I had the pleasure of enjoying the company of my brother and his family this past weekend. They live in suburban Chicago, so it was a treat for them to come to the mountains and enjoy a little slower pace for a few days.
By the way, you'll want to watch for my bro. He is a brilliant CPA with some keen insights into money management. I foresee a website and a book in the future. ;-)
Anyhow, I am not a big gambler. I enjoy playing a little twenty-one if I happen to go to Vegas, but I find little appeal in your average casino.
My brother enjoys playing the slot machines and asked if we could drive to Blackhawk, Colorado to check out the casinos nestled in the mountains. Sure, why not.
So last night we visited Blackhawk and checked out a few of the casinos.
And while we were there, I made some observations that I believe are relevant.
While I don't think there is anything to be gained for society by having legalized gambling, I realize that we live in a country that allows it. So if consenting adults wish to play and spend their money in that way, that's their perogative. My brother certainly has the means to drop a few hundred dollars if he wishes.
It's not like that for some others though.
I was not surprised, but I was saddened to see so many elderly people at the casino. Many of them were undoubtedly playing the slot machines with funding from their social security checks.
I'm certain a fair number of people were spending money they couldn't afford to spend on the distant hope that they would "get lucky".
And there had to be some people who were counting on hitting it big in order to get out of financial bondage.
Of course, only a small number of people really hit it big. The odds are stacked against you, and in the majority of cases, gamblers leave the casino with far less than they started with. That's why the casinos are there. To take your money.
As I spoke with my brother, he pointed out that many people treat their businesses like a trip to the casino.
They are looking for the "get rich quick" money button that they merely need to press in order to see their website revenue skyrocket.
But that's not the way it works.
You do have to put money into your business.
But unlike gambling, it doesn't stop there.
You actually have a say in whether or not your business pays off.
And it takes work... hard work.
It takes investment of time.
It takes hours, days, weeks and months of giving it your all.
It takes the right actions at the right time.
Don't get me wrong.
The payoff IS there.
But with the exception of a few, success doesn't come overnight.
How are you running your business?
Are you treating it like a business or a slot machine?
If you are serious about succeeding, may I suggest following these steps...
1) Start with the end in mind. Make sure you know where you are going are you are certain to lose your way.
2) Focus. Don't get distracted. Unless the "next big thing" will help reach the goals you have already set, it might be best to let it pass by.
3) Work hard. It isn't going to happen on its own. If you see opportunity, you will need to take action in order for that opportunity to pay off.
4) Never give up. It is wise to walk away from the slot machines if they aren't paying off, but you should never walk away from your business if your heart tells you to keep at it. It doesn't matter what trials you face or how difficult the road may become. Stick with it. Sometimes that brightest day truly does come after the darkest night.
Oh, and if you ever do go to the casinos in Blackhawk, watch out for the buffet at the Isle of Capri. That's all I'll say about that. ;-)
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
June 14, 2007 08:44 AM
sweet plug. thanks...
buffet bad!
June 14, 2007 11:31 AM
thanks you Mr Joel for the info.
he,he.."get rich quick money button = sponsor seeker" isn't it?