I usually try to eat lunch before or after the lunch rush so I can be as time-efficient as possible. So today Im sitting at a table by myself, and up walks a young guy. He smiles and says, Darren Sugiyama? I was a bit embarrassed because he didnt look familiar to me. He says, I just read your book about how you built your empire... you know, the How I Built A $37 Million Insurance Agency In Less Than 7 Years book... and it really inspired me. Thats awesome. Have a seat if you want, I said. So what kind of work do you do? I asked. I work as an underwriter for an insurance company, and a co-worker of mine read your book an recommended it, he replied. Do you work close by here? he asked. Yeah, on the 10th floor of that building right there, I replied. Wow! Really? Thats cool. I cant believe I just met you! he says. The conversation was nice (and flattering too, quite frankly). So I ask him why he read my book in the first place, and what his vision was regarding his career. He went on to tell me that his dream was to go out on his own and start a career in the insurance business as a broker, but that he really needed a mentor. Dude, you should interview with my firm. Our whole model is build on a mentorship-based platform... but of course you already know that if youve read my book, I said. His reply told me a lot about how most people live their lives. Well, Id really like to, but I just cant do straight-commission. Are you hiring for any positions with base salaries? he asked. Not for sales positions. All my guys are 1099 straight-commission. Ive got guys that have done $200,000 in commissions in their first year... young guys... 22-year olds, I said, hoping that my words would give him some encouragement. Long story short, he concluded that he needs a base salary. Imagine if Jay Z or Beyonce said that, before they ever got a record deal. Imagine if Derek Jeter said that, before he ever played his first Little League game. Imagine if Bill Gates said that, before he spent hours upon hours in the computer lab learning how to program. You see, if you want to be successful in life, you have to put yourself in an uncomfortable situation where theres some pain (or threat of pain) involved. Unless youre a trust-fund baby, or youre extremely lucky (in a dumb-luck sort of way), youve got to take a path that most dont have the guts to take, which usually involves uncertainty and risk. This guy that approached me at lunch was a nice guy. He was even proactive enough to go out and buy my book, and actually took the time to read it, all on his own. He clearly aspires to have more in life and pursue his dreams. He WANTS to become successful. But the world does not respond to WANT. The world responds to ACTION... consistent action over time... persevering through tough times... and taking risks. I gave him my business card and told him that if he ever changes his mind, to reach out to me. Again, he seemed like a nice kid... but I wont be holding my breath, waiting for his call. If you want to become successful, thats great... but its not enough. The want has to become a NEED, and your actions need to demonstrate that NEED and be consistently indicative of someone that does not give excuses. Work ethic builds skill. Skill builds talent. Talent builds results. If youre not a little afraid of the outcome, then it means you probably arent going to achieve anything great. A little fear is good, as long as its coupled with a lot of courage. #darrensugiyama #getmotivatedwithdarren #nopainnogain #earlybirdgetstheworm
Posted on: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 19:19:13 +0000
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