Somebody smack this kid! Make him sit down. I can't see!
An unavoidable consequence of successful business marketing is a greater emphasis on me, myself and I--the three most selfish people on the planet.
I'm one of the first "boomers." I came around in 1948. My generation found its way into the history books as the "Me Generation."
"Generation Me" followed, born in the 70's, 80's and 90's.
- You can't tell me what to do!
- You're not the boss of me!
- You can't make me!
- Me. My. Mine!
From our youngest years we're selfish. Selfishness used to be something parents wanted to reverse in their children, so that they would be well received by others, and successful in their future careers. If children insisted on remaining selfish, they became a source of embarrassment to their parents. They were perceived as bullies by their peers.
Beginning with Generation Me, and continuing with the Me Generation, the sense that selfishness is shameful has been selectively bred out of society as a whole. It's been replaced by a sense of entitlement, and an admiration for the individual who claws his way to the front of the pack. "If you're not the lead dog, the view never changes." "Teamwork is for underachievers." "Those who can, do! Those who can't, teach." "I'm taking what's mine!"
I'm reading a lot about the greed, avarice and fraud that, all of a sudden, seems to permeate the mortgage business. Congress is all up in arms about what has happened, and what should be done about it. Folks, we don't need more laws to make us do what's right. The ups and downs of the Real Estate Market don't need more regulation, in this Arizona lender's opinion. If anything, they need less of it.
Liars and cheats in the real estate, title and mortgage industries didn't spring full-blown from a post 911 easing of credit. They are the product of a society that worships at the feet of the new trinity: Me, Myself and I.
A former boss, and dear friend--Joanna Stevens of OPEX Business Machines Corporation--loved her Diet Coke. She bought it by the case, and kept her private stash in the refrigerator on the executive floor of the World Home Office in Moorestown, NJ. There were maybe a dozen of us on that floor--owners, sales managers, and attorneys.
Joanna's Diet Cokes began to disappear. What to do? Joanna was never an accusatory individual. But it wasn't long before a hand-lettered sign appeared on the front of the refrigerator.
It said: "God helps those who help themselves. If you keep helping yourself to my Diet Coke, you're going to need God's help!"
In your real estate practice... In your mortgage business... Are you there to help, or are you helping yourself?
I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, Arizona mortgage lender.
photo courtesy of Friday-Fun.com
content copyright Michael W. Jones, Tucson, AZ
Not only did I thoroughly enjoy your post, but you spelled "avarice" correctly!!
You just gotta love this guy!
Thanks, Eric! I tried avarass, but it just didn't look right somehow.
Mike in Tucson
OH MY GOSH. First, I love the sign! That is hysterical. Second, I have been giving that subject a lot of thought.
Worthy of a feature!
Mike, love the sign!
I read on someone's blog yesterday that their business boiled down to "have I helped someone today". When you're working for just your commission it can be the hardest paycheck you can get. We're in a business where you have to serve, not be served.
I agree with Chris...needs to be featured. I gave you a 5 for this! Great job!
Mike,
Avarice was labeled a deadly sin many, many generations ago.
I don't think there has been a sea change in human behavior.
We just are pounded with news and we tend to observe the world around us colored by the news we hear.
But....Great post! Worthy topic.
Love the sign.
Love the title, photo and contents--ok, loved it all. Great job. A subject that needs a lot of attention and self examination. Thank you.
Chris, thanks for the compliment. I love it when you say OH MY GOSH!
Nathan, I've visited your blog and your website. I know I'd enjoy meeting your team.
Linda, no feature yet. I'm passionate about the topic. Thanks so much for commenting.
Mike, Isn't that a great sign? I hadn't thought of the seven deadly sins; great comment!
Boomer Friend Donna, pass it on! Thanks for visiting and commenting.
Ginger, youngster, I sure appreciate your comment. Selflessness comes across in your posts. Thanks!
Cynthia, you sure are encouraging! Thanks for visiting and commenting.
Dan, she was a great human being to work for. We never did find out who was pilfering the Diet Coke.
Dale, I read a post on Active Rain where the writer said "Don't get tied to the outcome. Focus on the action." I really appreciated that, and I think it applies here too. Good to see you!
Sandy, tell her there are more fish in the sea. Your wonderful mom says "Hi!"
Joan, I appreciate the 5! You're the best.
Mike in Tucson
LOL! No, Calie, he's not mine. I credited the photo to Friday-Fun, a source of amusement and (sometimes) photos that make my point. Don't you love the enthusiasm on the kid's face?
Mike in Tucson
You make an excellent point! (By the way, we share the same construction year - 48 -)
I know a lot of agents won't take people out without a signed piece of paper - we take them out without it - let's first see if it is a good mix - some people don't want to work with others, for whatever reason - if there is not a good mix, I would rather pass on the person -
There is more to life than the commission!
Must be Bill commenting this time; I know Barbara Jo is MUCH younger than I. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
Mike in Tucson