2:00 Minute Read
For as far back as I can remember, I’ve been curious about business people and business ownership. I’d see business people on TV and pause to watch and study. Anytime I’d see a man in a suit, walking, briefcase in hand, I’d be curious – especially if he was at the airport. But it wasn’t just those in suits. It could’ve been anyone who had enough juice to do it on their own. Carwash owners. Barbershop owners. Store owners. Construction company owners. Male or female. Didn’t matter where they were from – didn’t matter where I was – I always had the same curiosity. So naturally, anytime I’ve had an encounter with a business owner, I’ve tried to get a few questions answered. Many business owners are more than happy to answer questions about their approaches to success, their approaches to entrepreneurism. There’s no question that I’ve incorporated what I’ve learned from these teachers into my own businesses and law practice.
One such lesson came sitting on the porch of a business owner in New Orleans many years ago. The man owned and operated a landscaping company. He rose each day around 5:00am, read his bible at his kitchen table, took down a little breakfast and coffee, and hit the door. He returned home for lunch, smelling of freshly trimmed grass. After some lunch, he departed again to put in more work. He’d return with money, often checks. Once we sat on his front porch steps and talked business. One of the questions I asked him was why he started his own business. A devout man, he took his time and was careful to give credit where it was due. He answered, “I believe God has something for every man. A business. Something of their own. This one happens to be mine.”
I’ve never forgotten what he said. Over the years, my thoughts on the subject have grown to be completely in step with his. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to any of you that I believe each of you have something of your own awaiting, something you can call your own, something your family and community will benefit from, and something that will help shape your legacy.
If you agree with me in any way, I’d ask you to start doing more than just thinking about it. It’ll take more than just watching Shark Tank. Business literacy is built by going beyond watching. You must ask. You have to read. You have to write and develop. And finally, you must execute. I’m looking forward to helping. I’m working on an easy to understand template for drafting a business plan. I’ll share it here via a google docs next week. Cheers!