HOMELESS …. NOT HOPELESS
I have written in the past about our company’s mandate to save one business at a time, thus saving thousands of families from financial ruin.
Usually, as well as it should be, my focus is on you, the small business owner. I write about the trials and tribulations many entrepreneurs are going through. I speak of the well thought out business plans you put forth. The many long hours you invested in trying to make your business succeed. I talk about how our country’s economy has and continues to be a burden on your path to success. I relate how the economic instability has had an adverse effect on not only your business but, what’s more important, your family’s financial welfare.
For this writing I would like to expand my horizon.
Yesterday I visited a homeless shelter. Why? It’s who we are here at Second Wind. Having an interest in the well being of our fellow man does not take weekends off. Different circumstance’s, of course! Goal however very much the same …. reaching out to help those in need. Not trying to be a hero! No, just trying to make a positive difference in a stanger’s life. It’s in our blood. Can’t be a part of the honor we are blessed with here if it’s not ingrained in your soul to do for others! Period!
While there I encountered a gentleman who has lost his job. The company he worked for, a local franchise, could not survive the downturn of the economy. He’d been with the company for 13 years working his way up to become a manager. He has two children. His wife has always been unemployed, staying home to care for the children. They are now getting assistance from the state. He stops at the shelter once a week to collect his grocery bag of food offered to those in need. He and his family are “temporarily” staying with his wife’s mother. I italicize “temporarily” due to the fact I could sense a feeling of self pride being challenged. This man has honor! This man is a hard worker! This man cares for his family! This man deserves better! This man did not ask for this! This man may not have owned his own company, but he suffers the consequences of our economic downturn!
Suddenly I found myself staring at a man, flesh and blood, rather than listening to a voice over the phone. A sense of reality was enhanced!! It hit me like a train!!
In the past when speaking to business owners my conversation was directed to those small business owners and their families. What I have been reminded of because of my experience yesterday is that …. “No- No!” – there is much, much more involved. When we help small business owners conquer this devastating economy we are representing not only that entrepreneur and their loved ones, but thousands of employee’s of that company who depend on that company for the financial welfare of their families.
I have always been aware of that!! Now it becomes a priority!! I have been face to face with the results of a sick economy!!
We at Second Wind are dedicated to preserving the honor of Small Business Owners, Dad’s and Mom’s no matter what titles they hold in that company. We vow to work to make them financially secure by way of a regular pay check. To do that however the business owner in financial straits MUST reach out for assistance!! There is too much on the line. It’s what we do!
Why? Because it’s the right thing to do!!
Please e-mail me at jconforto@secondwindconsultants.com or call me direct at 888-712-1993 Ext. 110 for an autographed copy of Don Todrins’ ”Best Reading” book entitled “Successfully Navigating The Downturn.”
You can listen to Don on “blogtalkradio.com/dontodrin” on Wednesday February 1 for a great discussion.
“ONWARD THROUGH THE FOG!”
JOSEPH CONFORTO