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Are you the Boss?

By
Home Inspector with Square One Home Inspection

While doing my morning reading I came upon a great quote. I pondered on it for a while and read it to my wife. We discussed it for a short time and it just keeps popping into my mind. I have went over and over this one, and find that it really is true. I hope you will enjoy it.

"The person who knows "How" will always have a job. The person who knows "WHY" will always be his boss."

After reading this , obviously it got me to thinking about education. Those who continue to educate themselves will always be a step or two ahead of everyone else. I think most would agree that we all learn something new just about everyday. This is not what I am talking about here. Don't get me wrong, I think it's great that we all learn everyday.

What I am talking about is in our professional lives. If we fail to educate ourselves, we are doomed to failure. You know the next guy is learning all he can to get to be better than you. We need to educate ourselves to the fullest, in order to stay ahead of the next guy. This will give clients a reason to WANT to do business with you.

Remember, knowledge is power. But knowing how to use and apply that knowledge is an even greater power. If you are not learning the newest tactics, applications, marketing techniques, or practices of your business, you may get left behind. Once you are left behind, you have become the guy who knows "HOW." If you continually educate yourself on your business you will remain ahead of the pack and you will know "WHY."

If you continually know "WHY", you will become your clients GUY/GAL for anything pertaining to your business. By being the person who knows "WHY" you will remain in their  mind and when the subject comes up they will recommend you. Now, you may have new business coming in the door. Now it is time to show your new client why you were recommended to them in the first place.

I am not saying we need to be know-it-alls. But, by providing answers and solutions to clients needs and questions, you create a trust or bond. They will remember you more than the guy who said, "Let me get back to you on that" but provided no information.

I guess my real point here is this. The next time you don't want to sit through that 3 hour class because it is just a waste of time, ask yourself this one question.

"DO I know "HOW," or do I know "WHY?"

Right now we have clients out there asking themselves the same question about us. I hope this has been useful to some of you. Remember, keep learning and stay ahead of the pack. Good luck.

 

Ian A Niquette

WI Home Inspector
Square One Home Inspection proudly serves Green Lake, Fond du Lac, Dodge, Marquette, Columbia, Winnebago, and Waushara Counties. Complete home inspections and Radon testing available. Call today for a free price quote. Available 7 days a week.
Markesan WI 53946

Posted by

 

Ian A Niquette

 www.squareonehomeinspection.com

 Square One Home Inspection proudly serves Green Lake, Fond du Lac, Dodge, Marquette, Columbia, Winnebago, and Waushara Counties. Complete home inspections and Radon testing available.

 

 

Comments (8)

Jack Gilleland
Home Inspection and Investor Services, Clayton - Clayton, OH

And I guess the bosses boss would know how and why.  We tend to learn how when we are young (not an easy job in itself).  Then as we get older we learn why.  Good post Ian.

Feb 02, 2009 03:53 AM
Ian Niquette
Square One Home Inspection - Markesan, WI

Thanks Jack, and your explanation is very true. Growing up is hard to do.

Feb 02, 2009 04:49 AM
Dean Curtis
Coldwell Banker Kittitas Valley Realty - Ellensburg, WA

Ian, The quote is priceless. Do you happen to know the author? I can't for the life of me figure out which category I fit into, oh wait, I guess I just answered my own question. Here's to all of us that know "how" but can't figure out "why".

Feb 02, 2009 06:39 AM
Ian Niquette
Square One Home Inspection - Markesan, WI

Dean, the author of that quote is Diane Ravitch. I think alot of us are trying to figure out "WHY" at one point or another don't you? Good luck and thanks for stopping by.

Feb 02, 2009 06:45 AM
Barb Szabo, CRS
RE/MAX Above & Beyond - Cleveland, OH
E-pro Realtor, Cleveland Ohio Homes

Ian, It's so easy to put education on the back burner but this is a very important reminder for us all to never stop learning.

Feb 02, 2009 11:50 PM
Elizabeth Bolton
RE/MAX Destiny Real Estate Cambridge, MA - Cambridge, MA
Cambridge MA Realtor

Hi Ian,

That's a great quote.  I really do love to learn the "whys" as much as I can and I guess I'm the boss - my own!  And that's the way I like it!  My father was self-employed most of his professional life so I guess it's in the genes - not sure if I could ever go back.

Liz

Feb 03, 2009 09:37 AM
Terry Haugen STAGE it RIGHT! 321-956-2495
Stage it Right! - Melbourne, FL

Ian, I'm not the boss, I'm pack leader!

Feb 04, 2009 01:17 PM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

I wish I could have convinced some of my former employees in various businesses the truth behind our quote, but alas....

Feb 05, 2009 01:35 PM