Working to create your own business is a very challenging task.  Not just getting targeted traffic, but surviving all the steps of getting to the point of success and freedom (particularly when you start with nothing).

I spent 8 hours a day working in a retail store just to ensure I could create enough money to build a business, one step at a time.  I will say up front that I’m not putting down people that work in retail stores.  In fact, I am really empathizing with them.

I grew up with the ideas and respect for people hammered into me, almost literally.  I never knew that people do the things they do, until I worked so hard in a retail store, making a low salary, and regularly being attacked by rude, condescending, customers.  It really was so very upsetting to me.

I am 50 years old, and to have people come in the door that are say – 25 years old -and start talking down to you like they are your mother or grandmother, or like you are their pet or just a moron that couldn’t possibly know anything is very upsetting.

Those that say that it isn’t upsetting really are just hiding their feelings.  These people that do these things are represent a small percentage of the population.  Thank God for that!  But they would absolutely ruin my day.

One day, a young lady came in, maybe 25 years old.  She wanted a service that she considered insignificant so thought therefore I should do it for free.  Of course, she doesn’t consider the fact that we had 1000 customers a month wanting the same service.

At the same time, I was busy processing a customers requirements.  As soon as she heard she had to pay $2.00 for the service (which she really should have done on her own), her face goes to a mean frown, and she starts the condescending attacks.

I shouldn’t have to pay for that…. yada, yada, yada.  At the same time, I am trying to complete the service for the “paying customer” and she starts barking, “you need to look at me.”  I said, “ma’am, can’t you see that I am busy doing something that needs my attention?”

She barks at me again, “You need to make eye contact with me.  I shouldn’t have to pay for this.”

I said, “That service costs $2.00 or you can take care of it on your own, those are the options.”  Mind you, I never raised my voice – just stated the facts.

She quickly furthers the attack telling me how rude I am, and that people have no respect anymore.

Can you imagine!  This kind of ridiculous attack goes on all the time in retail stores.  It upsets me so much, because I don’t have the ability to lash out at people because they request payment for services, and then start putting them down.  I simply can’t do it.

When these things happen (and much worse happens, believe me), I cry on the inside, my hands shake, and I really don’t know what to do.

These great moments in working to create my business motivated me to endlessly work to create a business that generates tons of cash, so I can give people jobs, build my Parrish church, and live comfortably where I don’t have to deal with people like the retail store demons above.

What motivates you to keep going?  You must have something, or you’ll never make it to the top.

- Wayne Sharer