I was having a really enlightening conversation with a couple business owners this past week who’s company does pest control in Michigan, and got some great insight into what it takes to really succeed in business. I know so many of us want to own our business, but it is really crucial we understand the ingredients of a successful business, before we jump right in. According to these Michigan business owners, the path to success is different than the path many business owners typically take. They said far too often people quit early in their business because owning your own business is too difficult and they have not planned for the amount of work it would require. Second they are approaching business from a position of what’s in it for the business, and not what’s in it for the customer. By engraining a can do attitude in their employees and a service to other mentality, these two brothers have created a very successful local business in Michigan.
The owners Allan and his brother Brent came from a hard working family in a small farm town in Michigan, and said working hard was the only thing they really knew. The boys who eventually left their small farm town and spent a couple years abroad, said their work ethic and sense of family never left them, and is the roots of their current business in Michigan.
Me and the two brothers hit it off fairly quickly because a similar interest in the concept of being in service to others, as well as their fascination with entrepreneurs, similar to the fascination we have here. In regards to the former, the brother said there is a stark difference between businesses who go into business for themselves, and businesses who go into business for others. Not only in the way they offer their service or product, but in the way it is received. “People can tell when your in it for your own gains, vs when you’re seeking to help others” Allan said. Additionally he said there is also a direct correlation in the profitability of your business and the amount of people you help. “When you help people, they want to help you, which can result in referrals, positive reviews and so forth.”
I think what Allan and Brent said was extremely interesting and something many of you have probably read before, but not necessarily had the opportunity to hear directly from an actual business owner. From what it sounds like to me, the intention your business has, for example if it wants to help people or simply wants to make a profit is felt by potential customers. Which I know to be true from my experiences with certain shady businesses in the past. I’m sure we have all felt that before with bad business, but also the inverse with positive businesses.
I wanted to bring this concept of being in service to others to attention because I think it’s powerful to approach others, whether personal or business as an opportunity to be in service. Again, not only will others be happy with you, but they will also want to see you win. People like seeing the good guy succeed, but remember to truly be in service to others, not just because you think their is something in it for you, that defeats the purpose.
Like I said, the brothers had a similar interest in entrepreneurs and said they draw inspiration from a hand full of favorites which they said include some of these notable figures below.
Steve Jobs: Both had their iPhones in their hand as we were talking and had an obvious affinity for Apple products, but they also said they really admired Steve Jobs. Both have read the popular book about Steve Jobs and envied his commitment and unparalleled work ethic. They said that it takes a work ethic like Steve Jobs to really change the world.
Tim Ferris: They both mentioned their interests in Tim Ferris and his book, The 4 hour work week. Again they said they really admired his work ethic as well as his down to earth approach to life. They both also love his blog and how he challenges himself to constantly learn new things, as strange as they may be.
Joe Rogan: The two also mentioned Joe Rogan who they see as a really under-recognized entrepreneur. Although he has a mainstream job as a commentator, he has made an unbelievable name for himself as an individual they said. They also said that Joe is deep and capable of being really thought provoking on a ton of different subjects.
They also mentioned a couple of the entrepreneurs that we have already mentioned here such as Musk and Bezos.
Overall my experience with Brent and Allan was extremely pleasurable and reminded me why some businesses sink, and some swim. These two guys are dedicated to the principals that really move a business forward like work ethic, but are also rooted in a philosophy of helping others. There are so many good books based on the principal of being a giver and I’m so glad to have met a company that really aligns with that concept.
I’m sure I will talk to these guys again in the future as they continue to grow their business, but until then, discover opportunities where you can be in service to others.