointments. Mom does everything she can to make ends meet for this family. She feeds her kids each month with donations from the food bank and she was hoping that the family would be eligible for a holiday program otherwise her kids won't be able to open presents on Christmas.
;)
;)
