Don't Forget To Dream
By Ginny Dye
Don't Forget to Dream Sometimes we know that something has to change in our lives. That need often gives birth to adream. The problem is we often succumb to the fear of the unknown and turn our backs on thedoors that are opening to us. Life was different back in the 1800's. Charles Tiffany was 15 when he completed his formaleducation and went to work managing a general store for his father who owned a Connecticutcotton mill. He worked long, hard hours - learning new things every day. At 25 he still hadnothing to call his own - and very little money. Let Necessity Breed Action It was time to change his life - time to create his own success. I can imagine the conversationhe had with his friend, and new partner, John Young. "We're going to New York!" "To do what?" John asked warily. "We're going to open our very own stationery & notions store on Broadway!" By now John was looking at him like he'd lost his mind, "With what money?" "I've talked my father into loaning us $1000." "$1000! That's all? How are we supposed to start a new business and have money to live on withjust $1000?" Charles had the perfect answer. "It's either that or be stuck here for the rest of our lives." The two young men went to New York - It was 1837. Enlarge Your Expectations The first three days of business in their new store on Broadway were not promising. Tiffany &Young raked in a dismal $4.38 in sales. No matter. With their sights set on success, the youngmen worked hard to provide products people wanted. Within two years they were selling glassware,cutlery, porcelain, clocks and jewelry. They had also learned a tremendous amount. They knew to search for every opportunity. They knewto take advantage of ways to expand their business. They knew each year would bring newchallenges and opportunities. But
Charles still had no idea what they would become. Look For Ways to Expand In 1841 they added a new partner - someone to travel abroad to increase their purchasing power. Six years later they recognized a growing market for quality gold jewelry and began tomanufacture their own. Just one year later, in 1847, Europe was rocked by disturbances. One of the results was diamondsdeclining 50% in Paris. They took advantage of the situation to purchase huge amounts - gainingenormous profits back in America. All the while they were moving into bigger and better storefronts. In 1867 they moved into thefamous store still on Broadway - Tiffany's. The young man who left Connecticut to open a stationery store became the owner of a $2 Milliondollar business (the equivalent of a multi-billion dollar business today) that was acknowledgedas the greatest jewelry company in North America. Room To Grow Sometimes your original dream may be just a shadow of its true potential. Tiffany never dreamedof creating the greatest jewelry company in North America. He simply moved toward everyopportunity - keeping his mind and heart open to every possibility Follow your dream. Take the steps to bring it to reality. But don't let your own ability todream limit you. Give the dream room to grow. Give it every opportunity to become more. Takeadvantage of your lessons learned and continue to forge ahead.
About the Author
Ginny Dye owns 5 companies, is a published author of 18 books, owns her own publishing company, has 20 years in sales and marketing management, has designed internet marketing systems, developed corporate materials, and coached men and women in achieving their dreams. This is her greatest passion. Most recently she has launched Together We Can Change the World DAY which mobilizes and connects people across the U.S.
|
