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Jan 06
2010
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How Big Have You Failed?Posted by Marty Koenig in success , Failure , business growth |
This article contributed by guest writer Scott Smeester
Perhaps it’s also true of the rest of the world, but the celebration of failure is taboo in this country. However, failure is a part of success and a good indication - to me - of what kind of ‘kahunas’ you have for business.
Not long ago, I met a guy who built, and subsequently lost, a billion dollar company. When I heard about it I didn’t judge him or feel sorry for him like so many in our society would have done (mainstream media for instance). I was actually quite impressed. I mean… how many people have actually succeeded to that level and then fell all the way down? What are the odds? It’s almost like being hit by lightning - if it happens to you, you were CHOSEN!
In my mind’s eye, the ‘Success Club’ members are comprised of the first class passengers depicted in the movie Titanic. They are 2nd or 3rd generation wealth, born with the proverbial silver spoon, or they succeeded big on their first try, and to their demise, perhaps not really appreciating their accomplishments. They’re all stodgy old men dressed in tuxedos, holding their brandy snifters with cigars ablaze, scarves around their necks talking about their great accomplishments. "William, do you remember when we denied the Union?" "Why yes, Theo, that was spendid."
Then there is the ‘Holy Crap I Can’t Believe I Even Tried That’ club. Most of the members of this club ended up as financially successful as the aforementioned members, but they’re warm and humble people. The members of this club EARNED their success and they’re happy to help anybody else do the same. They went all the way and looked over the edge, perhaps even tumbled over a couple of times, and have the badges of honor that put them in a truly unique society.
