Hi guys,
Back when I first started my window cleaning company, wait
scratch that. Before I even went FT with it I was lucky enough
to stumble into two situations.
First- I got hooked up with Merry Maids. Wow was that great. I
mean I had lots of work, made great money and did not need to
advertise.
Two- At that same time I also got in bed with a chain of high
end grocery stores… to the tune of $20,000 a year.
Fast forward 18 months. Merry Maids started to get on my
nerves a little because of the timetable we were using to
schedule. Basically they wanted me almost on call and they
were hinting at a bigger piece of the pie (they were making LOTS
of money off me and wanted more, of course)
At the time I did not understand business. I certainly had no
idea of how to get customers. So what do I do? I tell them to
go take a screw. I thought I will make the rules and that is that.
Along comes the great depression for me. I was struggling badly
and knew nothing about marketing. As we all know I learned
something since then.
Fast forward 7 years- A man named Chris decides to give me a shot
at writing his ads. I do it and we have great success… a year later
that damned ego stops by for a visit… crushing my business
relationship and my personal friendship with Chris.
It is kinda strange to think that the best business moves I took
part of I destroyed in a quickness.
I mean me and Kevin had about the ugliest ‘better than you’ vicious
slugfest on this very forum. We both sunk to a place no one should
ever go… started why? Ego
I am a very straight shooter and I have disguised my ego inside that
for too long.
It’s time for a change. It’s time for me to put away “well if you don’t like
it, so what” approach.
What’s even funnier is that I tell people who I have helped on here
not to tell anyone. It’s like I don’t want to ruin my image or something.
I may never be the guy people want to cuddle with, but I have to
remember there are real live people on the other end of my keyboard.
With real live feelings.
I have gained nothing with my ego, ever. If it were not for my skill
nobody would care if I fell off the earth. That my friends is a sad place
to be.
I mistakenly turned my back on this community, a community where I
have suffered the same day to day problems. I was the guy who did not
know squat about a flier once. I was the guy with only $100 for marketing. I
was the guy emailing Realtors hoping for a miracle.
Starbrite’s recent poll had me reflect on my actions throughout the past
decade. I lost out on God knows how much money I could have made
with Merry Maids. I lost a good friend and I have been incentive to
those struggling just like I did. Maybe their struggle reminds me of those
painful times early on and I lash out. I don’t know.
One would think I can get my point across without being a callus a-hole.
I’m a wordsmith for crap sake.
To those I have offended, I am sorry.
I will cage the beast.
Paul
