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Sadly... A Homeless Guy and his Girlfriend Put 99% Of You TO SHAME!

by iAmNameLess
68 replies
I have to share this..

Today, I was cleaning up some stuff at my old house since I'm waiting on a few clients to send some information, all my other work is finally caught up.

Moving recently put a damper on my productivity, but luckily sales continue to roll in because of my marketing.. not just cold calling, but various streams of marketing and advertising. The thing that really bothered me, is that I had an old fridge sitting in the very back of the yard, along with some other scrap metal. My plan was to just load it up in my truck, haul it off for an extra $50 or so. Then I forgot, I had a ton of cans too, might have added up to an additional $20.. but I didn't want to get dirty and do all this ****.

I walk up my side walk and get ready to open the door and some piece of paper fell out from the screen door between that and the actual door. I bend down to pick it up and it said Frank's FREE Appliance Removal call XXX XXX XXXX

This piece of paper was ripped from a notebook, put in my door. I called the number, he remembered the address and said he'd be there in an hour, and any other metal or whatever else I needed him to take he would.

So he got there, pulled up in a beat up van, tells me how glad he is that I called said him and his girlfriend have been living in that van and used his last $4 to put gas in to get here.

It really intrigued me. I then remembered, I had a dryer in the house still that doesn't work. A shed full of old tools and more aluminum cans, a metal table, and old school metal VCR. Let him take ALL of it!

It took him two trips to load everything up... he might have made $100.. I gave him a $20 tip too. The money he made today was nothing, the tip given was nothing.. but me pointing out to him that he has figured out something many people never do. I pointed out the fact that he's a marketer. He identified his market, he found a need, and provided a solution. He didn't even realize what he did. After a brief conversation, I have NEVER seen someone so motivated and excited about future possibilities in my life. This is a guy going around picking up peoples TRASH!! He left excited for what the future brings, and is going to duplicate what works!

How many people on this forum, just visiting as guests because they don't even have the motivation to sign up? How many people sign up, learn and apply what they learn?

This guy, who is homeless, well, living in his van... is so many steps ahead of you that are better off than him. In marketing though, he is better off than you.

1.) He knows his market
2.) He provides solutions to problems
3.) He is driven, and seeks out people in his market
4.) He is HUNGRY!

I just had to share this brief story... It's sad but at the same time very intriguing. A lot of people can learn from this man. Being at the bottom of the barrel not knowing where the next quarter or dollar is coming from yet he continues to push through because he NEEDS it and he WANTS it.

It's just amazing to me...

So many people on this message board want to have lunch or dinner or a 10 minute phone call with certain gurus on a subject. I don't feel that way. I want to have dinner with this guy, pick at his brain for a little bit. There are so many things you can learn in unexpected encounters. Never discount someone's story, or advice... nearly everything can be applied to your future and your business.
#99% #girlfriend #guy #homeless #put #sadly #shame
  • Profile picture of the author BrandyM
    Yeah this guy puts me to shame I admit it. Great motivational story. I read somewhere that if you don't have a WHY then you won't have a really good reason to motivate yourself to be successful. This guy had a WHY which made him motivated to take action.

    This proves that it doesn't take all the fancy printing or a nice work truck to make some money. The cool thing about this flyer is that it appeared to be a hand written note not some mass generated flyer that most people put on your door. That must have piqued your interest enough to read it. In today's marketing sometimes its the simple stuff that can catch a potential customers attention.
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  • Profile picture of the author agonce
    Indeed this is very motivational... Its not about how nice the message looks, its about what it says.

    Thanks iAmNameless, this helps me a lot now that I've started taking some action!
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Yep, they make so much $$ per 100 or 1000 pounds of scrap, whatever it is--if they can separate it into steel/brass/aluminum/copper/tin it can be more. The Chinese are buying tons of this stuff and recycling it over there, where the environmental & pollution laws are nonexistent.

    I've run a couple recycling yards in my time...and scrapping is a great way to pick up extra dough quick if you've got a truck and/or trailer, a couple of heavy lifters and some gumption...easy business to run with a cell phone and craigslist ads.

    But you got it bang on: it's the Hunger that gets results. He has to succeed, or he won't eat.

    (and it's trash to you: it's not trash to me or him or the Chinese. It's billions of $$ in recycling.)
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    • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
      Originally Posted by kaniganj View Post

      Yep, they make so much $$ per 100 or 1000 pounds of scrap, whatever it is--if they can separate it into steel/brass/aluminum/copper/tin it can be more. The Chinese are buying tons of this stuff and recycling it over there, where the environmental & pollution laws are nonexistent.

      I've run a couple recycling yards in my time...and scrapping is a great way to pick up extra dough quick if you've got a truck and/or trailer, a couple of heavy lifters and some gumption...easy business to run with a cell phone and craigslist ads.

      But you got it bang on: it's the Hunger that gets results. He has to succeed, or he won't eat.

      (and it's trash to you: it's not trash to me or him or the Chinese. It's billions of $$ in recycling.)
      Yeah you're right, it definitely isn't TRASH lol.

      It was just so motivating to me to see him and hear his story and see first hand how hungry someone is. I'll never forget it, that's for sure.

      Always see people complaining about certain things and why they can't do something. Can't go to a meeting because they can't waste the gas or time, can't call people for whatever reason, there are always excuses and even I have excuses at times. Seeing someone down to their last 4 bucks and doing what it takes for the next bit of money was just inspiring.

      Free section of craigslist even has some working dryers and washers... I might keep my eye out for them and give them a call whenever I find something.
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      • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
        Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

        Free section of craigslist even has some working dryers and washers... I might keep my eye out for them and give them a call whenever I find something.
        uh o, your starting to sound like a genuine "nice guy"

        keep it up, and your going to ruin your reputation
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        • Profile picture of the author sandalwood
          Iamnameless,

          Nice post. A friend and I used to do this same thing in the 90's in CA and neither of us were homeless. We simply picked up refrigerators, washers and dryers and took them to one of two used appliance sales stores who agreed to buy our "junk". That was pre-Internet btw.

          We got between 50 & 100 for the reefers and up to 65 for the washers and dryers. We worked 3 days a week. If neither of our stores bought, we went over to the salvage yard and were paid by the pound.

          BTW, this is an all cash business. I'll let you fill in the blanks.

          There are so many ways a guy can make a buck if he just looks around. Find a need, fill it and bank the cash.

          Just my 2¢ but I had to tell my tale. Your post brought back some good memories.
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  • Profile picture of the author RentItNow
    Saw a guy today with sign saying he lost his job at one of the big three and had to feed his kids, can he work for food. Common site but what caught my eye is he wrote it on the back of a bandit sign he likely ripped from the light pole on the corner. Probably made 10 times what the guy that put the bandit sign up does!
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    I have no agenda but to help those in the same situation. This I feel will pay the bills.
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  • Profile picture of the author Yawg Dawg
    Just goes to prove that one man's trash is another man's treasure.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE it that you shared with this man like that.

    You have big things comin dude....BIG things.
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  • Profile picture of the author kmoore
    This is really inspiring and love the way you wrote it. Are u a pro Writer?
    He proves the basic Marketing mantra - "Identify people's needs, create a solution and then sell it". It would sell like hot cakes!
    How many of us - Create a product only to our whims and fancy and complain Why does my product NEVER sells???
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  • Profile picture of the author alistair
    I wouldn't exactly say a bloke living in a van with only $4 left in his pocket to buy fuel with is really inspirational. So he has identified a market for himself which is good for him but it's not exactly a light bulb moment as lots of people go round collecting scrap metal for nothing, especially where I live.

