Figuring It Out

By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter

It seems fitting that my son is making the same mistake I did — he is trying to figure things out on his own or is asking for advice from people who know as little as he does.

I do that and get it for many years.

I started my first business when I was 22 with a partner who was 30. He was the wrong person to work with for many reasons but I never asked for advice. I never even thought of asking for advice from anyone let alone someone who might have more experience than I with owning a business

or owning a business with a partner

or how to choose a partner

or anything.

I was arrogant in what I thought I knew.

My arrogance gave me an expensive lesson.

I picked the wrong first wife.

I had a good girlfriend between wives number one and number two but from fear blew up our relationship. I did not know how to be open and honest with her and one day exploded out the door. I didn’t know who I could ask for advice and, even if I did, I wouldn’t have listened.

Wife number two is great and a lot of fun but her addiction issues destroyed our marriage. I chose not to see that one, just like I chose not to see previous problems.