My father would be 101 years old next month if he were still living. His spirit and teachings however have continued on well beyond his death 20 years ago. As in immigrant to this country from Austria-Hungary during the first world war, he brought with him a lot of wisdom and together with many of his life lessons learned while running and owning his own business… he passed on to his children. I now share these pearls that people in my office call "Rickisms". When sharing this wisdom with others I always start with "My Papa used to say….
On Being a Self-Starter and a Finisher:
If you don't close, you don't eat. It's as easy as that.
Pick Your Niche and Market to It:
You can't get every nickel that rolls down the street. You can't be all things to all people, so pick the ones you want and go after them.
Regarding Value:
Any idiot can give away 22 nickels for one dollar and they will line up out the door. The goal is to make them feel as though they got 22 nickels, while it only cost you 18 nickels to do it.
On the Fact That Seemingly Small Details Do Count:
Always stand in the shoes of the consumer. What does he see when he comes to the front door? Fingerprints all over the glass door? Does the front door need repainting? Are there leaves and papers blown into the entrance way? How does the public bathroom look?… like a disaster? And all of this must be positive before they ever even begin to transact business with you.
Some Things Just Take Time:
You don't pull up all the potatoes in June to see if you're going to have a crop in September. Or, Feeding an expectant mother twice as much food won't make her have the baby in 4 1/2 months. Some things just can't be rushed and must run their due course.
On First Impressions:
You only get one chance to make a good first impression.
Good Marketing Is Required:
They don't just buy the steak… they buy the sizzle, too.
On Planning Ahead: (my father raised five sons and one daughter)
Oops, too late now, she's pregnant. Should've thought about that before.
On Biting off More Than You Can Chew:
The next time you're up to your butt in alligators, remind yourself that you didn't intend to drain the entire bloody swamp, but to just walk around it.
Regarding Turning 21 Years Old:
You are over 21 now, so you'll have to live to learn with your decisions, whether they be right or wrong.
Businesses Need Customers:
You have to have footprints going by your front door. Locate your business where there is traffic.
Regarding Negotiating:
Always trade a rabbit for a horse. Don't give up a horse for a rabbit.
Remember This Is a Business:
This is supposed to be a moneymaking operation. Anything less than that is only exercising the staff and wearing out the equipment.
We have a lot of fun with these. My staff often asks if I have any pearls to share as different circumstances arise. Probably the one that we use the most is the one about "oops she's pregnant". It can be another agent wanting to add a clause to a contract after its been fully executed or understanding and living with the consequences of missing deadlines. It is very appropriate in so many different applications.
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