    The point of your post I think is to compare him to people on this site. The difference is, this guy has no money so desperately needs to find a way to earn some. I'm guessing the majority of people here aren't in a desperate situation. It doesn't make him a better marketer.

    Just my opinion.
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    • Profile picture of the author jonnnyd23
      @alistair

      What really intrigued me about this story is the hand written note ripped out of a notebook. This man used what ever tools he had to make his buck. How many people come here and buy WSO's for knowledge and informational tools to earn some cash and still don't use them or find some excuse not to follow or act. I don't know about you but I never received hand written notes ripped out of a notebook at my door unless it's from a neighbor or someone I'm associated with. Just because the man lives in a van doesn't make him a "bloke". Atleast he's not out there begging for money like a lot of homeless do. No matter his circumstances he's still determined to still work and not give up. We don't know this man or his story and he's not here to defend himself, why call him a "bloke"?
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      • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
        Originally Posted by jonnnyd23 View Post

        @alistair
        We don't know this man or his story and he's not here to defend himself, why call him a "bloke"?

        Bloke is a slang term for a man. It is commonly used in the UK

        i looked it up just to be sure, but i don't think bloke is derogatory in any way. i think its just slang
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        • Profile picture of the author alistair
          Originally Posted by kenmichaels View Post

          Bloke is a slang term for a man. It is commonly used in the UK

          i looked it up just to be sure, but i don't think bloke is derogatory in any way. i think its just slang
          Yes bloke just means man, it isn't derogatory in any way. It's the same as saying guy.

          I wasn't putting him down in any way, it's good that he found something to do that earns him some money rather than having to rely solely on your governments benefits, if he does that at all.

          I'm just saying that I don't personally find it inspiring and I don't think it puts 99% of the people here to shame. Maybe it would be inspiring if I knew this blokes background and how he came to be living in a camper van, but then again maybe I would think he only has himself to blame. Who knows?

          But obviously a lot of people here do find this post inspiring for whatever reason so that can't be bad.
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      • Profile picture of the author want2knowhow
        Originally Posted by jonnnyd23 View Post

        @alistair
        Just because the man lives in a van doesn't make him a "bloke". Atleast he's not out there begging for money like a lot of homeless do. No matter his circumstances he's still determined to still work and not give up. We don't know this man or his story and he's not here to defend himself, why call him a "bloke"?
        ...I am in tears and holding my sides from laughter! How many slang terms do we have for things that others wouldn't understand the meaning of? I am both embarrassed and ashamed....

        You must have never read the Sunday (Andy Capp) comics. Bloke and Pub were used quite extensively in it since it is an English cartoon...guess that's just one Old English term that never quite caught on over here. I guess if an Irish man called a woman a Lassie, Wee Wee Lass...you'd think he was calling her a 'dog' or small dog....right?

        Your ignorance cramps my conversation. ~Anthony Hope
         Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects. ~Will Rogers
         To be ignorant of one's ignorance is the malady of ignorance.
        ~A. Bronson Alcott
         Not ignorance, but ignorance of ignorance, is the death of knowledge.
        ~Alfred North Whitehead
         You can be sincere and still be stupid. ~Charles F. Kettering
        It is impossible to defeat an ignorant man in argument. ~William G. McAdoo
        A great deal of intelligence can be invested in ignorance. ~Saul Bellow
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        • Profile picture of the author want2knowhow
          Until you know a person's personal story as to why they're collecting assistance please stop lumping and dumping them into this cynical pile of lazy, good for nothing people. And please...for goodness sake....stop acting as if the United States is the ONLY country whose government has entitlement assistance for it's people. The UK has it, the Soviet Union and Germany, does, too.

          Modern welfare states include countries such as Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland which employ a system known as the Nordic model. It involves a transfer of funds from the state, to the services provided (i.e. healthcare, education) as well as directly to individuals, just like in the United States. The welfare state is funded through redistributionist taxation.

          Also, I've learned over the years to never take everyone a 'face' value. That 'homeless' bum as you call him, could come from a very affluent, wealthy family and have more stocks and bonds and a trust fund that would blow your head off! What he 'appears' to be to you...might not be what or who he is at all...

          How many stories have you read about a so-called 'homeless' person or some old lady who wore old clothes, lived in a house with a bunch of cats that when she died, everybody was shocked and surprised that she had amassed a multi million dollar fortune and bequeathed it to a school or the care of her cats?

          How many stories have you read about the waitress who was left a sizeable fortune in a will from the old man customer who she never knew was a millionaire?

          I know you have to remember the old show "Taxi" and the main nut character Jim (played by Back to the Future actor) Christopher Lloyd who everyone was astounded to learn that he actually came from a very wealthy family...but that he had some serious mental problems...truth is, there are a lot of 'Jim's' out there...

          Or...you must haven't read the stories of wealthy college kids who, because they are adults and 'have no job' per se and aren't living at home...happily apply for welfare benefits and shop hobo chic at organic and health food stores proudly using food stamps with no shame in their game?

          I grew up in both the inner city and the suburbs and have seen many a hustler get his or her hustle on for whatever reason to make and turn a dollar from 15¢. Hang out at your local grocery can deposit center. You're bound to see a few....and they've been out on bicycle, on foot, pushing an old baby stroller, store shopping carts or beat up truck or car from 3 am...filled to the brim with soda cans, beer cans, beer bottles and water bottles they've picked up off the street or in garbage cans and dumpsters...for the 5¢ return.
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          • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
            Originally Posted by want2knowhow View Post

            Until you know a person's personal story as to why they're collecting assistance please stop lumping and dumping them into this cynical pile of lazy, good for nothing people. And please...for goodness sake....stop acting as if the United States is the ONLY country whose government has entitlement assistance for it's people. The UK has it, the Soviet Union and Germany, does, too.

            Modern welfare states include countries such as Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland which employ a system known as the Nordic model. It involves a transfer of funds from the state, to the services provided (i.e. healthcare, education) as well as directly to individuals, just like in the United States. The welfare state is funded through redistributionist taxation.

            Also, I've learned over the years to never take everyone a 'face' value. That 'homeless' bum as you call him, could come from a very affluent, wealthy family and have more stocks and bonds and a trust fund that would blow your head off! What he 'appears' to be to you...might not be what or who he is at all...

            How many stories have you read about a so-called 'homeless' person or some old lady who wore old clothes, lived in a house with a bunch of cats that when she died, everybody was shocked and surprised that she had amassed a multi million dollar fortune and bequeathed it to a school or the care of her cats?

            How many stories have you read about the waitress who was left a sizeable fortune in a will from the old man customer who she never knew was a millionaire?

            I know you have to remember the old show "Taxi" and the main nut character Jim (played by Back to the Future actor) Christopher Lloyd who everyone was astounded to learn that he actually came from a very wealthy family...but that he had some serious mental problems...truth is, there are a lot of 'Jim's' out there...

            Or...you must haven't read the stories of wealthy college kids who, because they are adults and 'have no job' per se and aren't living at home...happily apply for welfare benefits and shop hobo chic at organic and health food stores proudly using food stamps with no shame in their game?

            I grew up in both the inner city and the suburbs and have seen many a hustler get his or her hustle on for whatever reason to make and turn a dollar from 15¢. Hang out at your local grocery can deposit center. You're bound to see a few....and they've been out on bicycle, on foot, pushing an old baby stroller, store shopping carts or beat up truck or car from 3 am...filled to the brim with soda cans, beer cans, beer bottles and water bottles they've picked up off the street or in garbage cans and dumpsters...for the 5¢ return.

