”Key Words To Live And Prosper By” is the 10th article n my 2022 series based on my real life experiences, professional insights, personal views and fun stories. My hope is that in them you find joy and inspiration.
As a young boy I was a member of the the Boys' Brigade. The movement was based on military type discipline and Christian ethics. Each Friday evening I'd spit 'n polish my uniform and run to the local church hall to be 'on parade' for 7 p.m. sharp.
In the Boys' Brigade my friends and I were schooled in a host of activities which included marching, outdoor pursuits, life saving, first aid and gymnastics through to religious education and caring in the community. Drilled into us was the principle to help others in life. In addition to the legion of projects we pursued in order to win our various proficiency badges, we got up to all sorts of mischief as young lads tend to do. They were fun days.
Then there was golf. Not at all an elitist sport in my home nation of Scotland. Folks from all walks of life play. As a young man I played every day in the summer months. The long hours of daylight saw me tee off at 6 in the morning and I'd easily complete my round and be at work for 9. In the evening I'd walk off the 18th green as late as 11.30 p.m. at the end of my second round of the day. With such dedication to a game I love, small wonder that I played off a low handicap. But eventually the golf had to take a back seat to my first business venture.
I learned from older heads that when you start a business you'll almost certainly need to put in some money. To begin with you might not earn any money back. After a while you might start to get back some money but still not as much as you're spending. Eventually, with a lot of work and good luck you'll hopefully get more money coming in than you spend ….. luverlee profit!
But I was impatient. “What,” I thought, “If I could start a business without having to wait? What if could -
Start with zero or very little money
Never have to put in any more money
And make 100% profits from day one.”
That was my dream. Except that it's not a dream! It's exactly what I did - and have done throughout my entrepreneurial career. The key is to start off by applying essential principles to your endeavour. These are -
Work with discipline and dedication - Work to help others – Work to have fun – Work at something you love – Insist on profit from every transaction and every aspect of your enterprise. Yes, those same principles I learned as a lad at Boys' Brigade and as player on the golf course!
Here's just one classic example of my many 'easy and free' enterprises -
For many years I helped hundreds of golfers to enjoy the game here in Portugal by establishing a golf holidays tour company. I set it up for zero cost, having first arranged tour operator rates with golf courses and hotels in the region. I operated under a local company's tour licence whereby they benefited from all my visitors' transport requirements. I researched then wrote to every golf club in Britain and Ireland. Enquirers were sent a quote, visitors received a bespoke service tailored to their requirements. This included restaurant vouchers, day trip discounts and introductions to local estate agencies. So, I created multiple 'no effort' income streams to add to profits. All guests paid in advance, no out of pocket expense for me whatsover. In due course I moved the business on for substantial profit.
To do it took discipline and dedication of course but I loved every minute. The work was fun, profitable and helped others. It's rewarding in every way to know that the assistance you give can have a positive impact on people's lives. It's satisfying to know that through the years my 'work' has done just that.
Are you ready to embrace those same key words to live and prosper by?
I am Tom Riach. I live and write in the sunny south of Portugal.
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KEY WORDS TO LIVE AND PROSPER BY is an original copyright Tom Riach feature.
I hope you enjoyed this short article and found it to be of value.
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See you there! Regards, Tom.
Comments
Now, these keywords are way better than SEO! One of the easier paths to success is to follow in someone else's footsteps, and yours are the ones to follow. Thanks, Tom.
My thought on keywords too George! I believe in following others' examples and also in innovating and leading. Original thought means taking risks - I like that. So too do you I suspect.
I'm ready to embrace those Keywords Tom. This is a let those words "sink in" article. I've read "The Secret World Of Self Employment" but it's a fact that you can't just read you have to study. And seeing these words again isolated like this makes the lesson sink in, or go into your subconcious. Where they can mainfest and be turned into reality. The wisdom and lessons you share, also makes it quite clear, that whether you have success or failure is all up to you. And lack of money is no excuse.
Not everyone 'gets the message as you do Robin, distressingly few in fact. Fortunately I had wise heads to show me the way and I built on what I learned. It's my job now to pass it on. So I'm delighted to hear your positive reaction.
Thank you Tom, your words are always inspiring. I read an interesting Newsletter from Kenneth Koh, Owner of LeadsLeap. He said 'Don't think what you would do, think about what the person who has what you want would do.' Those words make sense to me, if you want to be a Author or successful business person then think about what the person who has acheived it would do. Luckliy for many of us you shared these thoughts in Books. There is another quote that I heard early in life and that is, If you can read, you can learn to do anything. I know it's true, because I taught myself different skills just by reading books.
There's nothing you do in life that you won't do better by reading a book!
Discipline also means a persistent work effort everyday. If you're persistent everyday, then it will happen when you're dedicated and persistent to reach your goal. Yes helping people with no money agenda is a definite plus and will lead to lasting relationships because people buy from people they know, like and trust. Thanks Tom Riach for always sharing your wisdom here in the SE community.
That's right Terri, persistence pays. Experience provides short cuts too and it's that plus the determination which creates success stories such as yours here on Syndication Express.