I went to a Meetup last week where Christine Comaford spoke of many different things, primarily how to achieve a 7 figure income. It was a very inspiring talk. I had not yet begun to reach that far ahead in my dreams but now I feel I am! When I was sharing some of what was talked about with a friend, one thing became a point of argument. Christine started her talk asking, “How many of you want to help lots and lots of people?” Many people raised their hands - probably the majority of those sitting there. Then she asked, “And how many of you would like to make lots and lots of money while helping lots of people?” And of course hands were raised even higher!
The argument with my friend is that they think no entrepreneurs primary goal is to help people. And that it was a mistake for Christine to start her whole talk off with that question. This really got to me. Is the true definition of entrepreneur to make money and build business first, and helping people is a nice side effect? Have I (and apparently Christine and about 100 people in that room) got it all wrong?
What bothers me is that I would not be doing all of what I do if it weren’t for helping people! I live to help people! All of my life, from the very first dollar I made when I was a preteen babysitting, to being a dance teacher, then an elementary teacher, then leading a team in direct sales, and now my speaking/training business - is ALL about helping people! Sharing ideas, teaching, inspiring and serving are what I do best!! How could this be contradictory to what it means to be an entrepreneur?
Does anyone out there know what my friend might mean? We’ve agreed to disagree but I would be very curious if others have an opinion on this. Maybe I am not seeing something. Or maybe I am guilty of one of the 3 biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make - according to Christina - caring too much. I don’t think so since what I care about are the people, not the business. The people, not the numbers. Some of those people I help are my own children, my husband and yes, myself. But it isn’t about the money on a personal level, it’s about the freedom, security and flexibility I have that results from helping people get what they need.
I’m confused and would enjoy a discussion about this. What are your thoughts? Please comment.
Until next time...
Karen, you are right on! I have read Christine’s book. She is a dynamo! Helping others is our business! What I love more than anything is helping ordinary people be extraordinary! Keep your thoughts positive and stay on the track of helping others. Everyone wins!
I know that I didn’t get into my first Direct Sales job for the money; I did it because I loved the clothes and wanted others to see how great they were for working women. It was such fun to help them change their styles and be so happy to not have to go “shopping”. Helping others learn about how to think positively and enjoy their lives is a great bonus of being your own boss and helps to keep your own life in a state of excitement and joy. I love it! As Gale says, Everyone wins..
I am in direct alignment with you Karen. I am doing this more for the flexibility than for the big $$. If that happens great, but I’ve learned that building relationships and those “emotional bank accounts” while sharing all I’ve learned are much more worthwhile for me in the long run… That’s the “fun” part for me!
FYI, here’s more of what Christine has to say:
“And here’s an important lesson I’ve learned in my many
entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial adventures: The
universe has a perfect accounting system.
This is something that took me quite a while to figure
out. I used to think, “I do so many favors for Suzie-Q,
but whenever I ask for something from her, she doesn’t
help.”
Then I’d end up feeling bitter or resentful about the
situation. And all along, I never realized that I was
standing there with a closed fist instead of an open hand.
Now I know that there are larger laws of the universe
at work. Because the more often you put your own needs
aside and help people get what THEY want, the more often
they’ll help YOU in return.
When people ask you for favors, do them if you can.
Trust that you’ll get favors in return, but remember–
they may not necessarily come from those you’ve helped.
They may come from unexpected places.
Strapped for cash? That’s the very moment you should help
someone else out with a loan or gift. Trust that it will
come back to you.
It’s like having a bank account…you make deposits, earn
interest, and get more in return. By doing good for others,
more people will naturally want to help you.
This is especially true when networking. Don’t just put
your blinders on and look for people that can do things
for you. Going in with a “lean and hungry” look only oozes
desperation.
Instead, work on creating a “tribe” of people you truly
care about and who care about you. Start by asking
people what they’re doing. Help them out to get the good
energy moving.”