            Can you explain what your rant has to do with marketing? That's what this thread was about, not a thread glorifying the possibility of someone living in their van could be a millionaire, or complaining that people associate those that collect government assistance to be lazy. No one ever said that.

            The point was, it doesn't take fancy mailers, and a ton of guru proven techniques to get some work, it just takes motivation, drive, and a little effort.
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            • Profile picture of the author want2knowhow
              Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

              Can you explain what your rant has to do with marketing? That's what this thread was about, not a thread glorifying the possibility of someone living in their fan could be a millionaire, or complaining that people associate those that collect government assistance to be lazy. No one ever said that.

              The point was, it doesn't take fancy mailers, and a ton of guru proven techniques to get some work, it just takes motivation, drive, and a little effort.
              So, because he wrote a note in chicken scratch that he'd happily haul away your scrap metal and cans...and stuck it in your door...you called that exciting ingenuity marketing? Okay. The police would call that trespassing with the possibility of *casing* your house.

              What's the difference in the work ethic of someone who printed off a hundred fliers from one chicken scratch note and stuck them in doors of people with junk filled yards? What about the old trucks and vans with hand painted signs? I see them all of the time. Heck, I even pulled up on one filled to the brim with old tires. Motioned for him to pull over, told him I needed tires really bad and he directed me to his shop and I immediately got *newer* tires at a great price!

              My point is, men/couples like those two come a dime a dozen on a market that was long cornered way before them. I just don't see what excited you so much by that. Ask yourself....if he's so broke, how does he register and insure his raggedy truck? Now, that would be a far more interesting a tale.
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              • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
                Originally Posted by want2knowhow View Post

                So, because he wrote a note in chicken scratch that he'd happily haul away your scrap metal and cans...and stuck it in your door...you called that ingenuity marketing? Okay. The police would call that trespassing with the possibility of *casing* your house.

                What's the difference in the work ethic of someone who printed off a hundred fliers from one chicken scratch note and stuck them in doors of people with junk filled yards? What about the old trucks and vans with hand painted signs?

                My point is, men/couples like those two come a dime a dozen on a market that was long cornered way before them. I just don't see what excited you so much by that. Ask yourself....if he's so broke, how does he register and insure his raggedy truck? Now, that would be a far more interesting a tale.
                Would be nice if you answered my question. You can rant and rant about utter nonsense, but then you expect an answer.

                You mean, door to door sales is illegal? Is that what you're trying to hint at? That is trespassing? I don't think so.

                We aren't talking about work ethic and comparing it between signs and fliers or handwritten notes.

                Unfortunately it is apparent that you really don't understand what this thread is about.

                To answer your question about registering the van, I'm sure he did register it. I live in a state where over 20% of drivers are not insured. I'm sure he is part of that 20%. In Mississippi roughly 30% of drivers are uninsured. Does that mean 30% of the population is homeless? NO. I don't know why you are trying to attack whether he is homeless or not and how he registers his vehicle or gets insured. I'm sure he is happy to have a vehicle that runs.

                Instead of trying to bicker and start a fight over a homeless person that doesn't have the means to get on an internet message board and defend themselves, why don't you offer some kind of value? If you are too short sighted to see the point of this thread perhaps you shouldn't be in it at all.

                The difference between this guy and most people here, possibly even you, is that he has the balls and the motivation to do something in order to make money instead of having the luxury sitting back criticizing someone not even on this message board and not providing any type of value.

                Like I said earlier, this isn't to motivate the victims of mediocrity... you aren't who I care about. I care more about the visionaries that are here and have the mental capacity to learn from anyone and everyone and their situations.
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        • Profile picture of the author jonnnyd23
          Originally Posted by want2knowhow View Post

          ...I am in tears and holding my sides from laughter! How many slang terms do we have for things that others wouldn't understand the meaning of? I am both embarrassed and ashamed....

          You must have never read the Sunday (Andy Capp) comics. Bloke and Pub were used quite extensively in it since it is an English cartoon...guess that's just one Old English term that never quite caught on over here. I guess if an Irish man called a woman a Lassie, Wee Wee Lass...you'd think he was calling her a 'dog' or small dog....right?

          Your ignorance cramps my conversation. ~Anthony Hope
           Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects. ~Will Rogers
           To be ignorant of one's ignorance is the malady of ignorance.
          ~A. Bronson Alcott
           Not ignorance, but ignorance of ignorance, is the death of knowledge.
          ~Alfred North Whitehead
           You can be sincere and still be stupid. ~Charles F. Kettering
          It is impossible to defeat an ignorant man in argument. ~William G. McAdoo
          A great deal of intelligence can be invested in ignorance. ~Saul Bellow
          Point taken...the ignorance quotes are a little much though. Considering the negativity in the post I was replying to made me think it was criticism. I'm sure there's tons of slang where I'm from that you wouldn't understand. Any way point taken and I learned something new.
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          • Profile picture of the author want2knowhow
            Originally Posted by jonnnyd23 View Post

            Point taken...the ignorance quotes are a little much though. Considering the negativity in the post I was replying to made me think it was criticism. I'm sure there's tons of slang where I'm from that you wouldn't understand. Any way point taken and I learned something new.
            Thank you, Johnny. I'm sorry. I was just really having a lil fun with you. Thanks for not getting your neck hairs up in a bunch! Cheers!
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            • Profile picture of the author ShayB
              Here is what I get from this post.

              At some point, this guy had an "a-ha" moment.

              Maybe it was two days ago. Maybe it was a week ago.

              Maybe he lost his job and a place to live and was sitting around and caught sight of an old washer or dryer and got the idea for what he's doing now.

              None of us know the details, and we really don't have to.

              The point is this guy did what 90% of people that buy WSO's never do.

              He took action.

              He had a $600 day.

              Time will tell if this was just a short burst of activity or if it was simply a flash in the pan, but that's not really the point of this post.

              We don't know what his past was, and we can sit around here and make judgments and assumptions and snarky comments all we want, but we truly don't know what's going on.

              What we do know - and what everyone reading this thread should get out of it - is that this man now faces a turning point.

              A $600 day has the opportunity to lead to many, many more.

              No matter what our past, no matter what issues that we've had up until this point, and no matter what our current situation is - we all have the opportunity to change our course.

              To me, I found the post inspiring because it shows that he truly has the opportunity to change his life around. He simply is having to use what tools he has and not try and do things a fancy way.

              How many stories have we heard about how people come through when their back is against the wall?

              A $600 day is a victory.

              Whether or not you allow it to inspire you is entirely up to you.
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    • Profile picture of the author David Miller
      Originally Posted by alistair View Post

      I wouldn't exactly say a bloke living in a van with only $4 left in his pocket to buy fuel with is really inspirational. So he has identified a market for himself which is good for him but it's not exactly a light bulb moment as lots of people go round collecting scrap metal for nothing, especially where I live.

      The point of your post I think is to compare him to people on this site. The difference is, this guy has no money so desperately needs to find a way to earn some. I'm guessing the majority of people here aren't in a desperate situation. It doesn't make him a better marketer.

      Just my opinion.
      I couldn't disagree more strongly with you. I see that you are not from the US and therefore you may be unaware that in the United States, the number of people getting some type of government assistance now exceeds the number of people who don't. This is a frightening statistic in many ways.

      So when I see a story about someone who, regardless of the reasons, finds himself in a desparate situation, it's refreshing to see that he takes steps to pull himself up without waiting on line to collect money from the government. To me it's a sign that no matter how much cultural pressure is applied to make welfare the normal alternative, there will always be people who will press on toward success with their own devices.

      What it says about Iamnameless is that there are people who recognize those who want to fend for themselves and will gladly give them the resources that can help. I doubt that Iamnameless would reach in his pocket for the man with his hand out in the street, and neither would I.

