I’m Good Enough, I’m Smart Enough and Doggone It, People Like Me
Posted on May 27, 2006
Relationships series - part 2
In the past couple of months, I have met with a couple of new business clients and as we discussed things, they have both said:
We have been using Joe Blow (i.e. my local, established, store-front location competitor. name changed to protect the innocent) for years but we are not happy with him, we want to use you from now on.
What?? I have never met this guy and have not dealt with his company much, but he is well known in the community and who am I? I’m essentially the new kid in town and not too flashy. I don’t have a visible office, except at Panera Bread sometimes in the evening. I don’t have a sign or a big ad in the yellow pages and I don’t have a staff, I’m not on call 24/7 and I can really only get things done in the evenings or on Saturdays, at least for now.
So, what is it that gives me an edge over the so-called big boys?
- I am open
- I am honest
- I am upfront
- I relate to them at their level, whether they are technical or not
- I’m a straight shooter
- I tell it like it is
- I don’t talk down to them
- I don’t trash talk anyone else, such as former tech guy
- I don’t trash talk any current setup, I’m sure it made sense to do it that way at the time
- I don’t just tell them what I think they want to hear
- I don’t play games (I will, but not when it comes to this)
Whether I’m talking to a church, a business or an individual, I go so far as to tell them I’m open, honest and upfront. (I’m good enough, I’m smart enough and doggone it, people like me! sorry, I was looking in a mirror and just had a Stuart Smalley relapse ) I go on to say that I want to establish an ongoing relationship with them, beyond this initial issue/meeting.
Maybe that’s the secret, just be up front and honest and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. There’s probably a book or two on this exact concept, and if not, maybe I need to write it! But I honestly think it’s that simple.
Here’s the deal - I sit at my day job, in my office, 40+ hours a week just feeling like I’m spinning my wheels, my heart is not there, although I consciously have to remind myself to be faithful where God has me right now, plus it’s still a steady paycheck while I get more established. Yet, my job frustrates me beyond belief and drains me, for more reasons than I can quickly explain.
At some point, probably in the past six months, I decided I just had to go for it and get serious about making a change and becoming self employed. I have been on the fence for so long that I want it so bad, so deep down inside, and as a result, I’m putting it all out there. I know what I want and I know how I would want to be treated, and that’s how I’m approaching this. It is so cool to see the progress I have made in the past few months and feel the momentum, and practically every day, things are happening, either new clients or continuing relationships with current clients.
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4 Responses to “I’m Good Enough, I’m Smart Enough and Doggone It, People Like Me”
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Jim Walton is the leader of the Tech Arts Ministry of Fairview Christian Church. This blog is produced independently by Jim and it is his thoughts, his interests, his observations and his ideas. Anything expressed here is not necessarily representative of Fairview Christian Church, but it's likely pretty close! ;)
Love your honesty and openess and what you are doing here. Thank you Jim Walton for your care and help, it has been a great pleasure to begin to know you! I look forward to developing a growing and lasting friendship. I will thank the LORD for you and also Jim Wickenkamp. See you on Thursday. Jim, I may need to adjust the time on Thursday as I forgot about carpet cleanning at CCOO, so I will let you know what that schedule looks like.
Mike
Thanks Mike! I enjoyed talking with you today, as well. I’m glad your computer is back on track and you are able to do all that you need to. Let’s touch base about Thursday, I’m flexible, so whatever we need to do is fine.
“Here’s the deal - I sit at my day job, in my office, 40+ hours a week just feeling like I’m spinning my wheels, my heart is not there, although I consciously have to remind myself to be faithful where God has me right now, plus it’s still a steady paycheck while I get more established. Yet, my job frustrates me beyond belief and drains me, for more reasons than I can quickly explain.”
Jim, it was like you were reading my mind. That is exactly how it is for me as well. I know the Lord wants mein ministry and He is starting to show me that He will take care of me but it seems like it is just a crack in the door instead of the Lord leading me through an open door. Anyway thanks for sharing. Pray for me and others that are considering “putting it all out there” too.
[...] For a good read, Jim Walton of Church Tech Matters has posted a series on relationships. Right now, he’s up to 4 parts (1, 2, 3, 4), and I don’t know if he’s done yet. I’ll link to the new parts if he continues. [...]