Remember, there are countless ways to make money. Regardless of your role, prioritize delivering value from a place of genuine concern.

Introduction: What does being of value mean for me?

Throughout my journey of building The Strategic Conduit, my unwavering focus has been on delivering genuine value to others. I prioritize providing clients with strong advocacy, practical and effective strategies, and vetted solutions to solve their problems and achieve their objectives. I am committed to delivering value to vendor partners by connecting them with qualified and well-intentioned leads. Additionally, I strive to support referral partners by ensuring their referrals receive the utmost attention and assistance, while helping them cultivate new revenue streams. Every interaction I have with these individuals is driven by the goal of bringing value. My overarching mission is to ensure a win-win situation for everyone involved.

No matter what role I’ve held - sales, entrepreneur, executive, consultant,  I have always been driven by the satisfaction of the client. It is important to note that prioritizing client happiness does not mean they are always right, but rather that they deserve attention and respect. Finding ways to bring value in all these interactions has never been a daunting task for me.

New Perspectives

The passing of my father at the beginning of 2023 has broadened my perspective on value. Affectionately known as Papa Little Jerry, he was a lawyer whose clients universally adored him - not only for the value his services brought them but also for the deep care he showed to everyone, and I mean everyone. He had a knack for striking up conversations with anyone and everyone, earning him the reputation of being a people person. Whether he was at a restaurant or in the courthouse or on the train, he would engage in socializing with the staff, bartender, an up and coming professional or a fellow entrepreneur. He was the kind of person who was known by everyone, even if he didn't know them personally. His presence was always felt, and he had a special place in the hearts of those around him.

He made sure to express his full personality, complete with his trademark jokes, in every environment and situation, which showcased his genuine approach to human interaction. Just take a look at his fax cover sheet, which humorously depicted his few remaining hairs and proudly showcased the long cigars he always had in his mouth, everywhere he went. Unlit and pre-pandemic, you could spot him strolling through downtown Chicago's Daley Center Courthouse on weekdays, with a long cigar hanging from his mouth. Impossible to miss, he greeted everyone and brought smiles to their faces.

Known for his repetitive jokes, one of his favorites was claiming to be 6'2"... when he was standing on his money. In reality, he was probably not even 5'2". Growing up in a middle-class family, I would often respond with this witty remark, "Yeah, if it was in quarters!" We always had a good laugh. His repeated jokes on the train downtown for over 50 years led someone to create a business card caricature, capturing his story and always evoking laughter.

As the administrator of his estate, I had the responsibility of closing down his law practice. Let me tell you, it's something you should avoid at all costs in your lifetime. Take this as a triple note: estate planning holds immense value - DO NOT IGNORE IT.

Throughout this process, I had numerous conversations with his clients, colleagues, mentees, and even judges. Certain things kept coming up repeatedly. Apart from being known as a character and one-of-a-kind, what I heard left a lasting impact on me, never to be forgotten.

I knew my father well, as well as any son can know his father. He always told me that he chose his practice area to help people, and I know that was true. I have built my business in this same manner: Find how you can help most, create a solution that is the very best you can provide, and then align trustworthy partners to engage with to accomplish big goals. 

The Lessons that Lasted

My father had a successful 50-year career as a lawyer, always doing things uniquely his way, and building lasting relationships with his clients. His secret? Genuine care and treating people with respect. He went beyond legal matters, engaging in conversations that mattered far beyond the courtroom about family, current events or whatever was important in that moment.

The mentorship he provided extended beyond his clients. I heard stories of how he stepped in to help fellow lawyers in the courtroom, and how he became a go-to person for anyone in need of a conversation.

His clients had many options, but they chose him for his authenticity and compassion. It wasn't about fancy technology or expensive suits, but about being a real person who genuinely cared. And the world reciprocated that love.

My father taught me the importance of consulting, building relationships, and providing value in every interaction. Just like my dad, I strive to solve problems and achieve objectives with a deep sense of care.

We have all heard people say that business is all about relationships. What does that really mean? I believe that means that you care. Deeply. You want to help other people, not JUST make money.  

What do you really want?

Do you want long standing relationships, clients that are loyal, a fulfilling career and life, constant word of mouth referrals, and hundreds and hundreds of people praising you upon your death? 

Do you want to leave a legacy so strong that no matter what you have done wrong, when you are gone, you are honored and deeply missed for how you uniquely touched people?

Follow the ways of Papa Little Jerry and provide raw authentic and true value from your heart in every interaction. 

I know I do and always will.

 #businessrelationships #legacybuilding #authenticvalue