      It's true that the post by Iamnameless is very likely to draw a comparison between this man and much of the whining and complaining that takes place in the forum. But when something is well written it has the ability to let people think beyond it's literal meaning. This is something beyond just reading between the lines.
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      • Profile picture of the author StrategicCheetah
        Yeah, that is a cool story indeed! Good on him for taking action! Now he just needs to scale it up and automate lol

        Originally Posted by David Miller View Post

        I couldn't disagree more strongly with you. I see that you are not from the US and therefore you may be unaware that in the United States, the number of people getting some type of government assistance now exceeds the number of people who don't. This is a frightening statistic in many ways.
        Really??? Wow.

        That is shocking.

        Its a shame that we have to subsidise people who just can't be ars*d working because they don't have to...
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      • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
        Originally Posted by David Miller View Post

        I couldn't disagree more strongly with you. I see that you are not from the US and therefore you may be unaware that in the United States, the number of people getting some type of government assistance now exceeds the number of people who don't. This is a frightening statistic in many ways.

        So when I see a story about someone who, regardless of the reasons, finds himself in a desparate situation, it's refreshing to see that he takes steps to pull himself up without waiting on line to collect money from the government. To me it's a sign that no matter how much cultural pressure is applied to make welfare the normal alternative, there will always be people who will press on toward success with their own devices.

        What it says about Iamnameless is that there are people who recognize those who want to fend for themselves and will gladly give them the resources that can help. I doubt that Iamnameless would reach in his pocket for the man with his hand out in the street, and neither would I.

        It's true that the post by Iamnameless is very likely to draw a comparison between this man and much of the whining and complaining that takes place in the forum. But when something is well written it has the ability to let people think beyond it's literal meaning. This is something beyond just reading between the lines.
        I always enjoy your posts David. It's all truth, all the time!

        The US is in very bad shape because people DO seek out the freebies. Medicare, food stamps, wellfare, section 8 housing.. You can literally live without doing a damn thing. People manipulating the system for disability.. its awful. Now, I believe some people NEED this assistance, but overwhelmingly people do not need it but just trying to save some money. Let's not forget the people selling their link cards, or food stamp cards for crack or other drugs. It happens, especially around here.

        You're absolutely right. If this guy was going around asking for handouts the only thing he might receive from me is a lecture.

        There is a lot that requires a bit of reading between the lines, you're right. I'd also like to say that there is a lot of stuff in this story that doesn't require reading between the lines. In comparison to the people who make serial posts asking about certain small questions just trying to gain all the knowledge they can before doing anything and applying it, I STILL think this guy is far ahead of most people on this board.

        I will stick to my stance, and just because this guy isn't here on the board to defend himself, I am.. I will HELP, and DEFEND anybody on here that I believe in, and that is capable of doing the necessary things in order to get themselves out of a bad situation. The problem is, MOST people don't have the motivation to do it.
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        • Profile picture of the author want2knowhow
          Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

          I always enjoy your posts David. It's all truth, all the time!

          The US is in very bad shape because people DO seek out the freebies.

          Medicare, food stamps, wellfare, section 8 housing..

          You can literally live without doing a damn thing. People manipulating the system for disability.. its awful. Now, I believe some people NEED this assistance, but overwhelmingly people do not need it but just trying to save some money.

          Let's not forget the people selling their link cards, or food stamp cards for crack or other drugs. It happens, especially around here.

          You're absolutely right. If this guy was going around asking for handouts the only thing he might receive from me is a lecture.

          There is a lot that requires a bit of reading between the lines, you're right. I'd also like to say that there is a lot of stuff in this story that doesn't require reading between the lines. In comparison to the people who make serial posts asking about certain small questions just trying to gain all the knowledge they can before doing anything and applying it, I STILL think this guy is far ahead of most people on this board.

          I will stick to my stance, and just because this guy isn't here on the board to defend himself, I am.. I will HELP, and DEFEND anybody on here that I believe in, and that is capable of doing the necessary things in order to get themselves out of a bad situation. The problem is, MOST people don't have the motivation to do it.
          You have your opinions and I have mine. You think this guy is some hero simply because he wasn't directly 'pan handling'....big whoops! So, he drove through the neighborhood, saw you had a junk filled yard and saw an opportunity to make some quick fast cash (for drugs?)...and you saw a way to not break a sweat and or get your hands dirty. You both did each other a favor. End of story.

          To put down and insult those who come here to the forum...and those families who need assistance to survive until they figure out their next move...based upon one dude's and his woman's *marketing* is an insult. I give more props to those at least trying to figure out a way to fix their situation by coming here than those that don't or won't. Everything sold here ain't for everybody. Everything sold isn't always gold. I can't begin to tell the money I've wasted on pure golden...junk...but it didn't stop my thirst from wanting to find that one golden nugget that would set my entrepreneurial soul on fire; and I have.

          There are some really good guys on here who have made a huge impact in many long time warrior's lives. I'm talking the Martin Buckley, John Durham and Bob (Jake) Ross Warrior king's who have brought some superb leadership and life changing ideas that many can attest to. I don't need to post to get my count up. I post to things relevant and I just felt that you gave this dude a lil too much credit for a simple action. I've spoken to many out of work folks who have done extraordinary things to feed their kids (picked up cans and bottles, mowed lawns, took lower wage jobs, slept in basements, their cars, shelters, went back to school, applied for food stamps, section 8 and anything else when the jobs dried up and so did their unemployment benefits) to put their pride and ego to the side to get it done.
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          • Profile picture of the author David Miller
            Originally Posted by want2knowhow View Post

            To put down and insult those who come here to the forum...and those families who need assistance to survive until they figure out their next move...based upon one dude's and his woman's *marketing* is an insult.
            This is clearly an example of many eyewitness accounts of the same event, and each account being different from the one before. Everyone is going to take something different from this story, clearly you can see that from the many posts.

            However, I don't believe in any way that the op was intending to insult anyone by sharing this. I can take many things from this story. Among them is that considering the tools and resources that I have at my disposal, there is no excuse for not taking action.

            Perhaps the headline may be appear harsh, but it certainly did the job of what a headline is supposed to do. It got our attention. That in itself is a valuable lesson if it shows even one person the value of a powerful "subject line" in an email to a prospect.

            The point of this story, in my opinion, is not about this man as much as it is about anyone who fails to use and recognize the "diamonds in his own backyard" as the old fable tells.
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          • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
            Originally Posted by want2knowhow View Post

            You have your opinions and I have mine. You think this guy is some hero simply because he wasn't directly 'pan handling'....big whoops! So, he drove through the neighborhood, saw you had a junk filled yard and saw an opportunity to make some quick fast cash (for drugs?)...and you saw a way to not break a sweat and or get your hands dirty. You both did each other a favor. End of story.

            You missed the entire point. Sorry that you can't escape the plague of narrow mindedness.

            To put down and insult those who come here to the forum...and those families who need assistance to survive until they figure out their next move...based upon one dude's and his woman's *marketing* is an insult. I give more props to those at least trying to figure out a way to fix their situation by coming here than those that don't or won't. Everything sold here ain't for everybody. Everything sold isn't always gold. I can't begin to tell the money I've wasted on pure golden...junk...but it didn't stop my thirst from wanting to find that one golden nugget that would set my entrepreneurial soul on fire; and I have.

            I think the fact that he DID something, in order to get a customer puts him ahead of many. It puts him ahead of you as well, while you were looking for your "golden nugget" he was out doing what he has to do in order to survive.

