Written by: Vickie Sullivan | July 25, 2017
When to Turn to an Outsider for Help
Ya know that moment when you realize (in a bad way) the impact of what looked like a great decision? I call this a “2×4” experience”—as in when you get hit in the head with a cosmic 2×4 and all the a sudden “get it.”
That happened to me when we returned from vacation and found our plum tree almost dead. I freaked out and hired a tree expert. His verdict: When we replaced the grass around the tree with rock, the 118-degree summer heat was burning up the roots. This majestic vibrant 20-year-old tree was near death in two months. Wow.
My big aha: During the backyard makeover, I knew what I wanted but didn’t know the impact of my choice. The rock looked good on paper, but no one understood the grass kept the huge roots moist enough during the summer. If I had advanced warning before ripping up the grass, I would’ve changed course.
And that’s exactly why we all need experts. To keep us from doing stupid stuff that sound like a great idea at the time.
Listen: The best time to hire an outside expert
Being clear about our goals is not enough. We also need to know the ripple effect to make informed decisions. Outside experts see our situation from a different angle and can give us a heads-up before we implement—so we don’t have to scramble (and pay more) to solve the problems we create.
This hard lesson applies to our business, as well. Learn from my mistake. And please “root” (pun intended) for my beloved plum tree to survive my stupidity.
Other Resources You May Like:
- Why You Should Not Help Everybody
- 1 Question That Will Save You Time and Money
- Strategic Sounding Boards Give Real-World Advice for When the Rubber Meets the Road
Author : Bruce La Fetra
Published: 2017-07-25 07:06:15
Great story. Of course, the outside expert has to truly align with your interests. The landscape consultant who is in love with rock (whether consciously or unconsciously) will always manage to steer you to rock.