Home › Island News › Business
Peak Your Profits: A little wisdom
More Business 
Share and Enjoy 
Raindrops keep falling on my head
I’m a big fan of random of acts of kindness.
Now you may be asking yourself, “What the heck does this have to do with peaking my profits?” Actually, everything!
I have always firmly believed that business and success are also about altruism, not just capitalism — what you give, not just what you get — and being selfless, not just selfish.
Recently, there was a chilly rain in Chicago so I dropped my wife and kids off and then parked. As I began the two-block walk to meet my family, I was protected from the steady downpour by an umbrella. As I waited to cross the intersection though, I saw an elderly man walking toward me. He made futile attempts to block the raindrops with his hands. As he approached me, I asked, “Where are you parked?” He said, “A few blocks from here.” I said, “Great! Let’s share the umbrella. I’ll walk you there!” He gratefully nodded.
After our first step together, I stopped. Then said, “I’ve got a better idea. Raise your right hand.” He did. I then placed the umbrella in his hand and said, “Congratulations! You’re the proud owner of a new umbrella. Stay dry!” He had a look of confusion and satisfaction! We both left happy! Who will you surprise today?
Baby steps
My friend Mike Wynne, sent me something worth pondering:
If you ever want to be inspired to overcome obstacles, watch a baby learning to walk. At best, walking is a controlled fall. Babies learn how to control gravity and make it work for themselves. Too bad we forget that lesson when we grow up.
Gravity is a fact of life, so are many of the obstacles we meet every day. All we need to do is learn how to make them work for us, instead of against us. Just like babies do.
Surround sound and support
It’s important to surround yourself with people who care.
Folks who share in your dreams and vision. Yet, they can still be brutally honest.
I once burst into our home and exclaimed to my wife, “Honey, I’m back from the radio station! I interviewed and spent the afternoon with Oprah!” She calmly looked up and said, “Great! Now take out the garbage!” My family’s love, support and when needed “balance barometer” enable me to be, according to my clients, “great” at what I do.
Do I love my work? Absolutely! However, it’s a distant second to my first love — my family!
Several years ago, I delivered a keynote speech for a client’s national conference in Hawaii. It was a long journey. Yet, I only spent fifty hours on the island of Maui. Despite my client’s gracious offer to relax for a few more days at the Ritz Carlton, (their treat) I politely declined. How come?
Because I promised my son, I’d be back for his basketball tournament.
And I’m proud to say, in game two, with 42 seconds left, Chad sank the free-throw that put his team within 18 points!
Define your priorities.
Know what matters.
Establish your own sense of balance.
Make wise choices.
Do the right things!
---
Jeff Blackman is a speaker, author, success coach, broadcaster and lawyer who lives part-time on Marco Island. His clients call him a “business-growth specialist.” Send an e-mail to jeff@jeffblackman.com or go to www.jeffblackman.com to subscribe to his free e-letter.
Comments
This site does not necessarily agree with comments posted below — responsibility lies with the relevant reader alone. Read our privacy policy & user agreement.
Post your comment
(Requires free registration.)