STEPS – in one easy step
Quite a few new starters here at WA ask about how to get started, where to begin and so on. I also see a similar thing in the comments on my YouTube channel. What should I do first. How can I plan. There is so much to do etc. And amongst the apprentices that I taught.
Any business, any work, is a journey that can broken down into steps.
The first thing is … do you know where you are now and do you know where you want to be. Once you know that, you can divide the gap into several steps.
And each of those steps can be further divided into yet more steps.
Don’t worry about planning every single step in infinite detail at the outset.
Going back 20 years, an apprentice electrician wanted to know how he could have his own electrician’s business. He was sensible enough to realise that this was a long-term goal and I was pleased that he had that dream. What we had to do was to lay a path between the reality of now and the dream of tomorrow.
Over several weeks, this 18 year old did all the things we discussed in our meetings. He came up with a broad plan. In a nutshell, this was to complete his apprenticeship, get himself a few years qualified experience and then branch out on his own. Once he was making the “money”, he wanted lots of holidays in the south of Spain.
Fine, now break this down into many step. Jjust how will you complete your apprenticeship, what exams do you need to pass, what about your evidence portfolio. Every step in detail now.
Then look at what you will do when working for someone else as a qualified electrician. List all the steps and what you must become competent at, what equipment you must have experience with and how to get it.
Off he went. A few weeks later he had all the steps worked out. Basically, he was to complete his apprenticeship (another 15 months). Then he would stay with his current employer for 5 years or until he had ticked off all his must do tasks, whichever came last.
Then, surprise-surprise, he was going to move to Spain and start his business there, in the middle of a region that was full of retired ex-pat British residents.
The reason, he said, they are retired so they don’t want to or can’t do DIY jobs. There are thousands of British ex-pats and hundreds of British clubs in the area. They all speak English. They will all talk to each other and tell each other about his business. And … he would be in his beloved Spain, where he always wanted to be.
That was it, a year down the road and I lost touch with him, it always happens.
10 years later (about 2018) I pulled into a motorway service area for a comfort break and food. Stood in the queue to pay for my food, a tanned 30 year old leant over to the checkout girl and said “I will pay for that” It was the apprentice and we sat and chatted for almost an hour.
He had followed every step on his plan, he had planned smaller steps to help complete the big steps and even smaller to steps to complete the small steps. He qualified, he worked for his boss for nearly 6 years and then went to Spain. He now has a thriving business looking after the English community in his part of Spain.
The phone rings 7 days a week for all sorts of problems and most of his customers are now friends.
In fact, the only reason he was in the UK at that time, was to get a break. He is in so much demand that he must leave the Spain in order to get any time off.
He’s loving it. And now he’s working his next plan, to employ at least one English electrician to grow the business.
As we parted, he said that there were two things he always remembered from our meetings.
1/. Know where you are and where you want to be, plan each step to get there and then work single-mindedly at that step until it is completed.
2/. And look at where your feet are. Make sure that your feet are firmly on the step you need to be on. The top step will come soon enough.
This guy was going to the top.
Finally, a saying of mine from many years ago …
A thousand small steps will get you there.
Good luck, see you at the top.
Bux
Recent Comments
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Good morning Bux,
First of all, I hope you are getting back to normal! And secondly, what a fantastic story!
It's always good when you hear a success story and someone who wants to thrive and make the effort to be successful in life. How amazing that you should bump into this man again!
I see lots of people asking questions when they first arrive at Wealthy Affiliate, which I do understand. But most of the time, if they only they went through the detailed training videos, questions would be quickly answered!
It sounds like your apprentice had a great plan and had his head screwed on, good for him!
Have a great day and thank you for sharing.
Roy
Its not often that we meet a truly sensible 17 or 18 year old. Driving away from those motorway services I felt so pleased for him. One of the few that listen to old-timers and act on it.
Thanks Roy. Have a great week.
Bux
Good morning Bux,
Unfortunately, I have to agree with your first sentence; that is a fact! I understand exactly where you're coming from, Bux, it leaves such a good feeling when someone listens to wise words!
Just going back to your first sentence, a very good friend of mine has a 20-year-old son; he's really going for it! I spoke to him about an online business, and he is now creating lots of videos, and all sorts of opportunities are opening up. He is also working a full-time job. He had a great and solid upbringing, which also helps!
I think it's great when we see young people like Roope, for example, and I know there are many more here who have taken solid action! It's life-changing for them!
Have a great day.
Roy
From my past experience, I had a top point that I aimed to reach. But after reaching it, I soon found that it didn't last.
So then, there was another top point. The cycle repeated, again and again.
Today, I have a goal. I hope to reach it. After reaching it, I wonder - will the cycle repeat? Will I reach this top point and later find that I would like another?
Tim
Another and another, Tim. We will always want the journey just as much as the goal.
What’s your latest goal.
Bux
To provide for my family and live a happy and prosperous life with them.
What about you, Bux?
Tim
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Love it Bux! Any step forward is still a step in the right direction and if we are able to plan those steps then all the better!!
He didn't offer you the job in the South of Spain by any chance??
And do you where abouts he lives down there... I am contemplating a return!!
Hope you are feeling a better buddy and enjoy the rest of your week! :-)
👍🦏🍻
No, sorry Nick. As I was driving away I realised I should have got his details. Such is life. There is another chap I taught, he lives in Alicante. He was a mature student, retired now. He did very well. Ex police inspector started a security camera business with the English ex-pats and then added on electrics after a year with me on different courses. Not long before the Spaniards had ditched the Spanish sparkies and gone over to Gary. I must have taught him something right. Apparently there is a crate full of wine waiting for me if I get there.
How did the pup get on at the dog doctors.
Chat soon my friend.
Bux
Not to worry Bux, I'll get down there again if I really need to!
I would certainly say that you taught Gary something useful, but... my experiences with Spanish sparkies was never anything to write home about!
Definitely worth the trip just for the wine in my opinion!
Her vet visit was this morning and unfortunately it was not the news I wanted to hear....
How can a pup since the age of one have so many problems with her liver I don't know...
And apparently mine is ok, but I do need to visit the quack again before too long just to check!
Anyway, she needs to go back to the specialist again on the 9th of February for more tests... poor little bugger...
Take care buddy!
👍🦏🍻
Oh dear. Thoughts and prayers go out to her.
Yes, Gary sent me lots of photos as he came across problems. Usually accompanied by - How would you put this right.
I had the same with French sparkies in Suevres. Within 30 minutes of turning up in the village from the UK, there would be a knock on my door. Daveed, Daveed, we ave zer problem, mon ami.
They would use me in preference to local chaps.
The inspector used to come round and he would say - oh, if the Englishman did it, then it is ok, I don't need to check it.
Take care, Good luck.
Bux
Thanks my friend...
Sounds like you have left a lasting impression wherever you have been though!
You too buddy! :-)