Grass Roots Approach To Life!
Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.
The story is told of a man by the name of Melvin. Melvin’s top priority, in life, was to win the lottery. Melvin attended church on a regular basis. He was there to pray to win the lottery. One day while praying a big voice came from above, Melvin! Melvin responded, is that you Lord? The Lord responded back, yes Melvin. Melvin asked the Lord, did I win the lottery? The Lord asked Melvin, would you come part way with me and Melvin said he would do anything, to win the lottery! The Lord said, Melvin, BUY A TICKET!
The message, in this story, is pretty simple. If you want something, you must go get it! It will not find you. There are 10 little words that tell it all. IF IT IS TO BE, IT IS UP TO ME!
The first time the idea of Grass Roots came to my mind was in 1990. Paul Wellstone, soon to be a US Senator from Minnesota, ran a Grass Roots senate campaign. He drove around the state in a green school bus. He also drove that bus to Washington DC. He did not spend alot of money. He drove to the people and delivered his message.
Jesse and I have been parents for some 45 years now. I believe we approached our parenting in the same fashion as Paul Wellstone approached his run for the senate. Attention to the detail was our mission statement. When the kids had an activity, we were there. When our daughters had something exciting happen, we were there to share in the joy. When there was a moment of sadness, we were there to encourage and support. When I look back, we had a Grass Roots approach to our parenting. We needed to provide strong leadership. Our kids needed to know we were going to be there for them.
In 1969 I finished college and started teaching and coaching. It was my first real job! My mind set was to pay attention to the detail. Every student/athlete had needs. It was important to find time for each student, even if it was to simply say good morning. I taught high school math and coached basketball. I believed every class session, every basketball practice, every math topic, and every student’s well being were important. There are many ways to demonstate that our intentions are genuine. I found that a Grass Roots approach gave me the best chance of reaching out to help a student with the things that really mattered.
If we could improve the student’s self esteem, self confidence, work ethic, self discipline, and positive outlook on life it was worth every minute of effort!
I have been in the Corporate IT Recruiting field since 1988. I have been independent for the last 20 years. That same Grass Roots approach continues to follow me around. I believe that every call I make, every letter I write, every deal I am involved in, and every handshake are important to my master plan.
If I placed a person and they are still there, I call them on their anniversary. I do this every year. I make sure that call is on or before their anniversary. I do not send an email, letter, text, or any other form of communication. I believe a personal call is the only way to go.
How often we have heard a person say they did not have time to do whatever! It is my strong belief that we should never use that excuse again. It has not and will not ever be true. We need to find the time for the things that really matter. It may seem a bit harsh, but that approach is the “all about me” attitude!
For those of you reading this blog, my hope is you find an effective way to help the people around you. It serves as a source of great joy for both parties involved.
If you want to apply the Grass Roots approach, click the button to the right, on the top, or at the bottom, and enjoy the ride. Give yourself a chance to have your own business deal. Explore an on-line marketing opportunity with 100% commissions with no cold calls! I wish you all the best! HUBBA! HUBBA!