Looking for Answers in the Wrong Places
This is a story about three small business owners, and a wise man named Luther. Oh, by the way, Luther is a janitor.
On Mondays, Luther cleans the offices at National Supply Co., Inc. Sometimes he talks with the founder, Mr. Gilbert.
One Monday afternoon Mr. Gilbert said, "Luther, I don't know how long I can survive."
"What's wrong, Mr. G.?" Luther asked.
"It's those big-box competitors. I've looked under every rock for ways to lower our prices and increase advertising, but I just can't compete with those guys," said Mr. Gilbert.
"Maybe you're looking in the wrong place," Luther said.
What do you mean?" Mr. Gilbert asked.
Then Luther said, "Those big competitors will always be with us. Why don't you emphasize the value of the human connection and customized service that only a small business can deliver? Those two things alone are worth more than anything the giant companies could ever offer."
On Wednesdays, when Luther cleans the offices at Central Data Corp., he often visits with the owner, Sarah.
"Luther, I always assumed my kids would take over my business. But now, it doesn't look like that's going to happen," Sarah lamented one day. "Why aren't they interested in the business?" Luther asked.
"I've shown them the opportunity, and how profitable the business can be. What else can I do?" said Sarah.
"Maybe you're asking them to look in the wrong place," Luther suggested.
"What do you mean?" Sarah asked.
Then Luther said, "Sarah, I've noticed how much you love what you do, even when times were tougher and things weren't so rosy. From what I've seen, being an entrepreneur is as much about nourishing the spirit as growing the bank account. Help them think about that."
On Fridays, Luther cleans the offices at Westco Dynamics, Inc. Mr. West usually talks with Luther for a few minutes, but recently he seemed pensive.
"Luther, my family was so poor that we struggled just to survive. When I left home, I vowed to never be that unhappy again," Mr. West said.
"Mr. West, it sounds like you've got something stuck in your craw," Luther observed.
"Aw, it's nothing. It's just that, with all my money and stuff, I still can't stop looking for ways to make sure I'll never be poor again," Mr. West said.
"Maybe you're looking in the wrong place," said Luther.
"What do you mean?" Mr. West asked.
Then Luther said, "You've been motivated by the fear of being poor instead of the joy of creating something from nothing. Try finding happiness in knowing that you provide valuable products and services for your customers and jobs and income for your employees and their families. Remember, money and stuff only give you options, not happiness."
Write this on a rock... When you're looking for answers, make sure you look in the right places.
Jim Blasingame
Small Business Expert and host of The Small Business Advocate Show
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