“Immerse yourself in another environment by being a ‘shadow’ to
someone you admire. The goal is to look for surprises – those
moments when you can imagine (have a thought) how you might behave
if the decision or interaction was occurring in your business, but
the leader chose to do something else. Ask why they chose the path
they did.” Brad Smith, CEO
Like most, I have those who I have been shadowing and whom I followed.
My Dad, Nathan Paul was just such a person. I was a constant shadow
listening to every word he spoke and having thought of being just like
him. Yes, I care about Dad's first name and I still hear my mother
telling everyone just how much I was like him, my looks, attitude, and
actions. I remember how much I want to follow in his footsteps. Dad was
6’ 3” so I want to be 6’ 3” missed by 1 inch”. Dad has a good cook, so
I started cooking at the age of 10. As you can tell I look up to my Dad
as a child and now as a man who misses him these last 25 years.
There were other shadows I follow: teachers, professors, preachers, friends,
mentors, and more. I have expanded my list of voices and thought makers over
the years to many past leaders, role models, and success creators. Were these
perfect people, by no means? Could they do everything, no they each had unique
traits. Did I learn from their successes and failures, yes?
Barnes’ thought led him to make a fateful decision, he was going to go live
under the shadow of the man he respected, whom he desired to follow, and who
he was going to make his business partner. Did he know Edison? No, he had
never met. Did he have any idea what business he would partner with Edison in?
No, He had the desire to be in business with Edison and that was enough.
Mr. Edison describes Barnes with these words, “He stood there before me, looking
like an ordinary tramp, but there was something in the expression on his face
which conveyed the impression that he was determined to get what he had come after.
I had learned, from years of experience with men, that when a man DESIRES a thing
so deeply that he is willing to stake his entire future on a single turn of the
wheel to get it, he is sure to win. I gave him the opportunity he asked for because
I saw he had made up his mind to stand by until he succeeded. Subsequent events
proved that no mistake was made.”
My thoughts have led me to be a shadow for those seeking answers and solutions
to their frustrations in doing network marketing and building relationships. My thoughts have led me to build a team of successful leaders creating even more
shadows that can be cast upon this industry. My thoughts are to cast a shadow
showing others a better view of money, which is achieved by building and maintaining
strong, loving, and committed relationships. The money will come in its time,
or Mr. Hill says:
“When riches begin to come they come so quickly in such great abundance, that one
wonders where they have been hiding during all those lean years.” Napoleon Hill
With my thoughts, I choose to cast my shadows and emulate the shadows of those
who mentor me. Thanks to Linda and Michael Dlouhy for the shadows they have cast
of experience, sharing, and support through Mentoring for Free. I am grateful for the shadows of all who participate in the weekly calls for your continued support and
encouragement.
