Friendship

Isolation.

I have a really close friend I grew up with.

We don’t talk as much as we used to, but when we do speak – which is probably 3 to 5 times a year – it’s as if the last conversation just ended yesterday.

I guess that’s what happens when you know someone for 38 years – he was one of the first people I met in high school.

I don’t think we’ve ever had a fight or an argument. I know we did have a falling out for a while there. But when we reconnected, neither one of us could remember why.

We just got back up on the bicycle.

We see each other maybe once every 2 years or so. We live on opposite ends of the country now, but if I’m in his neck of the woods, we make sure to hook up.

He’s an interesting guy because he’s really a great example of “You are who you are.”

For instance, every time we meet, he tells me he wants to make more time for having fun… more time for socializing… and more time away from work.

Don’t get me wrong, I think, as business owners, this is something we all struggle with. But for me, as I’ve gotten older and realized “You only have one rodeo, and that rodeo is getting shorter and shorter…” I’ve been fortunate enough to become more balanced.

To introduce more fun and “life” into my life, and to make work less of a priority.

To some extent this means being a little smarter so you can work more efficiently. But for me, anyway, a great portion of doing this simply had to do with firmly saying “That’s enough for today, it’s time to play my guitar now.”

Or… “I’m hanging out with family this Sunday. Period”

And then sticking to it.

I feel really bad for my friend, but I guess I shouldn’t. Even though he’s noticeably uncomfortable and you can see he wants to be different, ultimately… he likes it this way.

Check this out: I recently put together a lead generation direct mail piece that got a 32.85% response within the first 8 days, mailed out to a cold list. If you want to get results like this, then go here

Which is perfectly OK. After all, to each his own.

There’s an old adage that says, “You can’t change the stripes on a tiger.”

And to a large extent, I agree with this. However, I’d also add in at the end of this…

“But sometimes, a tiger can change himself into a lion… if he wants to badly enough.”

Any comments? Let me know below.

Now go sell something, Craig Garber

P.S. Free: 12 New Special Marketing13 Reports – download ’em here

How To Make Maximum Money With Minimum Customers:

Now only $12.95 with Free Shipping

or on Amazon.com

listening to:

Pink Floyd – Comfortably Numb (1982)

About the Author

Craig GarberAuthor of "How To Make Maximum Money With Minimum Customers, " and publisher of Seductive Selling - an offline marketing newsletter currently read in 15 countries, world-wide. In a nutshell, I do two things: 1. I show you how to attract a reliable, steady stream of pre-qualified leads who are ready to do business with you NOW... 2. And I increase your net profits and cash-flow, by increasing your customer, client, or patient value -- often, dramatically. How do I do this? By developing, and helping you implement, unique, personalized lead generation and marketing strategies... using compelling sales messages that push your customers emotional buy-buttons. I've worked with over 300 clients in more than 104 different industries, since March of 2000, and I really enjoy what I do. I'm a stable, reliable, happily married family guy with three kids who loves life and always follows through on my commitments and promises. I love to listen to music, workout, read, travel with my family, take pictures, and go bass fishing. I always say "Yes," when it comes to good cigars, good books, and good coffee :-)

Comments