Don't call Paul at lunchtime because he won't be there.
He's building his business from a nearby bistro while enjoying a fine meal and preferred company.
When Paul started building his business he was overwhelmed by how much he didn't know. Marketing, sales and Internet technology were the equivalent to a foreign language for him.
One thing he did have though was a creative mind and grit. A grit that didn't come naturally however, but was practiced and refined out of sheer determination.
Paul could have taken the traditional learning train and bought books, programs, attended classes and workshops, but he decided to add a little rocket fuel to these conventional methods to dramatically spike his learning curve.
He decided to go straight to the big players in the areas he needed to grow in and called and invited them to lunch.
When Paul approached these experts, he was straightforward and honest in making his request. He explained he was a beginning entrepreneur, had much to learn and wanted to learn from those whom he understood were the best in their field.
And believe it or not, the majority of those he called were more than happy to meet with him.
Being acknowledged and revered for being the best in their field set a positive tone for the request, and many of these gurus and experts were genuinely agreeable and open to sharing their expertise to help this determined man who was just beginning his entrepreneurial journey.
Naturally, Paul covered the dinner costs and made it very clear upfront that he respected their time and would not take them a second past their one-hour lunch meeting. He remained true to his word.
He also offered any assistance he could provide to express his gratitude for their willingness to help.
The investment Paul made in these lunches provided a greater return than any class or book could have. He created several long-term business relationships that helped him grow steadily and advance to the ranks of one of the best in his field.
Paul could have taken the safe, comfortable route of traditional learning, however, he had made a commitment when he decided to start his business that he would not shy away from intimidating situations if they could contribute to his success.
And his commitment to doing whatever it takes has paid off handsomely.
Paul built a solid business for himself and although his eyes once glazed over at the concept of marketing, he became a sought after speaker on the subject.
Entrepreneurs are always learning. Change is a constant and continual growth is a must.
Whether you're a new entrepreneur or if you've been in business for years, consider the impact a one-on-one lunch with someone who knows what you need to know could have on your business.
There may be people in your community at this very moment who may have the expertise or experience you need to accelerate your growth. People who may be more than willing to sit down with you over a simple pastrami and rye sandwich and cup of tea to share their wisdom.
I suggest you take a step outside of your comfort zone and take on the mindset Paul adopted … "You never know what you can get if you only dare to ask for it."
It paid off handsomely for Paul. Imagine what it could do for you.
2007 © Laurie Hayes - The HBB Source
Laurie Hayes, founder and Director of The HBB Source, helps freedom seekers cross the bridge from employee to home-based entrepreneur. Subscribe to her FREE e-zine for valuable tips and resources designed to create business success, at http://www.thehbbsource.com
Build Your Business On Pastrami and Rye - To learn more about this author, visit Laurie Hayes's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
 |
Related Articles |
|
 Build Your Business On Pastrami and Rye
|
| |
They say the quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Funny, but it seems it's also the quickest way to a genius mind. Here's how one businessman learned how to tie the pleasure of food and sharing into...
|
|
Your Credibility Factor
|
| |
Build Your Credibility Factor by your substance and authority, by the consistency of your character and by your charisma.
|
|
StartupWeekend: We need this event in Kenya
|
| |
Yesterday as I prepared to go to sleep I decided to head to my favorite technology and web 2.0 blog Techcrunch just to see if I'd missed something of interest (this happens a lot bearing in mind that I'm running aro...
|
|
Why Every Business Can Benefit from Blogging
|
| |
Although very few had ever heard the term "blog" a few years ago, today it is a term that is very much a part of our vocabulary. However, even if you are familiar with a blog and what it is, you may not really under...
|
|
Relationship Building - 5 Tips and 5 Questions
|
| |
By building great relationships in your organisation, you will shift the baseline way up. So that when you need to manage, it will be much easier. Think how climbing a mountain from sea level is so much harder than ...
|
 |
Related Businesses - Evan Elite Authors |
|
Leanne Hoagland Smith
Are you or your business where you want to be? Are you facing constant struggles in business or life in general? Would you like to "unlock" those obstacles keeping you from greater business or personal success? As your results partner, we can work together to unlock those desired results by achieving tomorrow's solutions today. Let’s use your strengths for real change through proven and affordable solutions where the real problems are identified. Are you seeking loyal customers, great attitudes, increased sales, improved profitability or just some sleep filled nights? Then we should talk because my clients have experienced exactly those types of results. Learn more about customer loyalty at http://www.processspec ialist.com/customer-loyalty.htm Give me a call 219.759.5601 for a free strategy session. I look forward to speaking with you. P.S. If you are seeking a motivational speaker, sales trainer or small business expert that will leave your audience smiling and remembering, please feel free to contact me at 219.759.5601. - Visit Leanne Hoagland Smith's Website |
The Evan Elite Authors program is currently in beta phase. For details please contact us.
|
|
|
|
![[Get Copyright Permissions]](http://license.icopyright.net/images/icopy-w.gif){kind=small}
