In my efforts to keep my New Year's resolution regarding simplifying my life and bringing order to my chaos, I came across my grandfather's ledger while I was cleaning my closet. I never knew my grandfather. He died about 11 years before I was born.
Gottlieb Klenk, of Defiance, Ohio was born in Germany and came to the U.S. as a young boy. He was definitely an immigrant success story. He ended up being a business man, a real estate investor, and an inventor.
He kept several ledgers, one of which also was used as a kind of scrapbook in which he pasted articles from area newspapers that he apparently found of interest or importance. Some of these were news articles regarding himself or family members and many were health related tips.
The following article is not dated, nor is the name of the newspaper or magazine visible. The other articles in this book range from 1898-1920 or so. This could have been written anytime in that period or could have been written today, if not for some arcane use of language and phrasing. I found it fascinating.
"HABITS OF A MAN OF BUSINESS."
A sacred regard to the princples of justice forms the basis of every transaction, and regulates the conduct of the upright man of business.
He is strict in keeping his engagements.
Does nothing carelessly or in a hurry.
Employs nobody to do what he can easily do himself.
Keeps everything in its proper place.
Leaves nothing undone that ought to be done, and which circumstances permit him to do.
Keeps his designs and business from the view of others.
Is prompt and decisive in his dealings, and does not overload his capital.
Prefers short credits to long ones, and cash to credit at all times, either in buying or selling;and small profits in cases with little risk, to thec hance of better gains with more hazard.
He is clear and explicit in all his bargains.
Leaves nothing of consequence to memory whch he can and ought to comit to writing.
Keeps copies of his important letters, and has all letters, invoices, and business documents put away in an orderly manner, so that on any occasion they may be easily refered to.
Is always at the head of his business, well knowing if he leave it, it wil leave him.
Holds as a maxim that he whose credit is suspected is not one to be trusted.
Is constantly examining his books, and sees through all his affairs as far as care and attention will enable him.
Balances regularly at stated times, and then makes out and transmits all hs accounts-current to his customers, both at home and abroad.
Avoids as much as possible all sorts of accomodation in money matters, and lawsuits where there is the least hazard.
Pretty good advice, I'd say.
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