I grew up watching my grandfather smoke himself into an early grave. I listened to him every day cough and wheeze, struggling to breathe his every breath. I wondered why on earth, he would keep doing something that was so dangerous to his body. I guess as a young boy, I didn't fully understand the effects and the addiction that cigarette smoking could have on him. Therefore, I didn't understand why he wouldn't just lay them down, instead of having to breathe on an oxygen machine for the remaining years of his life.
However, I loved him just the same, no matter what. I urged him to quit every chance I got. I even got a license as a hypnotherapist in hopes of helping him to kick the habit. Unfortunately, it took longer to get my license than he had left. I vowed when he passed away, to do all that I could to help others in the same situation to quit smoking. That is why I have chosen to start my business as a licensed hypnotherapist, specializing exclusively in helping others to quit smoking.
My only problem is that I do not have enough money just yet to rent my own office space or building. Being a newcomer in this field is taking me a little while to build my clientele. It is hard to be serious when you don't have a professional area to work in. This is why I have decided to discuss my options with my mentor, Dr. Milton Dickerson. I know he'll have some good advice for me, so I called him and invited him to lunch.
When we met at the restaurant, I slowly worked my way into telling him about my plans. I told him that I really wanted to do this but wasn't sure how to get an office without the funds to rent it. I asked him if he knew of anywhere reasonably cheap that I could rent in order to get my business started.
Dr. Dickerson told me that the building he was renting was originally a Dental Office. He said it had a waiting area, along with four individual rooms in it. Then he told me that his landlord had given him a really good rental price, since a dentist before him had rented it.
I told Milton, "Man... you are so lucky. I wish I could run across a great deal like that. I know I could make a go at it, if I just had my own space."
Milton twirled his fork on his plate for a few seconds as I went on talking about my new business ideas. Then he broke in and said, "Steve, do you really think you can help people quit smoking? I mean... Is that really, what you want to do...? There are so many other things you are qualified to handle..."
I replied, "I have always wanted to help others... so why not help save their lives in the process of kicking a nasty habit."
Milton grinned and said, "Well... I like your conviction for this... Tell you what, since I have four rooms, why don't you start out your business there with me. Then you can build it up and get your own place when you're ready."
My heart just about jumped out of my chest. I couldn't believe my ears. Did my mentor just tell me I could start my business out of his office? Shocked I asked, "Are you sure? You won't be sorry... Thank you. Oh..., this is going to be great! How much are you going to charge me for rent?"
Milton sat back in his chair as he laughed slightly at me. He said, "Don't worry about it. We're both in the business of helping other people. In fact, you would be doing me a favor... I've had several of my students use that space just until they were ready to move out on their own to something bigger and better... I can do it for you as well. I know you'll make me proud!"
I shook his hand and told him "thank you" several more times, as we finished our meal. I couldn't believe how generous he was being, but I wasn't going to question him anymore. I was really looking forward to getting my name out there. So much so, that I asked him if it would be all right for me to go ahead and get things organized and ready for me to begin... starting today. So, he told me to begin whenever I wanted, "Today was just fine."
After lunch, I rushed home and gathered up a few of my things that I knew I would need. Then I headed over to the office and began hanging my license certificates along with some personal photos that gave the room my personality. "This is great." I thought as I organized the desk and labeled the filing cabinet accordingly. Then I posted flyers throughout the office and distributed some around to the local businesses on my way home. Everything was falling into place for me and I was going to do my best and not let this opportunity go to waste.
Over the next couple of months, my business was doing well. I successfully helped 51 people kick the habit. They had all stopped smoking with my help. It felt great to have my business up and running so well.
That made me even more excited to be doing this on my own. More importantly, I was able to help people change their lives and it felt good.
When I got around to telling Milton that I had helped that many people and that my success rate was 51 out of 53, he looked shocked. So I asked him, "What wrong?"
He said to me, "Steve, I figured that you had only helped about 5 or 6 clients in this short amount of time, which would have been great. In addition to that, your success rate is off the charts! I had no idea it had been so many... I'm blown away! You have a talent unlike anything I've ever seen or read about!"
I replied, "You're too kind."
He said, "No Steve really... You're a slam-dunk... averaging 90 points a game! That's amazing... You're really gifted!" Then he became silent for a few moments and added, "Tell me Steve... You are so talented at this... why do you only help smokers?
There are so many other issues you could help people overcome... It's all the same. You of all people should know that. Have you thought about expanding your area of expertise?"
I looked at him thinking about what he had just said and told him, "Not really. I have my reasons, I guess."
Then Milton interrupted and said, "You know what... I actually need a favor, if you will?"
I just looked at him as he continued with, "My wife and I are going on vacation to Greece for a month... There is this woman I want you to help while I'm away."
I asked him, "How many cigarettes does she smoke per day?"