What good are neighbors?

Well, here goes my first attempt at a blog.  Today I want to talk about relations and what they mean to each of us.  Growing up in a small town, now living in a thriving growing town, I am struck by two stark differences between the two.  First is the amazing difference in the ability you have to create a thriving business.  The success of our friends and neighbors always brings amazing opportunities for those that surround them.  The old adage "Love your neighbor as yourself" carries more water than most people seem to realize.  But enough of that for now.  The second thing that stands out is the ability for people in need to fall through the cracks.  It is easier than ever in a booming community to get lost when you need something.  But it doesn't have to be this way. 

This last weekend I was in the store when I ran into a friend.  She began describing to me how she ordered a cake from a bakery, but was now buying something completely different because her bakery had a disaster.  She told of the scene where the air conditioner was overflowing water through the ceiling and all the orders were ruined with the exception of one wedding cake that they were trying to save.  We ended our conversation and went our separate ways, but something nagged at me.  What about the small business owners trying to recoup across town?  Who was looking out for them?  After thinking about it for a while it dawned on me... I know a small business owner who specializes in cleanups and is ready at a moments notice.  He wants the job and this shop owner needs the help.

What I am saying here is that by nature of our business we have the privilege of meeting people from all walks of life.  We can change peoples' quality of life by listening and responding.  How much easier will it be to do business with someone after they find that just by knowing us their quality of life has improved?  It really goes beyond business considerations; it just boils down to being a neighbor.

Well, yes, you guessed correctly.  I went home and called the man with the clean-up service.  In the end he had the option of following up with an immediate prospect, and the struggling shop owner had the option of just saying "I need help" to the next guy that walked through their door.  After all, what else can you ask of a neighbor?  Look out for your neighbor; they will look out for you.