Help Comes From Surprising Places

Whenever I’ve started a new business, I’ve always needed help, in one form or another. Sometimes, help is in the form of physical labor. Other times, I’ve needed introductions, special pricing, favorable terms, borrowed equipment or vehicles, expert advice or other favors. It never ceases to amaze me how virtual strangers will step up and save the day!

 

Sadly, I’ve also had close friends disappear when I’ve needed them most. I’ll give you examples of both extremes.

 

When I opened my first restaurant, The Barn, I recruited a bunch of friends to help clean, repair and paint. I paid everyone with pizza and beer (excellent forms of currency). I vividly remember working on these renovations, sleeping on the floor and creating my first tangible business with my bare hands. It was hard work and probably the most fulfilling time of my life!

 

Unfortunately, one of my best friends was unwilling to help. I had done countless favors for him and treated him like a brother. He gave me every excuse in the book. It was a sad revelation for me.

 

On a more positive note, I gained a number of new friends who were extremely generous with their time and resources. They went far beyond anything I would have expected from them. I barely knew these people, and they willingly jumped in to help!

 

I’m not suggesting that a person who won’t help you isn’t a good friend. Sometimes people just don’t have the time or energy to chip in. I completely understand.

 

The point I’m trying to make is that there are many unexpected surprises when you pursue a big dream. People will become inspired by your vision and hop on your train, even people you barely know!

 

Recently, Tom and Pete from Engage Marketing (who I still haven’t met) and Corey from PrintRunner really came through in a big way by printing all of our conference programs over the weekend TWICE! The first print run was flawed, so they ran it a second time on Sunday night, just in time for our conference on Monday. I can’t tell you how much I appreciated their clutch performance!

 

As you continue on your entrepreneurial journey and work needs to be done, remember that you aren’t alone. Someone will usually be there for you, even if that someone turns out to be a complete stranger.

 

Hi, I am new to this, but I think I understand what the author is trying to say. Help can sometimes come in the least expected forms and places and sometimes not from those that are close to you, so expect anything on your way to the top. Be blessed!

Jeff, marketing anything requires you to focus on the positive.  Even a hint of pessimism can scare people off.  Stay positive, and like the article says, get people excited about your idea.  do you want charity or excited investors?

To Interested Investors.
Well yes I am posting this boring story/comment to catch the ear of an investor
that wants to work with me to target the 131 million users that my invention will target.
There is plenty of room for the right investor-partner as all investors will be in the million dollar reciepient seats. Details later. I am a loner right now. I have extensive business experience
and background in two dozen plus business industries. Why am I looking for a partner/Investor.
I am a whiplash survivor of the 3 cars that ran into the back of my vehicle, a survior of two
real estate thieves, a survivor of a food poisoning incident, survivor of a divorce where the judge
was a black mail criminal .....  I am still breathing and ready to kick ass on this project/ invention
with the right partner(s).
Thank You for your time - Jeff Ferris 404-645-5365 or DadOsHome@GMail.com

 

Hi Larry,

You're missing the positive point of my article.  When you are working on a project and have an exciting vision, volunteers will come out of the woodwork to help.  People you don't even know will step in to help.

Of course, you are also right that when the momentum swings, nobody wants to jump onto a sinking ship (or a ship that is perceived to be sinking).

I think the lesson here is to build a perception that you are preparing to launch your business into outer space.  Everyone wants to be a part of that, if for no other reason than to say that they helped in the early days - before the business took off!

Dan

Dan:

I can certainly agree to that! It seemed when we first started out with our business and applied for a Corporate liscense for "Unitel, Inc." in Eugene, Oregon. Several years of constant success and progression got us believing that we were really going to make it all the way. We had several top world class scientists all wanting to come aboard with offering their skills in math, physics, computer software & Operating Systems, World-Class organizations & Universities that made it seem like everything was going our way. Unfortunately, because of some misguiding conseling we were shut down because af an Oregon SEC regulation saying that we needed a Prospectus whereas we were told that we didn't need one which was actually the federal SEC regulation stated we could sell up to $one million in stock before we were required to file for a Prospectus.

Since we could no longer sell any more shares to small investors anymore our projects we had hoped for went out the window. Then, as you say when your friends weren't around to help, nearly all of our associates weren't to be heard from anymore. All the proprietary and potential sales of technology went away as well as our international patents expired. Things went seemingly in a continuing downward spiral to where we are today. No prototypes no money. No money, no prototypes. Catch 22. So, here we sit, with designs to build spaceships & all electric trains (Maglev) to revolutionize mass transportation and the ability to traverse vast distances of space by no fuel requirement & interacting with hyperspace (Heim Extended theory), Quantum Computers to out do the current chip based PC and medical applications for "RF Frequency Targeting of Invasive Pathogens" for a new and much needed way to cure Cancer especially in inoperative cases.

Long standing friendships and relatives gone as well. These are the lessons learned the hard way. Kind of like a roller coaster ride with its ups and downs. Thats life I suppose. It makes one wonder whats next? I guess time will tell. I should have stuck with a Pizza parlor, plumber or anything but the life of science. One day your on the top. The next day its the pits. I enjoyed your story as it kind of rang true for me too as it seemed all to familiar. When your hot your hot. When your not your not. Good luck!

Larry Maurer
CEO Unitel, Inc.

Dan:

Very true.  Friendship, help, resolve and success always come from areas and sources you would never expect.  This is a great lesson to be learned and accepted.  Success and true friendship comes from the entire team going in the same direction and arriving at the resolve together.

Thanks, very applicable.

Greig