Don’t underestimate your value… Lead By giving.

Far to often, as we lead our lives and the people around us. We forget how important actions speak louder than words. The fight to become a Value-Driven Investor is not an easy one. Especially, while you are still in the Survival phase. You are fighting to live the life you have always dreamed about. In the beginning, your mind tells you this is impossible. The questions is… Will you quit?

For those who refuse to quit and are committed to living a life on their terms. Below is a story I share with you about how to “lead by giving.”

Not only is this a complete mind-shift for anyone. But it is also one of the most authentic and powerful ways to build relationships and trust.

Because in order to lead a team. You must be the first one willing to give up everything.

Don’t underestimate your value

I was talking with a good friend of mine Bob Grand. He and I share the same focus on becoming successful in real estate investing, real estate development and most of all impacting the people around us in a positive way.

Bob runs a club in his town called “Impact Club” He has 106 members in that club who gladly donate $100 at 4 events every year.

Bob and I talk once or twice a week about life and the legacy we want to leave on the world. We talk about business and how we can grow something that has the power to support a cause like Impact Club or Team Sugar Shay.

Bob is newer to the world of real estate investing and infill development. But, his desire to learn and grow is unlike many I have ever met. That’s what I love about him.

“Murph, I needed to talk with you about how I find a builder I can partner with on bigger new construction projects. I know a guy who might be a great fit… But, he probably doesn’t want anything to do with me because he already has a great business building awesome custom homes.” Bob said to me when we first started the call.

Bob then went on to talk about this local builder he wanted to partner with. This builder has constructed hundreds of custom homes in his community. When the real estate market crashed this guy lost everything. He had a big business with several employees… When the market crashed in 2008 he slowly lost each one of the people in his company, he lost all his money and he lost his business.

To literally rebuild his business and his life. This local builder started building homes with his own two hands.

“Murph, does this sound like a builder you would want to work with?” Bob asked me

“You are saying this builder you want to work with lost everything, refused to quit, started his business over again by building a home with his own two hands and today has resurrected his building business that is stronger than ever?” I responded.

“Yes, that is exactly what he did. Plus, he is in my Impact Club helping me make a positive impact on our local community.” Bob added.

“YES!!, this is exactly who I would want to work with.” I said loud and proud.

Lead By Giving

“Great, but the dude already has an amazing business. What does he need me for?” Bob asked.

You see, this is exactly the opposite thing you should be thinking. Opportunities in life are not started because you believe there is no way to add value in someone's life.

Opportunities grow from a belief you are different. Which in Bob’s case he is exceptionally different because his business powers Impact Club making him the leader of a community of 106 people who lead by giving.

In the world today it is very hard to find real authentic leaders. The kind who put others before themselves… No matter what the cost. The kind who will literally take their shirt off their back for you in a time of need.
The kind who will literally risk their life for yours.

Well, Bob is that kind of guy.

He’s my kind of guy.

So, we talked about how he can bring value to this local custom builder by giving just like he does every single day.

As an infill developer, I built a working relationship with my now good friend Chris by bringing him value.

As a 30 year construction veteran Chris doesn’t really need me.

But, because I was able to show him how I can find new projects, finance them, market them and work with our customers to deliver an amazing experience. Well… Let’s just say those are not things most builders enjoy or are very good at.

However, guys like Bob Grand and myself are GREAT at these things.

Bob and I talked about how he can deliver value to this local builder today!

Bob, proceeded to tell me how he has a small plot of land he wants to subdivide and develop 3–5 homes on. He knew this builder would be a great partner on a project like this.

It was at that moment I started telling him how he can lead the relationship by giving…

“Oh, you mean like giving him this opportunity I might have with a little old lady who is willing to finance the sale of her home. This way my builder buddy could just carry the construction cost, build a home, make a profit and deliver a WIN-WIN for both the little old lady and himself?” Bob proceeded to say…

“YES!!” I responded.

“You don’t think that brings your builder buddy a ton of value. His biggest struggle is finding and financing new projects. Without new projects he doesn’t have a business. The fact you can help him find and finance projects is a HUGE value add.” I responded.

So, just like Bob always does…. He took action.

Literally, 30 minutes after talking with me he texted saying,

“He’s In!”

To be honest, I knew that was going to happen for Bob. Because it’s hard to find real authentic leaders like him. The kind of guy you know if you went to war with… Would jump on a grenade to save your life and the life of each and every one of his brothers. With his own.

We all know those kinds of people when we meet them.

Today, Bob’s builder buddy knew he had a chance to do business with the kind of guy he might never get an opportunity to work with again.

Of course he is going to say “I’m In!!”

I tell you this true story because it is at the heart of what we as a community of "Value-Driven Investors" strive to be for our people and our community.

So, I ask, “Are you committed to becoming a value-driven investor?”