Offering…

I recently had a business idea that I was really passionate about.  I presented the idea to someone who I knew was more passionate about that industry than I was.  I asked if he wanted to partner up with me on the project.  I am a big believer that two heads are better than one.  He accepted.  We purchased a domain, as this was a web based business.  I asked him to let me know when he can meet to proceed further.  he said he would.  

Waiting…

After a few weeks of not hearing anything I stopped by his office to check in and see what was going on.  He was not in, his assistant said he was out getting a business license for a new project he was starting.   I asked what it was.  I was surprised by her response.  She said what in my gut I already knew he was doing.  He had started the business without me.

Follow Up…

I later asked him about it.  ”Why did you start that without me?”  I said.  he responded “I was going to add you to the ownership”.  I thought in my mind, “do I look that stupid?”  But I said, “It was not your place to add me to the Ownership, It was mine.  It was my idea that I asked you to join.”  I decided immediately that it was not worth working with someone who could not be trusted, no matter how much money could be made.  I never told him that.  I waited to see what he would do.  He never mentioned the business again.  He has developed it and is opening for business next week.  

Punchline…

The thing that saddened me the most is that it was my “Identical Twin Brother” who stole my idea.  The think that hurts the most is that he doesn’t care that he stole it from me.  It seems as though he feels he has a right to take the idea from me.  

Conclusion…

Where is the integrity in business today?  Where are the Ethics?  Two items that are so vital to healthy business are no longer found in some Businesses and in some of their employees.  When we learn to hold true to our own Integrity and ethics we will find success.  For it is not in the bottom line that I measure profit, it is in the answer to the question “Have I been Honest and True to my word?”

I have a friend who 5 years ago started a Business with his Father-in-Law.  They have done well together as they balance each others strength’s and weaknesses.  It has been a good business experience for both of them.  Then one day he makes the mistake of cheating on his wife, with his secretary.  It was going on for a year prior to him confessing his Guilt to his wife.  Now they are in a Race to try and take the business from each other because they will not work together anymore.

How often do we jeopardize a great business opportunity or success with our own selfish desires.  I think a lot more than we want to admit.

Bankrupt the business

I have another friend who owns a potentially successful business in the Electronics industry.  The business sells on average $1.5Million every year.  With descent margins this company should be a success.  However, they are marginally successful, due to the owner spending the company into debt prior to it profiting.

Get Over yourself!

It is easy to look at these stories and see what these two stories illustrate as a silly mistake.  But what are we doing in our own business that is keeping us from developing it to be the best it can be?  Are we being lazy? Prideful? or impatient?  It could be as little as daydreaming too much or spending the money you haven’t made yet.  Whatever it may be seems to always be related to SELFISHNESS!!