Hi Diane!

> I believe high standards, honesty, and
> giving more to your client than he/she paid
> for is the ONLY way to do business... at
> least it is for Jim and me.

Yes. I personally believe that people who do business ethically do the best in the long run. However, some people look only to the short term, whereas long term success in my opinion is a better goal. I think there is NO WAY to be successful in the long term except ethically.

> What I noticed in the past, when I worked
> for others, was that my standards for
> customer service was *always* higher than my
> boss or the company I worked for.

> And it caused problems. My customers loved
> me, and my referrals were always numerous.

> But, I think my attitude toward my customers
> were seen as a threat by my employers. ???

Yes, I can believe it. Being employed can have lots of limitations.... I always loved the idea of succeeding or failing purely on my own merits. While you may have to work hard to bring everything together, and you may have to endure hardships, when you succeed there is an incredible sense of exhiliration which to me has no comparison. I guess I'm kind of like a "success" thrillseeker. Succeeding, especially after hardship, gives me some kind of adrenalin rush. :)

> Honestly, I just couldn't lower my
> standards. So, I came to the realization,
> "Diane, I think you better figure out
> how you can be your own boss and run your
> own business."

> And, with Jim's support, I did. :-)

Diane, that is fantastic!

I don't think I could go back to being an employee, personally (unless I was forced to). I enjoy my own freedom to choose how to spend my time too much. :)

> But, before I did that, I had found out Tom
> Hopkins(the #1 real estate saleman in the
> USA) was going to be in Indianapolis. After
> making numerous calls, I was able to set up
> an appointment with Tom.

> We spoke and he *highly* recommended several
> business owners in Indiana for me to check
> out that he knew personally. Also, he
> recommended that I strongly consider going
> into business for myself.

Yes, I think finding good role-models and mentors is very important. :)

> Now I am able to provide quality service,
> quality products, and give my customers the
> respect they deserve.

> And as you know... it's much more fun when
> people trust you. :-)

That's very true!

> P.S. Dien, sorry I can't visit your board
> more often. I started another business in
> Oct., and now my time is more limited than
> ever.

> Now I *really do* wish there were 68 hours
> to a day... because there is so much I want
> to do! :-)

Heheh, I know what you mean!

Diane, some time I would LOVE to hear more details of your story and your husband Jim's.

For those who may not be aware, Diane's husband Coach Jim Everroad wrote the best-selling book, "How to flatten your stomach." I read that it started out as an article, and then became a self-published book, which became a best-seller!

Diane, I hope you can write more about yours and Jim's experiences some time. Success stories like yours are among my most FAVORITE reading material, and I have no doubt many people will be inspired by your story!

Thank you for posting, Diane. I have no doubt your new business will be a roaring success! :)

- Dien Rice