A job candidate asked me - "What's the kindest thing anyone's ever done for you?"
I've been thinking about it for two months, but my instinctive answer was the right answer.
My reply:
Newly minted advisors at big brokerage firms are fresh meat for senior advisors.
They swarm the newbies hoping to recruit cheap labor.
I knew I wanted to start my own thing, so hitching my trailer to someone else was never a consideration, except...
...after my first 12 months, I closed no one except my parents. I was broke, on the verge of divorce, and doubting everything.
So out of desperation, I started exploring the possibility.
After talking with 3 different senior advisors, I sat down with my Market Manager, Kevin Kitchin.
Kevin was one of - maybe even THE - kindest, most generous, and forthright leaders I've ever worked for.
His employees' success was prioritized above all else, but he wasn't there to mother you. He wouldn't hesitate to tell it like it is.
Frankly, he's the type of leader I aspire to be with my team.
"So Rick, I've heard you've talked to Dan and Ian and Steve. How do you feel about teaming up?"
"Well... uhh... you know Kevin, I don't REALLY want to. I've always wanted to build my own thing, but I'm not sure I have a choice."
"Okay. And why is that?"
"I mean I've been cold-calling my ass off for a year, but I haven't closed squat. I'm about to go 100% commission and...well... I'm just at the end of my rope."
"Well, Rick. You wanna know what I think?
My voice cracked and I blinked to displace the tear forming in the corner of my eye... "Yeah?"
"I don't think you should team up. I know the people that should and you're not one of them. Don't take the easy road. That road's not yours to follow."
If life boils down to a few critical moments that was one of them.
If Kevin had told me to team up instead, I would have. And my life and business would have taken a completely different path.
It'd be ANOTHER 6 months of crickets, sleepless nights, and even a Performance Improvement Plan.
But through it all, I never stopped to look back ever again.
He was right. The easy road wasn't mine to follow.
Thanks, Kevin.
Director of Talent Acquisition | Texas Lead | Connecting Audit & Tax CPAs with accounting & advisory firms
2moGlad to have you in the business Ruby Webster ! A massive warm welcome. You're going to smash it! 🏆