Climbing the Ladder of Success

Where are you situated on the ladder of success? Are you jumping from the bottom rung of one ladder to the bottom rung of another ladder, or are you climbing up?

A close friend of my family, and the co-founder of one of the oldest and largest law firms in Memphis passed away a few years ago. He was one of the most well-respected individuals in all of Memphis, and I would venture to say in Tennessee. He was a “great” man, a term I reserve for people who dedicate their lives to making a difference in the lives of others and living their lives in an honorable way.

I learned so much from Mr. Glankler over the years, and a lot of it came in the form of mottos. One in particular, on the topic of success, is so powerful that I just had to share it with you.

He said: “The ladder of success is only crowded at the bottom, so keep climbing, but with honor”

When you think about it, everyone who joins a business does so with the intention of succeeding. When they do so, they are at the bottom of the success ladder.  The statistics don’t lie. The vast majority will stay at the bottom of the ladder, while only a small percentage will climb up to the top of the ladder and attain “success”.

For the most part, the difference in the person at the top and the person at the bottom isn’t that one is a “super recruiter” while the others are simply doomed to fail. Not all “successful” people are 100% extroverts blessed with the gift of selling. So, what makes the difference in success and failure?

As the old saying goes, “Successful people do what unsuccessful people are unwilling to do”. The successful people don’t quit. No matter what is thrown their way, they continue to climb the ladder.

The “rest” crowding the bottom of the ladder CHOOSE to be there.

They make the choice to remain at the bottom every time they choose to watch TV over attending a training seminar or reading a book to improve their business.

They make a choice to remain at the bottom every time they read a great training book, and then choose to leave it at that- instead of taking the action steps recommended in the book.

They make that choice when they decide to spend their valuable time researching whether or not their company is doomed for failure instead of spending their time building their business.

They make the choice to stay at the bottom when they choose to quit at the first sign of adversity.

Sadly, those who hop from business to business THINK they are hopping “up” the ladder, when in fact, they are hopping from the bottom rung of one ladder to the bottom rung of another.

Another important aspect of Mr. Glankler’s motto is moving up the ladder with honor. Mr. Glankler was a true man of honor. He was wounded on the island of Peleliu fighting for our country at the age of 17. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his valor. He was a brilliant trial-lawyer who dedicated his life to helping those who couldn’t defend themselves. Even after he retired in 2004 at the age of 78, he kept a watchful eye on justice by parading the banner of injustice in regard to predatory lending. He helped to pass the Predatory Lending Bill in Tennessee. In everything he did, Mr. Glankler conducted himself honorably. This is what made him a great man.

That’s why it’s of the utmost importance to me (and hopefully to you) to grow your business in an honorable way. Don’t hype the opportunity to prospects, don’t fudge the time and effort it takes to succeed in this business, and don’t exaggerate income potential.

Don’t value the power of the buck over the well-being of another individual.

If you know someone is in a desperate financial situation, I wouldn’t go for the sale if you know they don’t have the ability for whatever reason, to do what it takes to succeed…unless you let them know on the front end that it takes time and effort to get the money rolling in.  I would (and I have) told them to get a job first if possible and then steer them in the direction of an opportunity to perhaps start for free, and then purchase the “deluxe package” once they have generated enough money.

And most of all, if you know the business isn’t a right fit, don’t be afraid to say “no” to the prospect. At the end of the day, you’ll feel better for doing the honorable thing.

The moral of the story: continue to do the daily tasks necessary to build your business, and I’ll look forward to seeing you at the top of the ladder of success!

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To Your Success,

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