Service

Rule #8: Work hard until you can work smart.

The concept of service is an important part of this story.

We're not talking about service businesses (yet), but the concept of service itself.

Service is how you learn to help people.

I worked in service businesses for 8 years before starting one, and credit those 8 years for teaching me the skills I've now leveraged into an asset of my own.

Service in the context of my career as a graphic designer was everything from getting the coffee, to pulling an all-nighter to get a presentation ready for a client, to learning how to use specific software.

If you've ever helped another person do something, you are a service provider.

In the short-term, while we're gathering experience, the service attitude is exactly what we need to explore the world - build relationships, and discover the things we're interested in.

The problem with the "service" mentality over the long-term is that it often results in people taking on problems that they aren't particularly qualified to solve. (in the name of providing service)

I have been there hundreds of times, and I'm sure if you're reading this - you have too.

The intention is good, but the outcome is usually bad for both parties.

One last thing, compensation doesn't just come in the form of cash.

Experience (teaches you how to do something)

Credibility (drives up the price of what you do)

Connections (introduces you to more people to do it for)

We'll be unpacking the transition from service provider to asset builder in a few of the later modules.