Hustle

Over 25 years ago, while visiting an advertising agency in Fort Worth, I noticed something hanging in the lobby. It was a framed photograph of an old typewriter with a document still rolled on its carriage. The document was a poem, probably written many years ago, and it summed up my work ethic so well that I asked the agency for a copy of the photo. The poem goes like this:

Hustle is doing something that everyone
is absolutely certain can’t be done.
Hustle is making the sale because you got there first,
or stayed with it after everyone else gave up.
Hustle is shoe leather and elbow grease and sweat
and missing lunch.
Hustle is getting prospects to say “yes” after they say “no” twenty times.
Hustle is doing more for our customers
than the other guy is doing for him.
Hustle is believing in yourself
and the business you’re in.
Hustle is the sheer joy of winning.
Hustle is being the sorest loser in town.
Hustle is hating to take a vacation because you
might miss a piece of the action.
Hustle is pure joy if you’re a hustler.
Hustle is pure hell if you’re not.

Obviously, the poem was written for someone in sales. But what really caught my attention was the passion expressed in the message. I thoroughly enjoy working with people who have a passion for what they do. It’s about believing in your products and services, truly enjoying helping your clients succeed, putting your heart and soul into your work to produce a truly exceptional product, being honest and truthful, and being part of a group of people who believe in each other.

Passion is something you can’t fake. It’s something that comes from the heart – not your brain.

When I look at our team…I see a lot of passion.

And I’m very proud of what we’ve done and what we can do.

Maybe we’ve got a little Hustle…