It's Not What's Earned, But What's Learned

To be successful, hard work is probably one of the biggest factors. I had two great parents who instilled a work ethic. I started mowing yards at 10 years of age, earned an allowance by doing chores, and learned many skills in the home. Bottom line, even though I played sports all year long, I managed to find time for part time jobs. So, maybe the lessons I learned early in life prepared me for what was to come.

You see, I have tried to pass down what I have learned. Those listeners know that, in our world, the most important people are the advisors that do business with us. We also realize that each Ohlson Group associate is as important as the associate working next to them. I also think that passing down what I have learned to the agent in the field could reap rewards for our agents. Why? Because I have truly walked a mile in your shoes.

But passing down what you have learned will be far more important to the current and future generations. Not learning just about the successes, but also of the failed attempts at things. Teaching others that failure is the greatest recipe for success. In our business, we need to pass down what we have learned to our clients and prospects… and to their kids. What about volunteering to teach a personal finance class at a high school? Maybe coaching a little league team? Or sitting down with younger people urging them to reach deep and become someone special? Advise them that time is the one thing you can’t get back. Each time you do that, you have an opportunity to change and enhance someone’s future.

Bottom line, we all have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, no matter who you are: parents, grandparents, teachers, police, financial services professionals, etc. So, if you are looking for another reason to do what we do, pass along what you have learned and enrich people’s lives one person at a time.

​And, in closing, maybe Ohlson Group has learned a few things that can help you. I am confident that there are things you have learned that can help us. Because at the end of the day, when your last press release is the obituary, people will continue to speak about you for passing down what you learned, not just what you have earned.

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Until next time… good selling!
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Raymond J. Ohlson
Founder & Retired CEO
Ohlson Group
​1-877-844-0900