A long time ago, in a land not too far away..., paper money was backed by a supply of gold, actual gold. Not Fool's Gold that sometimes glitters in lakes and streams or in a quiet ocean, but solid gold. If you desired to trade your paper money in for the only bars better than chocolate, you could. There was a sense of value behind the bills in your wallet because they represented something considerably valuable.

The Gold Standard is all but extinct now. Paper money is backed by accounts payable or accounts receivable. But the symbolism is still there, hopefully. And with such symbols, a certain amount of respect is due. We have gold records - with sales of 500,000. We have gold medals, representing the best in the competition. We have gold rings that signify commitment to the one. The Gold Cup? The best soccer has to offer. The best in entertainment is celebrated by the Golden Globes.




Gold has come to represent the best of the best with longstanding value behind it. Kind of like putting your money where your mouth is. Look past the symbolism and wrap your head around the idea that providing unsurpassed service or a superb product means more than just deserving a gold medal. It is done with intent and purpose, with the desire to be of the greatest value.

In our daily work lives, when conducting business, is there opportunity for improvement or are you already giving 100% to clients and promising more to future clients? Is there that better way that 2nd century military leader, Hannibal spoke of? "I will either find a way, or make one." His words were used to inspire his army, but they can work for you. Find that better way.

Backing your words and efforts with a promise is not the same as backing them with actions and knowledge. When you say you will deliver, do it. When you sell yourself as the best at your craft, be it. The standard you set must not only be deliverable, but also recognizable. What is your gold standard? Are you reserves tapped out? Or have you built your store to draw upon for years to come?

"If money is your hope for independence you will never have it. The only real security that a man will have in this world is a reserve of knowledge, experience, and ability." ~Henry Ford