The Dollar Sign

Symbolism. Icons. Archetypes. Emblems. Signs. Symbols. There is a deep philosophical and ideological message communicated through these visual depictions and signals. The dollar sign represents a different message to different people, depending on their conditioning and outlook on life. In our increasingly Collectivist society, I think it is important for every entrepreneur to clarify his internal representation and translation of the Dollar Sign. The way we perceive the Dollar Sign has a significant effect on our business dealings, choices, and success.

The Aristotelian philosophy is seldom taught in our academic institutions. In this age of liberalism, business is getting an increasingly bad rap and we have to guard against creeping socialism. I see too many entrepreneurs making excuses for their success, as though altruism is the higher way. The political looters and leeches encourage the unions even as they condemn them. What does the Dollar Sign really mean to you? Are you sliding down the slimy pathway of guilt that is so carefully greased by the mystics and Collectivists? Beware – your business will suffer violently.

To me, the Dollar Sign represents the word that I hold as my standard in life: RESPONSIBILITY. My highest value is Freedom and I am personally responsible for that freedom: its acknowledgement and attainment. And for maintaining the freedom, I create. The Dollar Sign reminds me to be grateful that I live in a free society. It urges me to strive to create more value for more people so that I am rewarded according to the principles of Capitalism. The Dollar Sign represents the objective evaluation of my accomplishments and production. It is the standard by which I judge my business contribution. The Dollar Sign is the happy reminder of free enterprise and the opportunity to be whatever you want to be. What we are determines what we do. What we do determines the value we create. And it is measured in Dollars.

When entrepreneurs start apologizing and pandering to those who would steal from them, they need to regroup and surround themselves with likeminded people who understand that we are responsible for ourselves. We do not owe others a living. We are not responsible for others. We can chose to help others if we wish, but they have no claim on the wealth we have worked hard to produce. We should be proud of our handiwork and accomplishments. The Dollar Sign is the business owner’s symbol of freedom, responsibility, productivity, value and reward. We understand that we earn money in direct proportion to the value we create in a Capitalist society. Money is regarded as “dirty” by those who are dirty. It is respected by those who understand it and contribute, build and create. Next time you see the Dollar Sign, ask yourself what it means to you.

Robin J. Elliott www.NoMoneyNoRisk.com

The Power of Connecting

We have been told by smart psychologists and sociologists that people are a lot happier and more fulfilled when they have many good relationships. When you have more friends and a strong support group, you’re happier, more at peace, more relaxed and congruent - and ultimately more successful in business. Unlike the desperate, quick buck sharks that sometimes roam the business networking groups seeking to sell at any cost, perceptive entrepreneurs know that building solid, reciprocal relationships is the ideal foundation for strong, sustained business growth.

At the risk of being shot as the messenger, let me remind you that nobody cares about you or your product or your service until they know, like and trust you. We all have multiple other options. Why would I do business with someone I did not know just because he thrust his business card at me and forced his elevator speech on me? Some networking groups actually oblige their members to only work with other members in the same club, without having had the time to due their due diligence or build a relationship. They are even forced to give leads to people they don’t really know! Now THAT is dangerous in our litigious society, let alone the risk to your reputation,nes pas? “Meet your quota of referrals to other members (that’s why so many of those leads are false) or you’re in trouble.” Nonsense!

When you understand Joint Ventures, your ego goes away and you start asking other people what they want. You seek to meet their needs and you stop pushing products and services. Your shingle changes from “Beware of the Salesperson” to “How Can We Help?” and people actually want to talk with you. You get interested in their family, dog, hopes and dreams and you become a friend. Then, when they need your product or service, you become the natural, automatic choice. In addition, you can make much more money through them by directing them to your JV partners in the meanwhile. JV income is 100% profit, remember?

One of my most satisfying business relationships is with someone I knew for two years before we did any business. We met in order to do business and it didn’t work out, so we became friends instead. When business came, it flowed easily and strongly. And my business relationship that currently enjoys the highest potential return on investment started when my JV Partner offered to do work for me at no charge, just because he’s a nice, caring, genuine person. Instead of $2,500 and three weeks, he did the work overnight at no cost. Since then the relationship has blossomed and it’s great to work with Winston.

Darcy Rezac says, “The single biggest determinant of happiness is how connected people are. See what you can contribute.” My motto is, “Together, we can do amazing things.” And the cornerstone of solid business growth is solid, mature relationships with solid, mature people. Connect on a personal level and business will follow.

Robin J. Elliott www.DollarMakers.net