Recently, when President Obama suggested that those of us who own a successful business have not done it by ourselves, it stirred quite a political storm—as most anything will do in these days of presidential campaigns.
While I do not want to delve into the politics of the statement, or do as so many have by trying to guess what the President meant to say, I will admit that he did get me to thinking, especially as we count down the days to our 100th birthday at the Daily Record.
In business, I grew up and learned from the streets. I think I was educated, but no class in high school or college ever taught me the things I learned listening to customers, employees and vendors. It was sometimes an excruciatingly painful and costly experience.
I thought I knew something and quickly learned I knew nothing about business.
Once my ego was checked and I realized how to get from point A to point B, it became so much fun. I have sometimes had a hard time calling it work.
The reality shows on television are popular because each and every one of us possesses the tools needed to win a competition. My strategy is clear and simple. If I want to get to point B, I need everyone else to want to get to the same place.
The attributes required is how do you get everyone to want to be at the same place. As you influence, your opposition is doing the same. Two things can occur. You get where you wanted to go or you learn why the other point B is a better place to be.
Through this process, not only have you honed your skills, you are enlightened by the opinions of others. If appreciated, you become much more equipped for business.
Over the years I’ve sweated some big bullets, and the truth be told there probably have been some times when I’ve patted myself on the back in a self-congratulatory way. We should all celebrate our victories.
That’s why, when the Daily Record turns 100 in November, we will take the time to celebrate the milestone and acknowledge all of those before and now who’ve helped us succeed.
— Jim Bailey is publisher of Realty/Builder Connection and president of Bailey Publishing & Communications Inc. He can be reached at