Are You Chasing Money in the Wrong Places?

Everyone has a different definition of the right place to go after the money.

But once again advice from sales and marketing pundits come into play. However you view making money, maintaining your good reputation and brand, based on trust and credibility, are at stake.

Remaining in business requires we do earn money. The question is, to what extent do we go after our desired gain, and when should we halt the effort? The problem is over-stepping boundaries when it comes to making a buck. We are in need of having qualifiers in place for what we find or do not find acceptable. Working for the greater good, or on behalf of our clientele, usually takes care of any dilemma.

Human beings are dependent upon healthy food, clean water and quality air for breathing. Otherwise, our health is at risk. I had the good fortune of visiting the Washington D.C. National Geographic Museum. One of the exhibits is entitled “The Wild.” It focuses on the good work of Jane Goodall and Michael Nichols, the photographer.

The photographs are breathtaking and the film of species, rarely seen, is inspiring. Some of the scenes showcase the connection between humans and the animals are remarkable. One begins to question, how may we better protect them?

Photographs of landmarks such as Bears Ears are also on display. The beauty of the land brings up the next question. Is it right or wrong to tear up the area and potentially destroy the monument in the name of money?

We each have an opinion, but are we chasing money in the wrong places?

I’m one who studied anthropology and archaeology plus visited many of the historic sites. It was alarming that Stonehenge was fenced off to prevent people taking rocks from the site. We have advanced to more damage at other historical digs, and more alarming plans are in the works. I’m hopeful the chain of events may reverse.

The two examples above are of big-picture dilemmas. But the same type of questioning applies to smaller endeavors. Have you ever been concerned about doing business with an individual or a company because something didn’t seem quite right? Once again values and priorities are to be front and center for all our decisions.

When you sell, going after money, do you:

Ask prospects about their goals and expectations of purchasing?

Are you comfortable doing business with all of your clientele?

Do adjustments need to take place to improve future outcomes?

Related: Before You Quit Your Job and Start a Business, Do This

When you interview, do you:

  • Ask the interviewers the goals of the job?
  • Inquire about the priorities of the company?
  • Determine if the organization’s priorities and values are in alignment with yours?
  • Unless you are comfortable with the people around you, the work will be unsatisfying, and motivation declines. Commit to doing good on all levels for the benefit of enjoying life on a daily basis. For more insight read, “How Do You Handle Offers to Be Refused?”

    In the case of being opinionated about what is right, join an organization that is committed to the same. Offer help that you believe will be beneficial to the cause. And if you can’t find the right one, consider creating a group to carry on the work. With the right flexible plan in place, nothing is impossible.

    Last, earn money in a credible manner that brings a smile and makes you proud.