A Businessman No More

Well, I came to a difficult decision this week. I am no longer trying to be a businessman. I have not been successful in my attempts. I have spent a lot of money to make a little bit of money. Business is just not my strong point.

I started into business for the obvious reason. I wanted to make some money to supplement my retirement. I read that the best way to really make money is to own your own business. I believed this and I still do. The problem was, and is, that I really wasn’t willing to pay the price to succeed. Why?

When I started Real Life Solutions an independent dealership for EcoQuest air purifiers, I had high hopes. The product is really amazing. I am a true believer. As I started to market the business and the product, I found that I was really resistant to selling. I think that my years in the Navy, followed by a lengthy career in the ministry, gave me a warped view of business. I saw myself through the lens of the stereotypical Used Car Salesman – and I didn’t like it. I might add that I was a Fuller Brush Salesman while I was in college – this really was not a good experience.

This negative self image as a salesman really killed my business opportunities. The good thing about this process of trying to become a businessman is that I did a lot of study. I had to repent of my disrespect of business and sales. I learned that this is what makes the world go around. Business, especially small business, is very honorable. I have made a number of relationships with business people that I respect and like a lot. In fact, fellowshipping with other business owners was really one of the high points of my life after retirement.

Why then did I need to quit the business? Well it had nothing to do with the business or sales. It was all about me. I have done a lot of soul searching, praying, research on old personality trait surveys and conversations with my wife. My gifts and strengths are not in the area of business! I am a Pastor. I am a speaker. I am a counselor and mentor. I am a communicator. That’s what I am. That’s what I should be doing. Therefore I am going to do more writing. Some of you may say, “this guy is writer?” Well, that is why I am spending a lot of time on this blog. I need to practice and improve my skills as a writer. I will be talking a lot about this in future posts.