“Tell Me, and I Forget; Teach Me, and I May Remember; Involve Me and I Learn” Benjamin Franklin
I just finished a very successful Quick Start Boot Camp here in Jacksonville, and I remember why I keep teaching. We had people from all over American and a couple Canadians, and even a Brit in the class of 175 students.
On the first day, I called for all who were doing deals to stand up and then invited them to the front of the room as a group. Frankly, I was shocked at the number. You see, quick Start is where people get the basic training to start their business, not usually where more seasoned veterans hang out. Oh, we always have some returning for a refresher, but I had about 50 people stand and come forward this time, and I asked all to tell a little about their businesses.
The numbers were staggering. A few were seven figure earners. Some built sizable businesses and a couple had become trainers. All my children. All starting from a point of ignorance. None taking no for an answer. Here’s another quote from old Ben…”We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid.”
I heard some new guests asking the older students why they came back if they were doing so well, and the answers were universally the same…
- To get brought current on all the new age stuff to incorporate into their current business
- To get motivated and to let me train their attending staff
- Because they needed another dose of Ron
All left with new ideas, techniques, motivation and some with a whole new business plan, but I have to tell you these returnees are in a minority, not a majority.
You see, too many develop what I call the professor syndrome. That’s where we get so full of ourselves and think we have all the answers, so we quit learning. The problem is when you quit learning, you start dying.
Never Stop Learning.
Our ability to learn and then act on that learning is a freedom we take for granted. You can bet our immigrants don’t.
“If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” Ben Franklin
I’m 67 years old and still a sponge for learning if I feel the teacher is more qualified than me. Do I practice what I preach? Let’s see. Here’s my planned events I’ll attend next year as a student…
- Dan Kennedy Super Conference (4 days)
- GKIC Info Summit (4 days)
- Kennedy Titanium Inner Circle (6 days, 3 trips)
- SANG Mastermind Group (6 days, 3 trips)
- Promoters Network (6 days, 3 trips)
- Restaurant Convention (4 days)
- At least 3 assorted 2 day events
That’s about $70,000 in costs...
Then there are the events I either conduct or are a major part:
- Platinum Protégé Group (6 days, 3 events)
- REIA Mastermind Group (6 days)
- Quick Start Real Estate Schools (36 days, 9 events)
- Business Management (6 days, 2 events)
- Implementation Boot Camp (3 days)
- Information and Internet Marketing Boot Camp (4 days)
- 2014 Real Estate Investor Convention (5 days)
- Several one day seminars
“But Ron, you teach these,” you say. Yes, I do, but make no mistake, I also learn from every single one of them. It’s impossible to teach or attend a quality event without learning at least one good idea with many times the cost in money, time and aggravation.
The problem is: learning is one thing, implementing is another. I never attend an event alone either. Always have one or more people tagging along who will implement.
“Well done is better than well said.” Ben Franklin
You see, all these people who came up front at the last Quick Start went home and actually put some of their training to work. That’s the key.
“The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You must catch it yourself.” Ben Franklin
Implementation is the weak link, which is why we created our mentoring system. This is where we help our students implement by holding their hand and enforcing accountability.
“A little bit of movement is better than a boatload of meditation.” Unknown (Hey, can’t let Ben hog all the great quotes!)
That’s also why we chose to do our national convention after taking four years off. People NEED community, a positive environment around movers and shakers. Reinforcement at will works for them, where they live now.
We can’t do it alone. Success is a group effort and ongoing process full of good days and bad days. Most never achieve it. All of them die wishing they had. Life goes by full of regrets. Opportunities came and went with no contribution to society, leaving no legacy or lasting memories, just simply existing!
“Many people die at 25 and aren’t buried until they are 75.” Ben Franklin
Humbly yours,
Ron
P.S. Thanks to Ben for writing half this article. I would have loved to have met him.