            I never said everyone that receives assistance is manipulating the system. To say that you got that vibe from me just shows how entirely out of touch with reality you are. If you believe that nobody manipulates the system, once again... out of touch with reality.

            There are some really good guys on here who have made a huge impact in many long time warrior's lives. I'm talking the Martin Buckley, John Durham and Bob (Jake) Ross Warrior king's who have brought some superb leadership and life changing ideas that many can attest to. I don't need to post to get my count up. I post to things relevant and I just felt that you gave this dude a lil too much credit for a simple action. I've spoken to many out of work folks who have done extraordinary things to feed their kids (picked up cans and bottles, mowed lawns, took lower wage jobs, slept in basements, their cars, shelters, went back to school, applied for food stamps, section 8 and anything else when the jobs dried up and so did their unemployment benefits) to put their pride and ego to the side to get it done.

            Once again, this shows how much you didn't understand the post. I'm sorry that you can't benefit from this. I for one, get inspired by people who have their backs against the wall and do what they can to get by and get results. The guy I'm talking about is going to be more successful than most people here, in fact when it comes to offline marketing and entrepreneurship he already is. I don't know how you can assume out of the 400k members here or whatever, that all of them are actually shakers and movers. It is simply untrue. There are many people on this forum that ask questions for 6 months before making their first cold call or their first attempt at an offline sale.

            I give credit to those that work, those that have to do what they have to do. I don't give credit to those that are serial WSO buyers and have excuses to why they can't do something.
            All in all... If you don't understand the point of the thread, just stay out. This isn't about government aid, this isn't about how he registers his car or gets insurance, and to be frank, its insulting that you insinuate he is a drug addict when you have never seen, and never talked to this person. You're making quite an assumption without knowing a single thing what you are talking about.

            Do you know how many people on this board PM or EMAIL or CALL me asking for help? I don't have a chance to help everyone. When I see someone in need of help, the biggest question I ask to myself, is can they help themselves? It is impossible to help someone that can't help themselves. This man COULD help himself and I saw the drive and ambition first hand. I'm a pretty good judge of talent, of BS, and of nonsense.

            If you are too dense to realize that this post isn't about how a homeless man registers his vehicle, or whether he is a drug addict or not, then you shouldn't be in here. Whether he was homeless or not, that isn't even the point of the post.

            How did I know the guy was homeless when all I had was a notebook paper with his number? I didn't. I called the number, if it was a real business the result is the same, is it not? Whether it was an actual business, an 18 year old girl, a homeless man, or a rich couple, the result was that I called and needed their service. Are you really THAT BLIND to not SEE THE POINT!?

            Goodness...

            The FACT remains... MOST people that come on THIS FORUM, DO NOT TAKE ACTION! This guy did... what he did to pick up a client WORKED. The next day and a half he pulled in over $600. To me... that's nothing.. but how many people have issues even picking up $600/mo in sales? LOTS OF THEM.

            Was my title an insult? I think you're just reaching for things now. A title is a title my friend, but yes, I'm sure he does put most people to shame that try months and months but don't take action.

            If you don't understand the entire point, and want to continue on about nonsensical things about this, then take it to another forum. If you don't get inspired by other people, or this story, then you don't need to comment on it. I wasn't asking for feedback or criticism, I was posting this because THERE ARE people that will be inspired by it, which we have evidently seen.
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            • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
              Excellent!

              Joe Mobley


              Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

              All in all... If you don't understand the point of the thread, just stay out. This isn't about government aid, this isn't about how he registers his car or gets insurance, and to be frank, its insulting that you insinuate he is a drug addict when you have never seen, and never talked to this person. You're making quite an assumption without knowing a single thing what you are talking about.

              Do you know how many people on this board PM or EMAIL or CALL me asking for help? I don't have a chance to help everyone. When I see someone in need of help, the biggest question I ask to myself, is can they help themselves? It is impossible to help someone that can't help themselves. This man COULD help himself and I saw the drive and ambition first hand. I'm a pretty good judge of talent, of BS, and of nonsense.

              If you are too dense to realize that this post isn't about how a homeless man registers his vehicle, or whether he is a drug addict or not, then you shouldn't be in here. Whether he was homeless or not, that isn't even the point of the post.

              How did I know the guy was homeless when all I had was a notebook paper with his number? I didn't. I called the number, if it was a real business the result is the same, is it not? Whether it was an actual business, an 18 year old girl, a homeless man, or a rich couple, the result was that I called and needed their service. Are you really THAT BLIND to not SEE THE POINT!?

              Goodness...

              The FACT remains... MOST people that come on THIS FORUM, DO NOT TAKE ACTION! This guy did... what he did to pick up a client WORKED. The next day and a half he pulled in over $600. To me... that's nothing.. but how many people have issues even picking up $600/mo in sales? LOTS OF THEM.

              Was my title an insult? I think you're just reaching for things now. A title is a title my friend, but yes, I'm sure he does put most people to shame that try months and months but don't take action.

              If you don't understand the entire point, and want to continue on about nonsensical things about this, then take it to another forum. If you don't get inspired by other people, or this story, then you don't need to comment on it. I wasn't asking for feedback or criticism, I was posting this because THERE ARE people that will be inspired by it, which we have evidently seen.
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        • Profile picture of the author Fun to Write
          Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post


          The US is in very bad shape because people DO seek out the freebies. Medicare, food stamps, wellfare, section 8 housing.. You can literally live without doing a damn thing. People manipulating the system for disability.. its awful. Now, I believe some people NEED this assistance, but overwhelmingly people do not need it but just trying to save some money. Let's not forget the people selling their link cards, or food stamp cards for crack or other drugs. It happens, especially around here.
          While I enjoyed reading the Ops story about this homeless person, I strongly disagree with the idea of stereotyping millions of people based on the actions of a few. Most people who receive government assistance actually need it to tide them over until things get better. Most do not abuse the system. Many have kids to feed.

          I would rather my tax dollars go towards helping my fellow citizens have food and shelter than for more bombs and guns, but oh well, that's the system we live in. The US supports both.

          There are millions of people out of work right now or not getting enough work to get by. Instead of chastising them, I say go ahead and take that government assistance. That's what it's there for--there is NO SHAME in this. Most do not want to, but need to. They will gladly exchange a paycheck for this assistance as soon as they can.

          At the same time, I do applaud those who have the drive and initiative to collect scrap metal and do other things to make a buck, but not everyone can do this. Circumstances vary greatly. Besides, maybe this guy and his girlfriend don't qualify for this assistance. It mainly goes to people with children, the disabled (including our veterans) or the elderly.

          The OP has a good heart (and a good point about people coming to this forum and not taking action), but not everyone here agrees with his ideas about government assistance so I had to give my alternative perspective here.

          The main point of this thread is not to argue about who does or does not deserve a helping hand, but being grateful for what you currently have and to use whatever God has given you right now to get motivated to improve your circumstances.
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          • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
            Originally Posted by Fun to Write View Post

            While I enjoyed reading the Ops story about this homeless person, I strongly disagree with the idea of stereotyping millions of people based on the actions of a few. Most people who receive government assistance actually need it to tide them over until things get better. Most do not abuse the system. Many have kids to feed.

            I would rather my tax dollars go towards helping my fellow citizens have food and shelter than for more bombs and guns, but oh well, that's the system we live in. The US supports both.

            There are millions of people out of work right now or not getting enough work to get by. Instead of chastising them, I say go ahead and take that government assistance. That's what it's there for--there is NO SHAME in this. Most do not want to, but need to. They will gladly exchange a paycheck for this assistance as soon as they can.

