One of the Most Significant Lessons I Have Ever Learned About Work

When you become detached mentally from yourself and concentrate on helping other people with their difficulties, you will be able to cope with your own more effectively. Somehow, the act of self-giving is a personal power-releasing factor. -Normal Vincent Peale While I am no expert in the laws of the universe, one thing I’ve consistently noticed is when you stop thinking about yourself in business and concentrate on the needs of others, you begin to do well. I’ve seen this rule repeat itself over and over again, and I believe it is one of the most important keys to success. When I was in high school I started an asphalt business to earn money for college. I ran this business as a part-time job during school for about two months, one of which was [Read more]

Detroit Car Washes, Cash, Drug Dealers and the Character of Your Goals

Several years ago I used to run an asphalt business out of Detroit, Michigan. I use the phrase “out of Detroit” loosely because in the eight years or so I was in the business I only did a few asphalt jobs in the City of Detroit. Most of my work was in the suburbs. The reason I did so few asphalt jobs in Detroit then is that the city was in ruins and very few people could afford to maintain their asphalt. I did, however, keep my equipment in the City of Detroit because it was much cheaper [Read more]

You Always Need a Back Up Plan

What You Will Learn It is important to have multiple options to fall back on during troubled times. Anything could go wrong at anytime and you need to have something which will help you out. In the case of your career, it is extremely crucial to monitor the job market and know at all times what is exactly happening around you. Being informed and having as many options as possible, helps in structuring out a stress-free life.

Being in the asphalt business in Detroit taught me very early on that things frequently go wrong. In fact, things go wrong so frequently, it is difficult to believe:

• Pumps break.
• Tanks break.
• Trucks break.
• People get injured.
• Employees do not show up to work.
• It rains.
• The police give you a hard time for the condition of your equipment.
• People do not pay you for the work you have done for them.
• Suppliers go out of business.
• Customers get incredibly angry with you.
• Accidents occur, and materials get spilled on roadways.
• People rob you.

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