361 - Labor Day: From Laboring to Leading

0:00This is Bruce Whipple, and since it's Labor Day weekend, I want to share a message that ties directly into acquisitions and wealth building. Labor Day was created to honor the contribution of workers, the men and women who built industries and companies with their hands, their backs, and their persistence. But let's be clear, if you are listening to me, you don't want to stay stuck in labor. You want to move from laboring in the business to owning the business, I hope anyway. That shift from employee to owner is the whole ballgame. Here's the reality. Millions of people this weekend will fire up the grill, kick back, and enjoy their time off.

0:41They'll come back Tuesday morning. They'll return to the same job, the same paycheck, and the same limits. There's nothing wrong with that, but that's not why you're here, I hope. Your path is different. You're here to honor labor not by working harder yourself, but by building companies, employing people, and creating wealth that isn't tied to punching a clock. That's the leverage acquisitions give you. So I want you to think about three questions this weekend. One, am I still thinking like an employee or am I thinking like an owner? Two, am I building systems and teams that work without me at their center?

1:27And three, am I honoring labor by providing opportunities for others while I build wealth through ownership? That's the mindset shift. That's what separates those who grind forever from those who break free. And here, I'd like to give you a challenge. So now here is that challenge. And I call this a doofus test. You've heard me say that before. Over the weekend, send two or three emails. Send them to board members, to professionals you want on your team or have on your team, or better yet, to acquisition prospects. And then watch who responds. You'll quickly see who's serious, who's reachable, and who's checked out for the weekend.

2:11That tells you a lot about who you want in your circle. And it also forces you to take action instead of just coasting through the holiday, which is probably a good thing. So enjoy your Labor Day, but do it with purpose. Use it as fuel, because every call, every email, every follow-up moves you closer to being the one who writes the paychecks, not the one waiting for them. And remember, persistence beats talent, and as somebody once said, never ask, never get. This is Bruce Whipple. Take the challenge and really let me know what you find. I'd love to hear the results of your two or three emails that you send.