Two years before starting my business, I had breakfast, lunch or dinner with a business professional at least once a month. I wanted to find out as much as I could about owning a small business. When I met with Laura Schanz, a consultant operating out of Lancaster, PA, she asked me two questions, “Who do you know?” and “What books are you reading?”
The questions were patterned after a phrase her uncle was known for: “You are the same today as you’ll be five years from now, except for two things…the people you meet and the books you read.”
Knowing people is about more than networking for business opportunities. Knowing people is about finding out what they know that you do not. Knowing people is about finding individuals who will celebrate your successes and help you through your challenges.
Reading is about more than enjoyment or escape. Reading is about expanding your pool of resources. Reading is about finding new ways to tackle old problems. Reading is about ensuring that your knowledge is not dated.
If you run your business solely on what you have learned up until today, you stand the chance of running out of relevant solutions, and risk losing pace with your competition. Carving out time to stay current in your skills is not an option, it is a mandate to ensure the vitality of your business.
Laura reminded me of this charge, and I am sure she will be thinking about this statement at her uncle’s memorial service on November 7th. On October 16, 2008 Laura’s uncle, Charlie “Tremendous” Jones, passed away. I only crossed his path once, but his advice will stay with me for a lifetime.
This week’s questions: Are you the smartest, most experienced person in your circle? Do you give advice more often than you seek advice? If so, it may be time for you to make some new connections. Have you read a book recently in your area of service provision? When is the last time you read a book about leadership, management, or business development? Cannot remember? It may be time for you to give some business to a local bookstore.
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1 comment:
Hi Tonya,
Just read this post. Very sad to hear that Charlie "Tremendous" Jones passed away. I never knew him, but I DID read his books, and still quote him, as recently as last weekend! Please give my well-wishes to his family.
Great post. Glad I know you, and that I can read your writing! :)
- Dave
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