No, I Can Do It Myself….

Let me preface this blog post by stating the story I’m about to tell was before Google, YouTube or access to instruction guides or videos on vendor websites. I guess I say that so that I don’t feel too silly or at least don’t get judged too much. However, my actions, as a result of my pride, do warrant a bit of judging and ribbing.

I am not the handiest person in the world but I’m also not inept. I can swing a hammer, turn a wrench put together a cabinet, and do a lot of household honey-do type activities with the best of them. While I’m not trained and skilled at complicated home repairs, I believe I can hold my own with a little bit of confidence and enthusiasm.

I am also one that generally follows directions. However, several years ago there was this one task that I was sure I could complete on my own. Sans instructions.

It was brought to my attention by our neighbor that one of my sprinkler heads was spouting water everywhere when the sprinklers came on at their automatically scheduled time. I checked it out and sure enough the sprinkler head was broken.

Now, a wise person would have taken the time to either research how to repair the item or call a professional, with whom it could be completed in a short amount of time. But ohh no, not me! I remember thinking “how hard can this be, I can do it myself.”  What it came down to was two things:

1) It looked and seemed easy.

2) I was trying to save a buck.

I actually have a very good friend who installs lawn and irrigation systems for a living. I asked him if it was a difficult project and he said it was rather easy depending on how the line was set up and it would take him about 20 to 30 minutes. He asked me if I wanted his help and, unfortunately, I declined for the reasons I mentioned above.

Below is how I spent my Saturday:

I went to remove the sprinkler head. I did not realize that I would need to dig around the sprinkler head in order to get to the area where the sprinkler could be removed. After a little bit of digging, I realized that the sprinkler head was screwed in tightly to the waterline and I would need a plumber’s wrench to loosen the item.

Fortunately, I had a plumber’s wrench. Notice I said the word had. I could not locate it and after about 45 minutes of digging through all of my tools I decided that I would try and just use a regular wrench or large pliers to remove the sprinkler head.

Once I attempted to do this, I realized that I would need to dig around the sprinkler head more. I was finally able to get into a position where I could remove the sprinkler head with a lot more effort than if I had the correct tool.

When I removed the sprinkler head, I was immediately was doused with a stream of water flowing from the water line. The water was running so fast it was like Aunt Betty at a yard sale running faster than ever to grab the best deals before anyone else.

I panicked and tried to plug the water line with my shirt, which didn’t work.  I then quickly realized I better put the sprinkler head back on.  That took several minutes of trying to work it back to its original position.

I was able to subdue the fountain but still had to repair the broken sprinkler head. Like a fool, I forgot to shut off the water that leads from the city supplied line to our irrigation system. So, I set off to go shut off the water that leads to our home.

In order to access the main water line to turn off the system, I needed to remove the cover that protects and secures the main water spigot. Unfortunately, this requires a special key. Fortunately, I had purchased one of these keys a few years back.

Unfortunately, I could not find it. After digging in my tools for another 45 minutes I found the key! And you know what was right next to the key, the stinking plumbers wrench!

I proceeded to go outside and turn off the water. I used the plumbers wrench and removed the sprinkler head. I grabbed the broken sprinkler head and hopped in my car and went to my local hardware store to purchase a replacement.

What I failed to do was to tell my family that the water was shut off. This meant that my home could not access any water through the faucets and worse, water to flush the toilet. I did not know this until I returned home and believe me, I heard about it. But, back to my story.

I went to the hardware store and found the aisle that sells sprinkler heads. My goal was that I would match my sprinkler head to a brand new one, come home, screw it on, turn on the water and enjoy my hard work.

A very nice gentleman who worked at the store approached me and asked me if I needed any help. This man’s name tag stated that he was a master plumber so no doubt he had experience with working with water lines.

I politely declined stating that I could do this myself. He looked at me and said these prophetic words, “I hope you’re right but if not, I’ll see you later.”

I had no idea there were so many types of sprinkler heads. So many sizes, so many shapes, so many brands and so many options to choose from. But remember I’m a smart guy and surely I can match up my broken sprinkler head to a new one, right? Wrong! I chose one, smiled at the nice gentleman who initially offered to help me, paid for my purchase and went home.

I was immediately greeted with a stern demand to turn on the water. I told my family that this job would take another 10 or 15 minutes and they could have all the water they wanted.

I proceeded to attach the new sprinkler head, covered the hole around new sprinkler head and turned on the water. I was a happy man and so was my family who were inside waiting for me to turn on the water.

I turned on the sprinkler system and to my amazement and disappointed the sprinkler head was shooting out water in the wrong direction and was randomly spraying in a way that was not reaching my lawn but the sidewalk and the street.