            At the same time, I do applaud those who have the drive and initiative to collect scrap metal and do other things to make a buck, but not everyone can do this. Circumstances vary greatly. Besides, maybe this guy and his girlfriend don't qualify for this assistance. It mainly goes to people with children, the disabled (including our veterans) or the elderly.

            The OP has a good heart (and a good point about people coming to this forum and not taking action), but not everyone here agrees with his ideas about government assistance so I had to give my alternative perspective here.

            The main point of this thread is not to argue about who does or does not deserve a helping hand, but being grateful for what you currently have and to use whatever God has given you right now to get motivated to improve your circumstances.
            LOL, let me clarify... I never said the majority of people do manipulate the system. I KNOW many people that receive assistance truly NEED it. I agree with you, completely. What I said was just that people DO manipulate the system, and free load just because they can. Not everyone, not even a majority. I should have reworded this I suppose, so my apologies to anyone who took that the wrong way.

            Thank you for that post... I do agree with you 100%, I should have written that differently.
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            • Profile picture of the author Adwizard
              I might suggest bluntly to anyone who took offense, who didn't get out of the story that was so eloquently and brilliantly written that instead of getting WSO's for marketing perhaps you should be looking for those on reading comprehension. Sorry if anyone is offended by that... Really though this thread which was started to be an incredible motivational thread to help someone make the decision that they needed to pick themselves up by their own boot straps and be thankful for what they have been thus far blessed with has been twisted and analyzed way too much.
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    • Profile picture of the author want2knowhow
      Originally Posted by alistair View Post

      I wouldn't exactly say a bloke living in a van with only $4 left in his pocket to buy fuel with is really inspirational. So he has identified a market for himself which is good for him but it's not exactly a light bulb moment as lots of people go round collecting scrap metal for nothing, especially where I live.

      The point of your post I think is to compare him to people on this site. The difference is, this guy has no money so desperately needs to find a way to earn some. I'm guessing the majority of people here aren't in a desperate situation. It doesn't make him a better marketer.

      Just my opinion.
      Took the words right out of my mouth...:rolleyes:
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      • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
        Originally Posted by alistair View Post

        I wouldn't exactly say a bloke living in a van with only $4 left in his pocket to buy fuel with is really inspirational. So he has identified a market for himself which is good for him but it's not exactly a light bulb moment as lots of people go round collecting scrap metal for nothing, especially where I live.

        The point of your post I think is to compare him to people on this site. The difference is, this guy has no money so desperately needs to find a way to earn some. I'm guessing the majority of people here aren't in a desperate situation. It doesn't make him a better marketer.

        Just my opinion.
        Well of course, I'm sure your idea of inspirational is the title of the latest 9 out of 10 WSO's.

        I disgree with you though... this guy IS a better marketer than most people on here. Does it mean he has to spend thousands on direct mail, SEO, PPC, cold calling? No... it doesn't. Having money doesn't make you a better marketer my friend, having the drive and focus to do what needs to be done in order to meet your market and provide them a solution to problems is what made him a better marketer.

        He isn't sitting there, picking up government checks, food stamps, even unemployment. He is OUT THERE doing WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE!

        Not inspirational? That's fine... I personally like people pulling themselves out of a bad situation instead of seeing people use excuses and others as their crutch.

        I'd also like to say since I posted this, yesterday and already this morning he gave me a call and told me since we talked he was so inspired and his outlook changed so much he has pulled in $600 so far and still had about 4 more trips to do TODAY!

        How many people on this board have made $600 yet from their offline venture? How many pull in $600 in a day and a half? I'd say the majority are still trying to figure out how to get past the gatekeepers or finding free scripts online.

        Originally Posted by kmoore View Post

        This is really inspiring and love the way you wrote it. Are u a pro Writer?
        He proves the basic Marketing mantra - "Identify people's needs, create a solution and then sell it". It would sell like hot cakes!
        How many of us - Create a product only to our whims and fancy and complain Why does my product NEVER sells???
        Thanks buddy! I'm not a professional writer, never even considered myself to be above average LOL. One thing I've noticed on here, facts alone don't get your point across. I enjoy writing with one goal in mind, to get the point across while keeping people entertained and reading. Some of my posts can be long ones, so I just try to keep people involved and into it throughout the entire read.

        You're definitely right.. People may look at this in many different ways. The visionaries, will be inspired. The people who are not visionaries will see this in a pessimistic view. They see it as the guy is homeless, I'm not, how the hell can I learn from HIM? That isn't the right mentality to have, and if people think like that I feel sorry for them. The guy DEFINITELY, found a market, has a solution and he gets in touch with his market.
        Originally Posted by jonnnyd23 View Post

        @alistair

        What really intrigued me about this story is the hand written note ripped out of a notebook. This man used what ever tools he had to make his buck. How many people come here and buy WSO's for knowledge and informational tools to earn some cash and still don't use them or find some excuse not to follow or act. I don't know about you but I never received hand written notes ripped out of a notebook at my door unless it's from a neighbor or someone I'm associated with. Just because the man lives in a van doesn't make him a "bloke". Atleast he's not out there begging for money like a lot of homeless do. No matter his circumstances he's still determined to still work and not give up. We don't know this man or his story and he's not here to defend himself, why call him a "bloke"?
        Very true. I didn't know his life story when I called him, I had no idea. Perhaps I should have worded it differently in the beginning. I wouldn't have known he was homeless and living out of a van if I didn't call him first. The people that have problems seeing the gold in this story just get caught up on the wrong things.

        He did what needed to be done, he didnt have a business card, he didn't do anything FANCY! Just a ripped out piece of paper with his number on it for free appliance removal. I called. I didn't know if he had a small business around this, or what. He got there, and I started asking questions and seeing who he truly was. He told me his story and found out he's living out of the van. I CALLED BECAUSE HE REACHED OUT AND HAD A SOLUTION TO MY PROBLEM! Some will be too short sighted to realize this LOL.

        This guy could be receiving government assistance, welfare, foodstamps, at a gas stations asking for quarters but no. This man wants to work. I respect that.
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  • Profile picture of the author jonnnyd23
    I have a neighbor that picks up peoples trash mainly to scrap it out. One day I saw him scrapping tv's, video game systems and computers just to get the precious metals out. I decided to network with him. I asked him how much he gets when he scraps a tv (flat panel), he said "a few bucks if that". This man is an older gentleman that is completely clueless about electronics and not even sure if half of them work. He was scrapping electronics that STILL WORKED just for a few measly dollars. I told him some of the things I would be interested in reselling and we would split the cash, he jumped on it. I'm sure he thought some of these electronics worked but he didn't have the knowledge/tools to test them out, so he did all he knows how to do SCRAP.

    The first thing he gave me to see if it worked was some DJ mixing equipment. Turns out a mixing board worked that sells for $200 brand new. Slapped an ad on CL asking $80 for it, sold it the same day. When I came to his house with $40 to give him he felt guilty taking it all, he only wanted $20. I pushed him to take it all because he earned it, so he did. Since then I have helped this guy make more money and work less for it.

    A lot of people that come across this forum just look and hope to find an easy way to get rich. IMHO there is no easy way. It takes motivation and work, if you really want to make money you have to work for it. The man in your story had the motivation of his and his girl friends livelihood on the line. That next buck they make is gonna pay for their meal, gas, etc..

    Great story by the way
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  • Profile picture of the author adpulse
    the UK is the same as the US in that regard. The number sponging off the state probably exceeds the numbers that work.

    Un-employment rate is around "10%" here if you believe the goverment figures, but its certainly much higher, that number is watered down.

    I'm all for benefits if that person needs it, but so many people don't bother, and really its the governments fault. In reality, most people are better off taking money from the state, than actually getting a job and paying taxes etc, so thats what they do.

