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Yes, it’s true. A dear friend of mine -or so I thought- owns a local restaurant. I had already decided that the next time he complained about not having enough money, or business I would tell him why.
Looking back I find great clarity, hindsight being what it is. Now I wonder about this choice. In the company of another friend the restauranteur begins to tell us about all the people not buying but instead stealing and loitering on his patio.
I calmly say, “You know my favorite drink is a mocha, and sometimes its hard to pay for a drink I can hardly drink”. The problem here is simple. As is the cliché, the devil is in the details. You would think making great food and drinks would be an important detail.
Unfortunately my words were taking as vinegar and my friend told me to get lost. Only when he said it there were a lot more &@$*! as he stormed off. But This wasn’t enough, he also took liberty to txt me not to return and that I was an ass hole –yes two words.
The final replies, I wrote, “I love you anyway.” To which he replied, “@#&% you”.
Business clearly isn’t so good. If it were the restauranteur would not have taken my words with such dramatic emotion.
The thing is, I deeply care about his success, and the success of his venture. If I didn’t, I simply wouldn’t show up, let alone tell him the problem. But like often the case, sometimes we don’t want to hear the words that would save a sinking ship.
The restauranteur will mark the third of his kind I have known. The other two went out of business. I hope he doesn’t follow the others. Maybe he will read this post. If he does, I love you anyway. The details and consistence are what counts.
Then again, this isn’t much different from my business. After 13 years, people still call me about properties for sale. I have a reputation for showing up, consistently. I have a habit of closing deals, of rehabbing property and watching the details.
UPDATE
12/02/2011 – I started getting texts, “what happened to #%#*?” Turns out business wasn’t so good. The restaurant is closed and a big for sale sign is out front. Naturally, I called to help. The guy put his life savings into opening the place. Alas, no reception.