Entrepreneurial Journal #3

When we think of entrepreneurs, we think of things such as businesses, sales, profits, hard work, motivation, and such other things. We think of our past experiences with such people, the enthusiastic knife salesman that wants to show us a knife that will literally cut through anything (why do I need my knife to be able to cut through a penny?), or the quick talking used car salesman with the plaid suit and the bad comb-over, who has "just the deal" for you. Many times, we have a negative connotation with such professions, maybe for good reason, maybe not. 

This weeks material made me think a lot about what I would want to do/be as a entrepreneur.  Without getting into specific strategies, or without even knowing what kind of business I would have, I know that one of the most important things that I could have is the foundation of my integrity. Doing the right thing for the right reason at the right time is the perfect formula for establishing a successful business. Now, do dishonest entrepreneurs/businesses succeed? Sure they do. Do honest/hard working entrepreneurs/businesses fail? Sure they do. But, this comes down to more than just profits. This is about creating something that you can be proud of, something that you can put your name behind. 

Zig Ziglar is one of my favorite people to listen to in this arena of sales/business. He has a quote that I think is particularly appropriate for this situation. He says that we need to develop in our lives the things money can't buy. Money can't buy integrity. But with integrity, you can use the money you do receive in your life as a means to build a highly fulfilling life. Zig continues and says, "Money can buy you a house, but it won't buy you a home. It can buy you a bed, but it won't buy you a good night's sleep. It can buy you a companion, but it won't buy you a friend." If we are desirous to have joy in our lives, we must find balance as people. For me, I find money to be a personality reflector. If you are a good, honest person, having a large amount of money won't change that, but will enhance the good you're able to do with it. A large amount of money to someone who doesn't have integrity or a plan will enhance a underdeveloped understanding into selfishness, greed, and self-indulgence. 

Bottom line, what does it matter if you gain the whole world, but lose your soul?