    Then there are those that have a job AND swindle money from the state.

    In the meantime, them that have a bit of pride and work hard, get squeezed more and more.
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  • Profile picture of the author surferman
    If he was successful he wouldn't be homeless. This ain't a success story...
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  • Profile picture of the author l@ttemonarck
    This is an inspirational story. People have positiveness to be eager make their life more driven to reach there goal. For every struggles and determination we have certainly there's a fruit to harvest. You are a blessing in disguise for them.
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  • Profile picture of the author LeeLee
    It's funny how some people seem to think picking up scrap and hauling appliances is a walk in the park. It isn't. It is hard dirty work. Work most people avoid like the plague.

    I agree that we don't really know much about this homeless man. He could sleep with the winning lotto ticket under his pillow.

    But he is on the street for some reason (which I find quite embarrassing in supposedly civilized society). And he is not only doing his best, he is open to the advice the OP gave him!!!

    I find that almost as amazing as his notebook paper calling card.

    I am one of those people who can't function without perfection and here is this guy making money with a piece of notebook paper.

    Kudos to him and kudos to the OP for giving him time and advise.
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  • Profile picture of the author Adwizard
    This quoted from iAmNameLess is what this string was really about:
    "How many people on this board have made $600 yet from their offline venture? How many pull in $600 in a day and a half? I'd say the majority are still trying to figure out how to get past the gatekeepers or finding free scripts online. "

    iAmNameLess I just have to ask because I quote you again:
    I want to have dinner with this guy, pick at his brain for a little bit.
    Did you ask him and his girlfriend out to dinner? LMAO
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  • Profile picture of the author RedShifted
    I think its cool you made his day I would have probably wound up sitting the man down & having a conversation about his whole life story. I just tend to be super interested in people who fend off the land like that. Now granted, he could be going straight to a recycling center and spending that money on drugs, but from what you said I did not get that impression.

    This now gives me a weird idea of driving around with a thermal gun in my hands and shooting it at peoples attics. Maybe for all the homes that have a small thermal gap (meaning bad energy efficiency) I could probably leave notes on their door saying I did a scan on their home while they were at work. And that their home is losing a ton of energy through the roof.

    Although that might look weird too running tests on peoples homes from the street like that. I thought about doing something like this a long time ago but wasn't sure if it would work. After reading this story I'm thinking maybe if I left an urgent enough note, people could potentially call for energy audits.
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    • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
      Originally Posted by RedShifted View Post

      I think its cool you made his day I would have probably wound up sitting the man down & having a conversation about his whole life story. I just tend to be super interested in people who fend off the land like that. Now granted, he could be going straight to a recycling center and spending that money on drugs, but from what you said I did not get that impression.

      This now gives me a weird idea of driving around with a thermal gun in my hands and shooting it at peoples attics. Maybe for all the homes that have a small thermal gap (meaning bad energy efficiency) I could probably leave notes on their door saying I did a scan on their home while they were at work. And that their home is losing a ton of energy through the roof.

      Although that might look weird too running tests on peoples homes from the street like that. I thought about doing something like this a long time ago but wasn't sure if it would work. After reading this story I'm thinking maybe if I left an urgent enough note, people could potentially call for energy audits.
      That sounds interesting man.. I'd like to hear how that goes if you give it a shot. Might as well give it a try and see, right?
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    • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
      Sounds like an excellent idea to me.

      Joe Mobley



      Originally Posted by RedShifted View Post

      I think its cool you made his day I would have probably wound up sitting the man down & having a conversation about his whole life story. I just tend to be super interested in people who fend off the land like that. Now granted, he could be going straight to a recycling center and spending that money on drugs, but from what you said I did not get that impression.

      This now gives me a weird idea of driving around with a thermal gun in my hands and shooting it at peoples attics. Maybe for all the homes that have a small thermal gap (meaning bad energy efficiency) I could probably leave notes on their door saying I did a scan on their home while they were at work. And that their home is losing a ton of energy through the roof.

      Although that might look weird too running tests on peoples homes from the street like that. I thought about doing something like this a long time ago but wasn't sure if it would work. After reading this story I'm thinking maybe if I left an urgent enough note, people could potentially call for energy audits.
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  • Profile picture of the author makingiants
    I wouldn't go so far as to say that he puts us to shame. He is in this position because of certain choices that he made earlier in life. Now, he's faced with a do or die situation, and now he is faced with a new set of choices. His decisions are in line with his situation, that's all.

    Please realize that everyone is doing the best that they can do, even if it's inadequate. If they knew better, they'd do better. By knowing, I mean realizing, which in turn leads to definite action.

    When one may know, he/she may yet not actually realize the importance of what they actually know. They have a decision to make, and that's simply what this man and his girlfriend were forced to do.

    I've encountered this type of situation, and all it really involves is a choice: work or starve. Do it or die. Simple choices.

    Now, the question to be asked of us is: how much do you want what you say you want? Are you willing to leave or step away from your comfort zone, force yourself to think out of the box, do things that you've only thought about doing? Do you really want what you want, or do you just kinda want it?

    All men and women have 24 hours a day. The successful don't have 26, nor do the unsuccessful have 22. What matters is what are you doing with that 24 to reach your dreams, your goals, your success.

    I've been in a similar situation to this man. I've been in soup kitchen lines and worked with homeless folks who work for their little pieces of money like hard-working folks do. I've also done the 9-5 grind, too. The difference is that the choice for the homeless/underemployed is simpler and has less complications, that's all. Work or starve, do or die.

    You have more things to worry over when you work the 9-5 J.O.B. Some are unnecessary, some necessary.

    Realize that you're little pieces of greatness, and that you can be great. You can set out to do many things, and if your mind is in congruence with your actions and decisions, you'll do quite a few of those things you've set out to do. You'll see obstacles as nothing but mere challenges, yet you'll work to overcome as many of them as you can....

    Vince aka makingiants
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    • Profile picture of the author want2knowhow
      Originally Posted by makingiants View Post

      I wouldn't go so far as to say that he puts us to shame. He is in this position because of certain choices that he made earlier in life. Now, he's faced with a do or die situation, and now he is faced with a new set of choices. His decisions are in line with his situation, that's all.

      Please realize that everyone is doing the best that they can do, even if it's inadequate. If they knew better, they'd do better. By knowing, I mean realizing, which in turn leads to definite action.

      When one may know, he/she may yet not actually realize the importance of what they actually know. They have a decision to make, and that's simply what this man and his girlfriend were forced to do.

      I've encountered this type of situation, and all it really involves is a choice: work or starve. Do it or die. Simple choices.

      Now, the question to be asked of us is: how much do you want what you say you want? Are you willing to leave or step away from your comfort zone, force yourself to think out of the box, do things that you've only thought about doing? Do you really want what you want, or do you just kinda want it?

      All men and women have 24 hours a day. The successful don't have 26, nor do the unsuccessful have 22. What matters is what are you doing with that 24 to reach your dreams, your goals, your success.

      I've been in a similar situation to this man. I've been in soup kitchen lines and worked with homeless folks who work for their little pieces of money like hard-working folks do. I've also done the 9-5 grind, too. The difference is that the choice for the homeless/underemployed is simpler and has less complications, that's all. Work or starve, do or die.

      You have more things to worry over when you work the 9-5 J.O.B. Some are unnecessary, some necessary.

      Realize that you're little pieces of greatness, and that you can be great. You can set out to do many things, and if your mind is in congruence with your actions and decisions, you'll do quite a few of those things you've set out to do. You'll see obstacles as nothing but mere challenges, yet you'll work to overcome as many of them as you can....

