Hello Misfit Nation! Welcome to another edition of "Lessons for Hannah!"
In November of 2016, we introduced a new format that we are putting alongside our regular episodes called “Lessons for Hannah.” Hannah is my daughter and one of the main inspirations for the Misfit Entrepreneur. I wanted to have a place where she could go and learn from her daddy and his Misfit friends throughout her life….even after I am gone. If you haven’t listened to the first episode of "Lessons for Hannah," I urge you to as it gives some more background and tells the amazing story of how Hannah came to be in our lives.
"Lessons for Hannah" are short, very useful, and sometimes comical lessons, that I have learned which I want to share with you and give to Hannah to help in your lives. Because I want Hannah to have these for her life, I’m going to speak as though I am talking directly to her. These episodes are a lot of fun and if you think there is a lesson that we should include in these episodes, please don’t hesitate to send it over to us at support@misfitentrepreneur.com. We’d love to share it.
This week’s Lesson for Hannah
Hannah, I want to talk to you about the importance of building great relationships. As you grow in life, you will have the chance to meet and develop relationships with amazing people. Cherish these opportunities. Great relationships are more valuable than money or any material thing because if everything was stripped away from you tomorrow, your relationships with your family, friends, and business partners. would be what you have left.
Relationships will also always give you the best return on your investment – meaning the time and energy that you put into building them and keeping them. I have seen this first hand and admittedly, it took me longer than it should have to figure this out in life. So, with that being said, I wanted to give you some tips on creating great relationships.
Great relationships are built on the following:
First, Mutual respect. You cannot create a great lasting relationship with someone if you don’t respect them or they don’t respect you. Look to create partnerships and relationships with those that you respect and that have proven to respect you.
Second, if you are creating a great relationship, it must be based on brutal honesty. You should be able to say what is true and on your mind and they should be able to receive it and work with you as needed. The same goes for you. Demand that your relationships be built on a bedrock of honesty.
Next, integrity. Simply put, this means doing what you say and following through, so make you are committed to it and that those you are in the relationship with are as well.
Fourth is Consistency. Commit to being consistent in your relationships. This means giving them the time they deserve and staying with them long term. And here’s a secret, the longer the relationship goes, the better it can grow and the better it gets.
Lastly, come with a genuine willingness to give. If you are willing to give of yourself and go above and beyond when needed, you will find that you will get it back multiple times in return. It is the universal law of reciprocity that has stood the test of time.
Hannah, if you make these 5 elements part of how you approach your relationships, you will have a very blessed life not matter what happens. Always remember, great relationships pay off more than any other investment throughout your life!
I love you, Daddy.
Best Quote: “Great relationships are more valuable than money or any material thing because if everything was stripped away from you tomorrow, your relationships with your family, friends, and business partners. would be what you have left."
Misfit 3