Lessons From a Wise Man

I was fortunate enough to spend over 25 years of my life working with my dad. During those years I learned several lessons that have benefited me in my life and business. My Dad never really sat me down and said, “Son, this is how you do it,” but it was more in the way he lived what he believed. I no longer have the option of going to him for advice, but what he ingrained into me lives on.

Do What You Enjoy
This is probably one of the earliest lessons I remember. He said, “If you are doing what you enjoy, you will be happy and successful.” It had not been until years later that I really understood what he meant. Dad would spend countless hours making sure everything was done right in his business, and I couldn’t understand how anyone could work that much and enjoy it. Well, he did; it was his passion. If you are passionate about what you are doing, it seems a lot less like work. You will strive for excellence because you value and love what you do.

Learn to Listen
We all love to talk about ourselves and what we like or don’t like and tend to not hear what others are saying. In a service oriented business, what we prefer is not always what those we are doing business with would prefer. It’s true! I know it’s hard to believe, but learning to listen and actually hear what others are saying is harder for some than others. It is a talent that is imperative to being successful.

The Client Likes to See you on the Job
I worked in construction with my dad for those 25 years, and it was our job to see that all the sub contractors were there and things were done right. Even though for the last 15 of those years I did not actually do a lot of the actual construction the clients like to see you involved and know you care. I have carried this over into my real estate business with my “hands on” approach. I make sure that my clients are informed throughout the entire process and can concretely see the value I bring to a transaction.

Always be Honest and Upfront
There are so many opportunities we all face that if we bent the rules a little, could possibly help gain an edge on the competition. It’s not right. In construction when bidding a job, you could estimate it low, knowing that later there would be change orders you could make it up on. In real estate you can over-value a home during a listing presentation knowing if you get the listing you can get a price reduction later. The words, “It’s better to be honest and lose one than to have to worry about how to cover your tracks” still rings true to me.

These are some values that I believe work for us all and if followed can lead to a much happier life.

I would like to share a video of someone who has gotten their perspective right and is very inspirational by Randy Pausch. To view video click here.