Upon closer examination of the sprinkler head, I discovered I purchased an oscillating sprinkler head and not the one that I needed. So, I turned off the water (after I informed my family), dugout the area around this sprinkler head (again), took the new sprinkler head off and went back to the hardware store.

It was like doing a walk of shame as when I entered the aisle with the sprinkler heads were there was that kind man looking at me and smiling, stated “welcome back” and asked me in a very nice way if I needed help.

I lowered my head and explained to him what happened and graciously accepted his help and advice.  He smiled went directly to where the exact sprinkler head I needed was located and gave me the correct sprinkler head.

I went home and completed all the steps that were needed.  Within a very short amount of time my lawn was now ready to be sufficiently irrigated.

I was so proud of myself until I realized how long it had taken to do what could have been a very quick job.

Later that day I decided to mow my lawn.  I did the unthinkable and accidently hit my new sprinkler head with the mower.  So, I made a third visit to the hardware store where I graciously accepted help from my new friend.

When he asked me what happened and I told him my sad story.  He smiled without judgement, put his hand on my shoulder and walked me to find a new sprinkler head.

By this time, I was an expert and the new sprinkler head was installed in record time and everybody had water for the day… at least the last half of the day😊.

Now this upcoming weekend, I get to install a new faucet for our downstairs tub and you bet, I am asking for help.  I’m also watching YouTube videos and Googling the heck out of the manufacturer’s website for directions.

And, since the water will be off, I will make sure everybody in my family knows in advance!

So, what does this have to do with running an online business? Well, I’m glad you asked! Starting a new online business is not as easy as some people make it seem. It is presented as though you simply choose something to sell and people will come flocking your way to buy your products or services and you get rich fast!

At least, that’s what many people told me. It wasn’t until I dug in that I realized just how much was necessary to do to get my business up and running and be successful. Some of it was difficult, like finding the right sprinkler head, and some of it was a little easier, like remembering to turn off the water.

I learned that there is a process and I learned it quickly. I am so very fortunate to be part of an organization that provides every single aspect of what is needed to start and run a business.

In addition to the technical part of the business, I have a lot of help. I am on training calls a few times a week, I have a fantastic group of peers that I regularly consult with and the organization that I’m affiliated with offers personalized coaching every single weekday for me to take advantage.

Yes, I can speak to a business coach every day and they are there to help me and guide me through any challenges or questions that I might have.

The purpose of this blog is to not make it seem that the business can be incredibly challenging and detailed… but that it can be easier when you have access to help.

I decided from day one that I was going to ask for help from anybody willing to help me. And I found out that I had a lot of help. My growth curve was shortened because the amount of assistance and support I currently have and ask for on a daily basis.

Ask For Help When You Need It!

That is my biggest piece of advice for those that are starting a business. Look at what successful people have done, seek out those people, get to know and network with those people, analyze their process and ask questions.

You will find that there are a lot of people who are willing to help you if you just ask. Don’t be like me with my sprinkler situation. Put aside that pride and ask for help when you need it. You will be surprised how many people are willing to help and enjoy being asked how to do things. People in business are generally service oriented and many are willing to offer their expertise.

I’m in the process right now of analyzing statistics and data regarding those who have expressed some interest in my products and services. While I have a general understanding of how to find the statistics for my business, the system can provide a lot more information to analyze regarding what needs to be tweaked.

I just don’t know how to access that information…yet.  So, after I finish his blog, I will be reaching out to my mentors and coaches and asking them to guide me so that I don’t have to spend a valuable time researching how to find this information. They can quickly show me where I can get the data that I need and then I can make some decisions based on a complete understanding of the data.

I also plan to pay it forward and to help out those that are new so that they don’t feel alone and I can be a resource.

Are you new in this business like me? Do you have someone that you can ask for help or know where to go to ask for help if you need it?

If you have any questions about the organization that I am affiliated with and how they have been very successful in making a lot of people successful, please reach out to me and I will provide all the information that you need.

Now, later I will be off to the hardware store so that I can get the parts that I need to complete my tub faucet project in a way where everybody will have water while ensuring I complete the job properly. Yeah, I should probably hire someone to do it for me. But I think I’ll try to figure this one out with help from experts.

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” — Audrey Hepburn

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream, but it often takes the wisdom to ask for help.” — C.S. Lewis

“I get by with a little help from my friends.” — John Lennon

And of course, a few VERY BAD Dad jokes:

Why did the sprinkler break up with the hose? It felt like the relationship was going in circles!

Why are sprinklers terrible at keeping secrets? They always leak everything!

 Until next time, STAY FRESH, Friends!

 

 

 

 

**If you are curious about this process and wish to know more about an affiliate marketing business, please subscribe to my newsletter here to learn more.  And please continue following my blog.  My hope is not only to create the freedom I so long for but pass on what I have learned to others who have similar aspirations.