DON’T JUDGE!

You just never know where that next great idea will come from!

I have to share this short story.

“In 1872 George Westinghouse, the famous inventor, received his first patent for an automatic air brake that worked far better than the brakes currently being used on trains. He wrote Cornelius Vanderbilt, President of the New York Central Railroad, identifying the advantages of his new invention. Vanderbilt returned his letter but wrote across the bottom: “I have no time to waste on fools.”

Westinghouse then approached the Pennsylvania Railroad who immediately became interested in his invention and funded further development. News of the success of the air brake reached Vanderbilt who wrote Westinghouse a letter asking him to set up a meeting. Westinghouse sent the letter back to Vanderbilt with the notation,” I have no time to waste on fools.” scrawled across the bottom.

Vanderbilt eventually purchased Air Brakes from Westinghouse at a greatly increased price.

Two points to take away from this story:

1. Keep an open mind and listen when someone says that they have something that is beneficial to your business. (Just as you want the people you are presenting to, to listen and to consider your proposal).
   The second point; don’t ever give up! There is someone out there that will take the time to listen. If your benefits are what you say they are, you will gain a great new customer.
2. The missing ingredient in your business, the one you are looking for to take you to the next level, may be the next person you meet who wants to share his story.

“The mind is like a parachute, it works only when it’s open.”

Tips & Advice by Nick Petra – CFP, Mentor, and founder of BizQuack and Strategic Duck