Entrepreneur Log Book – A Voyage to Build the Perfect Company
October 22nd, 2007 Filed under: Uncategorized — Small Home Business AuthorAs Jim Cramer says on TV; “Some people want to make friends, I just want to make money!” this mantra has permeated the current corporate culture. Now mind you, there is not a darn thing wrong with making money, that should be considered a good thing, especially if you are an entrepreneur. But did you know that you can do both and treat your employees, customers, vendors and their families like they were royalty?
Why bother you ask? Well, it is my belief, and realize that I am a Western World Thinker and go for the WIN-WIN-WIN, whenever I do anything. Why? Well, because the secret to success is really simple: Work Very Hard, Work Smart, Make Lots of Friends and Never Give Up.
Now that is not to say that I do not also study Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, Karl von Clausewitz or Colonel Boyd, there is a time for all that too. But even in the Prince it is advised that it is much better to be “Loved and Respected” and that should be the goal. Win-Win provides for that, it is a better way to live and enjoy all the fruits of the life experience.
You can play to win, and allow others to win too. Yes, it is harder to do it the Rotary Club Way “Is it fair for all concerned?” but in the end, you will go faster, further and quicker than anyone else. Customer Service should not be a buzzword, neither should “empowerment” and it is important to walk the talk. Actions speak louder than words.
A Corporation that is a “good corporate citizen” will reap the rewards of brand name recognition and if you will promise to read “Built to Last” you will see how many Corporations have put action to policy. Companies like Carl Sewell’s Dealerships, Enterprise Rent a Car, FED Ex, even Starbucks to a large degree.
Corporations are not evil, but often shareholder’s equity and quarterly profits create a catch-22 for linear thinking leaders, who just do not get it. Small business teaches you otherwise, it really does. That is why Ray Kroc had his employees spend one day a month behind the counter and why other companies followed suit.
During my stint as an entrepreneur, a franchisor, I worked extremely hard to cover all the bases and made sure that everyone could win. No, that did not mean they get a free-ride – I kind of like that Christian saying; “Teach a Man to Fish, do not give him free fishees!”
You see our company; The Car Wash Guys, well, we are fully into the environmental issues for sure, and we are into winning markets and buying good stewards of the community as well. We are teaching kids to earn their own money in Fundraisers, forcing them into the community in a friendly way, protecting water supplies, teaching conservation, saving people money and time. No wonder the customers love us, but the competition hated us?
Now in retirement I have not forgotten my roots either. Today, I spend my time helping people, that I meet with whatever I can do to help them, while setting up teams of people to solve the problems of the world – locally, regionally, nationally, world-wide or for the future of mankind. Now, I have some 2500 pages of information about the industry and have set up the business in 450 cities. Perhaps, I am over qualified now, so I just help people, why lock up all that knowledge, I wish to give it to the world, Shouldn’t everyone lead by example? Sincerely, Lance.
L. Winslow is an Economic, Political and Technology Advisor to the Online Think Tank, a Futurist and retired entrepreneur http://www.worldthinktank.net Currently Mr. Winslow is planning a bicycle ride from Canada to Mexico and in Spring across the US from San Diego to Virginia Beach to raise money for charity. Previously he was a track star athlete, private pilot, involved in politics, community volunteerism and a Franchising Founder. Mr. Winslow has chosen 100 titles of Books he wishes to write and has completed ten thus far. The subjects include; Community Planning, Future Tech, Franchising, Small Business, and Third World Issues.
