Comments on: If I did it why shouldn’t you? http://www.gurugilbert.com/2008/10/14/if-i-did-it-why-shouldnt-you/ Adam Gilbert's Entertaining Ideas on Business, Fitness, and Life... Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:04:10 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: Max Bottaro http://www.gurugilbert.com/2008/10/14/if-i-did-it-why-shouldnt-you/comment-page-1/#comment-971 Max Bottaro Thu, 23 Oct 2008 19:46:12 +0000 http://gurugilbert.com/2008/10/14/if-i-did-it-why-shouldnt-you/#comment-971 Great post. I had a job selling vacuums door to door this summer. If there's anyone people hate more than a cop or a telemarketer, it is a door to door salesman. I had more doors slammed on me than a Jehovah's Witness. I worked 13 hours a day and was only paid on commission. Now when someone comes to my door, I'm delighted to be that one person on the street that was polite and friendly. Those are the poeple that kept my spirit from getting totally crushed. My experience with hazing was different. After being put through hell week, I vowed to be the cool guy that was nice to incoming pledges. But then I got to be an upperclassmen and my perspective changed- it just wouldn't be a house if it wasn't for the nasty hazing. Sure, I'll admit I get off on the power a little (who wouldn't?) but there really is more to hazing than just being a dick. It builds community, and creates selectivity. You can go join any club, pay your fees, and be a part of some shitty non-exclusive group; or you can be proud to be chosen to be a part of something that not everyone can hack it in. After going through a good hell week with a group of guys, there is a sense of bonding and mutual respect for one another that wouldn't be achieved otherwise. It really breaks down barriers. It's like going through boot camp. Great post. I had a job selling vacuums door to door this summer. If there’s anyone people hate more than a cop or a telemarketer, it is a door to door salesman. I had more doors slammed on me than a Jehovah’s Witness. I worked 13 hours a day and was only paid on commission. Now when someone comes to my door, I’m delighted to be that one person on the street that was polite and friendly. Those are the poeple that kept my spirit from getting totally crushed.

My experience with hazing was different. After being put through hell week, I vowed to be the cool guy that was nice to incoming pledges. But then I got to be an upperclassmen and my perspective changed- it just wouldn’t be a house if it wasn’t for the nasty hazing. Sure, I’ll admit I get off on the power a little (who wouldn’t?) but there really is more to hazing than just being a dick. It builds community, and creates selectivity. You can go join any club, pay your fees, and be a part of some shitty non-exclusive group; or you can be proud to be chosen to be a part of something that not everyone can hack it in. After going through a good hell week with a group of guys, there is a sense of bonding and mutual respect for one another that wouldn’t be achieved otherwise. It really breaks down barriers. It’s like going through boot camp.

]]> By: Ryan Stephens http://www.gurugilbert.com/2008/10/14/if-i-did-it-why-shouldnt-you/comment-page-1/#comment-970 Ryan Stephens Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:27:48 +0000 http://gurugilbert.com/2008/10/14/if-i-did-it-why-shouldnt-you/#comment-970 Adam, It's probably one of the primary reasons MyBodyTutor is successful, compassion (and for that matter passion). It's conveyed in everything you do, yet it's something that so many companies either can't figure out, or love to screw up. As far as tipping wait staff, I tip generously provided they did a good job. I know it's tough, grueling work and if you're pleasant, take pride in what you do, and generally take good care of me, I'll take good care of you. But along those same lines, I'm not going to give you an obligatory 15% just because you're having a bad day and refuse to be prompt or pleasant. Fortunately, you (and I would argue everyone should) find their passion and do what they love, but if you don't/can't for whatever reason it's still your job, and you still need to take pride in what you do. My tips often reflect that. Adam,

It’s probably one of the primary reasons MyBodyTutor is successful, compassion (and for that matter passion). It’s conveyed in everything you do, yet it’s something that so many companies either can’t figure out, or love to screw up.

As far as tipping wait staff, I tip generously provided they did a good job. I know it’s tough, grueling work and if you’re pleasant, take pride in what you do, and generally take good care of me, I’ll take good care of you. But along those same lines, I’m not going to give you an obligatory 15% just because you’re having a bad day and refuse to be prompt or pleasant.

Fortunately, you (and I would argue everyone should) find their passion and do what they love, but if you don’t/can’t for whatever reason it’s still your job, and you still need to take pride in what you do. My tips often reflect that.

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