      Vince aka makingiants
      THANK YOU!! You said it better than I could...
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  • Profile picture of the author shelh39
    Cool story, shows that you don't need fancy flyers, just drive and determination.
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  • Profile picture of the author humili
    it all voiced down how hungry is your need and how much you need that thing at that stage of your life. Everyone goes through different stages of life! Simple as that!
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Ten
    That's really good that he is working so hard. I hope doing that helps others lots and helps him to become wealthy...
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  • Profile picture of the author kalens99
    That's really cool. Chris Gardner (the real life hero of the move The Pursuit of Happiness) was homeless at one point. Just goes to show how ingenuity and hard work can take you from nothing to the top. A lesson for us all.
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  • Profile picture of the author seanicasia
    Heh, hidden nuggets from people we least expect to learn from.

    Great stuff. Thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author MSpencer
    Very inspiring and really puts a lot of people (including me) to shame.. The guy is driven so that they can live. Plus he's a good marketer at that. A lot of us can really learn a lot from this guy. Thanks for sharing this.
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  • Profile picture of the author HTG
    Very cool story, thanx for sharing.

    Jay.
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  • Profile picture of the author S4Ne
    It's amazing what a person will do once they are faced with the hard reality of having nothing and just trying to survive. I can relate to the guy because I've also met people in similar situations. It's tough to hear about it, but even more difficult to be in that situation.
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  • Profile picture of the author mogulmap
    That HUNGER and drive is what it's all about, not "wanting" to succeed but "NEEDING" it. I sometimes purposely put my self in situations where the only option is to take action and I do some of my best work because of it. I remember working my 9 to 5 I was a receiving manager in a department store (I hated that job so much) but it was the security of the consistant check that kept me there and kept my business no where. I finally left that job to persue my dream, no money in the bank, no regular paycheck to count on every friday, no nothing, it was simply up to me to create my own destiny. I truely believe that it was the situation that I put myself in that gave me the drive to succeed.

    I don't mean to ramble on but I just wanted to share this. I remember years ago I picked up a second job off-the-books doing home demolition and I worked with this grizzled old man. He himself worked like 3 or so jobs it was crazy, and I said to him "man...how do you do it" because I'm a young guy and I myself was tired by the end of a 16 hr manual labor day. and to this day 4 years later I'll never forget what he told me he said "because I have too, dept gives you drive". I never heard that old man complain once while working and to this day I'll never forget what he told me. I live by that, no complain, suck-it-up, do what you need to do attitude now because of him because no one is gonna do it for you, take action!!!.

    I don't know where he is now but hopefully he got a chance to take a vacation or two because he deffinetly deserves it.
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    • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
      Originally Posted by mogulmap View Post

      That HUNGER and drive is what it's all about, not "wanting" to succeed but "NEEDING" it. I sometimes purposely put my self in situations where the only option is to take action and I do some of my best work because of it. I remember working my 9 to 5 I was a receiving manager in a department store (I hated that job so much) but it was the security of the consistant check that kept me there and kept my business no where. I finally left that job to persue my dream, no money in the bank, no regular paycheck to count on every friday, no nothing, it was simply up to me to create my own destiny. I truely believe that it was the situation that I put myself in that gave me the drive to succeed.

      I don't mean to ramble on but I just wanted to share this. I remember years ago I picked up a second job off-the-books doing home demolition and I worked with this grizzled old man. He himself worked like 3 or so jobs it was crazy, and I said to him "man...how do you do it" because I'm a young guy and I myself was tired by the end of a 16 hr manual labor day. and to this day 4 years later I'll never forget what he told me he said "because I have too, dept gives you drive". I never heard that old man complain once while working and to this day I'll never forget what he told me. I live by that, no complain, suck-it-up, do what you need to do attitude now because of him because no one is gonna do it for you, take action!!!.

      I don't know where he is now but hopefully he got a chance to take a vacation or two because he deffinetly deserves it.
      Interesting story... I love things like that. It's surprising the people you meet in life that really have an impact on you. It can be a simple sentence that sticks with you forever. Completely true too, no one else is going to do what needs to be done for you, if you won't do it then don't expect results! +1 to you!
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  • Profile picture of the author loi77
    We can certainly learn a lot from this guy, especially his attitude.

    Thanks for sharing, a truly inspirational and uplifting story.
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  • Profile picture of the author Cataclysm1987
    Somehow I bet that guy will be a millionaire in like 3 or 4 years...

    The interesting thing about it is he is actually in a super hot niche. Go into Google and see how many people type in dumpster rental.

    Now look at all the cities. There are literally hundreds of cities with 100-1000 searches per month for dumpster rental and trash removal. Big market there.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jordyminty
    Lots of motivation to be had here. Excellent post.
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  • Profile picture of the author MrFume
    This is also a study in being available to a particular need, having the humility to be adaptable; quite right this guy is at rock bottom, but now has an absolutely huge 'WHY' this is often missing from people who are 'comfortable' where they are, they do not yet have sufficient reason to take action. Most often people just like the idea of marketing online-not good enough, you have to really want it, need it-then you will do whatever it takes. My 'why' was hating my corporate job, my health suffering as a result-I just had to change things.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Jonas Phil VA
    Your post reminded me of one of our neighborhood kids, a 15 year old kid. Every weekend, he goes house to house offering to do some gardening work (trimming plants, cutting grass, weeding) or heavy lifting around the house (cleaning out the gutters, simple house repairs). He does this to earn extra money for school expense and so he doesn't have to ask money from his parents for his basketball memorabilia collection.

    When you think about it, he doesn't have to do much. He basically had a captive market. It would have been easy for him to be lazy about it.

    But what impressed me about this young man is that he continues to "invest" in his own business. He has a complete set of tools so his customers doesn't have to worry about anything. He's very polite, shows to work on time and always finishes his work on time or sooner. He does good work, cleans up after himself, and always offers to do take out our garbage or recyclables for free. He's always openly advertising how he's always available to do odd jobs on Saturday and everyday during school breaks.

    I think the point that iAmNameLess is trying to make here is you don't need a ton of cash to be a great marketer. His guy needs the job to eat. My guy just works for the extra money. The one thing they have in common is that they're being smart about their business.
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  • Profile picture of the author sailingdom
    Honestly sometimes I despair at the level of cretinesness from some people on these forums.

    The point of the story is that
    A) He had a Tool (Van)
    B) He found a problem that he could use his Tool for.
    C) He provided a Solution

    All that remained was for him to traipse around his local area putting pieces of paper through peoples doors until he found someone that had a problem that he could provide the solution for!

    Exactly the same as IM except we have a much larger Local Area!!

    Inspirational.
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  • Profile picture of the author floridamarketer
    There's an ebook out there for starting a profitable junk removal business at junkremovalstartup . com
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  • Profile picture of the author Peter Lessard
    I just want to thank you for taking the time to post this. I was not going to comment but I want you to know that I personally appreciate the fact that you posted this.

    It would be a shame if some of the negative responses stopped anyone from posting things like this. Just drives home the point of why so many people are miserable and broke. They can't see the trees for the forest.
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  • Profile picture of the author BobbyWallace
    Great story- sometimes fear/desperation is a great motivator! Thanks for sharing.
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  • Profile picture of the author IMBlest
    You posted a very inspiring story!

    Some of us here have all the tools necessary & more resources than the man in your story.......but we haven't taken action!

    This man in your story had very limited resources and took action......And THAT made the DIFFERENCE!
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    • Profile picture of the author Tim Bazley
      Great thread, thanks!

      It inspired me to begin a new thread of my own. I wonder what you'd do if you were down to your last $4??
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